The Government of India is planning to impose a hefty fine on vehicle owners, dealers and manufacturers to curb the menace of excessive honking as it is one of the major contributors to sound pollution.
The numbers behind the fine
As per Times of India, a fine of Rs 500 would be imposed for “needless or continuous” honking for the first time and Rs 1,000 for subsequent ones. A proposal has been put forward to impose Rs 5,000 penalty on owners for installing multi-toned and air horns in vehicles. In case of dealers or owners of garages, installing such horns may cost them Rs 1 Lakh as fine. The Central Government is planning to include this norms under Motor Vehicle Act. According to the rule, “the driver of a motor vehicle shall not sound the horn needlessly or continuously … and do so only when he considers himself or others to be in danger.”
How the UK does it?
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The laws regarding car horns state that you may only use your car horn while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Sounding the horn in anger after the event has occurred is illegal and can see a motorist fined. The other instances as per the UK law where honking is not allowed are 1. While stationary on the road 2. When driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am except when another road user poses a danger.
Implementation
The Logical Indian wholeheartedly welcomes the proposal, however, clarity is indeed required over how it can be effectively implemented.
