Noise protection (passive) on federal and state highways

Noise protection means protection against noise, including road noise. House and apartment owners can take various noise protection measures. One possible measure is passive noise protection on main and state roads.

If there are no active noise protection measures on the main or state road, passive noise protection measures can be considered if the calculated rating levels

• on newly built or significantly modified roads exceed the immission limit values of the noise precaution or
• on existing roads exceed the trigger values for noise remediation

at the structure. The relevant daytime limit value applies for living rooms and the relevant night-time limit value for bedrooms.

In the case of noise precautions, the claims arise from the planning approval decision.

Rooms in buildings are protected if they are intended to be used by people on a more than temporary basis. Rooms that do not require protection are, for example, bathrooms, toilets, stairwells and corridors.

Passive noise protection measures are structural improvements to surrounding building components (in particular windows, doors, roller shutter boxes, walls and roofs) of rooms in need of protection that reduce the effects of traffic noise. The installation of soundproof windows is generally sufficient for this purpose, as are ventilation systems in bedrooms.

Reimbursement is possible for expenses incurred for necessary passive noise protection measures on buildings if the calculated rating level on the building exceeds the relevant immission limit value during the day (applies to living rooms) or at night (applies to bedrooms).

Applicants (house and apartment owners) should contact Hessen Mobil - Straßen- und Verkehrsmanagement.

Information on the regional offices of Hessen Mobil - Straßen- und Verkehrsmanagement can be found here:

As different documents may be required, it is recommended that you contact the responsible office in this regard.

• Planning approval decision and the respective current federal or state budget law (HG)
• the following legal bases:

Before implementing the passive noise protection measures

• an application must be submitted and
• an agreement on reimbursement must be concluded with the road construction authority, represented by Hessen Mobil - Straßen- und Verkehrsmanagement.

None.

In the case of voluntary noise abatement, the owner must bear 25 percent of the costs for passive noise protection.