Montgomery County banned gas-powered leaf blowers under Bill 18-22. Sales banned July 2024, all use banned July 2025. Violations carry a $500 citation.
Montgomery County Bill 18-22, the Noise Control - Leaf Removal Equipment Act, phases out gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums countywide, including within Rockville city limits. The sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums was banned effective July 1, 2024. The use of all handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf removal equipment was banned effective July 1, 2025. The ban applies to residential, commercial, and public spaces. Agricultural producers are exempt from the ban. The county offered rebates and subsidies to help residents and landscaping companies transition to electric equipment. Landscaping companies could apply for up to $1,500 toward purchasing electric blowers. Only battery-powered or corded electric leaf blowers may now be used in Rockville. This law was part of a broader effort to reduce noise pollution and air quality impacts from two-stroke engine equipment, which the county found to be disproportionately loud and polluting compared to modern electric alternatives.
A violation of the gas-powered leaf blower ban results in a $500 citation per occurrence. Enforcement is handled by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection.
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