piirmäära

Piirmäära is an Estonian term that denotes a legally defined maximum limit or cap. The word combines “piir,” meaning boundary or limit, with the noun “määr” (definition or determination). In practice, piirmäära is used in various regulatory contexts to set upper bounds on quantitative or qualitative parameters. For example, environmental legislation may establish a piirmäära for the permissible concentration of pollutants in air or water; building codes may define piirmäära for the maximum allowed height of structures; financial regulations might set piirmäära for market volatility indices or credit exposure limits; and consumer protection laws can impose piirmäära on product pricing or advertising claims.

The legal significance of a piirmäära lies in its role as a safeguard against excess and risk. By formally specifying a maximum, authorities create enforceable standards that can be monitored and penalized if breached. The term is often cited in statutes, legislative acts, and official regulatory documents. It can also appear in administrative orders, guidelines, and decisions of regulatory agencies. Related concepts include “alatiir” (minimum limit) and “piirtiline” (capable of being capped), which provide a balanced framework for setting both upper and lower bounds in policy.

In summary, piirmäära serves as a fundamental element of Estonian law and policy, ensuring that activities remain within prescribed and socially acceptable limits.