Georgian Parliament approves bill imposing noise restrictions

Making an excessive noise during the day or in the evenings will soon be a punishable act in Georgia.

At its third hearing yesterday, the Parliament of Georgia has approved a bill regulating noise control countrywide.

According to the new law, police must purchase devices to measure levels of noises. Those responsible for noises that exceed certain levels will be punished.

The new law does not define what levels of noise can be considered as a violation. Under the bill, the government must adopt a document specifying what levels can be allowed and what can be considered as a subject to be fined for.

Offenders will only be warned, not fined, when they violate the new law for the first time, but they will face fines if they do it again.

If noise levels are exceeded the acceptable level, an individual can be fined 150 GEL and a business can be fined 500 GEL. The penalties will be doubled if parties – either individual or businesses – repeatedly flout the law.

Entertaining, sporting and cultural events that are agreed with local governments as well as construction and renovation noises during day hours (from 7am to 11pm) will be exempt from the new regulations.