Traffic Tips: Horns are for warnings, not taking out your frustrations
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BY JULIAN HUERTA
This week's traffic law is found in The Texas Transportation Code,
Subchapter J. provisions relating to warning device requirements on vehicles
Sec. 547.501. Audible Warning Devices.
(a) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a horn in good working condition that emits a sound audible under normal conditions at a distance of at least 200 feet.
(b) A vehicle may not be equipped with and a person may not use on a vehicle a siren, whistle, or bell unless the vehicle is:
(1) a commercial vehicle that is equipped with a theft alarm signal device arranged so that the device cannot be used as an ordinary warning signal; or
(2) an authorized emergency vehicle that is equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell that complies with Section 547.702.
(c) A motor vehicle operator shall use a horn to provide audible warning only when necessary to insure safe operation.
(d) A warning device, including a horn, may not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Why the emphasis on this particular traffic law?
This question came about in regards to people who have installed aftermarket "train sounding horns" on their passenger vehicles. Under section 547.501 of the Texas traffic code these extra loud horns emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound as evidenced by the number of citizens who complain when a person uses these types of horns.
The inappropriate use of these types of horns is a class C misdemeanor violation punishable by fine.
Please remember that the horn on a vehicle is designed only as a warning device, not to get out your frustrations on other drivers. And used in any other manner other than to warn, it is a violation of traffic law.
The Victoria Police Department Traffic Safety Unit reminds you to drive safe. The life you save, may be your own.
For more information, contact Sgt. Julian Huerta, Traffic Safety Unit, 361-485-3700.
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It's my horn and I'll toot it if I want to.
October 31, 2011 at 10:55 a.m.Why can auto manufacturers have the features buit in to their vehicles, such as theft control, when the horn starts honking if you accidently open the door on the wrong side, or have the feature to find your auto by clicking on the button on the key fob?
And not lets forget about the horn attacked to a car phone. Have you ever been sitting in a parking lot and the vehicle right besides you starts honking?
Add that to the fact that most horns are terribly hard to honk, because you have to push down so hard. Try doing that when you are in a emergency situation and need both hands on the wheel.
Oh, and I guess it isn't legal to honk at someone who it slow coming out of their houses when you are nice enough to take them somewhere?
Geez, picky, picky!
Honking your horn does no good because half the time they're too stupid to know what it's for or where it came from....so the good old your number one gesture is far better....morons understand that.
October 31, 2011 at 10:07 a.m.I believe you can also honk if your horny.
October 30, 2011 at 12:49 p.m."Who determines the term "unreasonable"?"
Uhhh, that would be the cop who writes the ticket.
The horn is also necessary to let someone know that the light turned green some time ago and there are actually other people on the road who don't have their heads up their nether regions and would like to go before the light turns red again.
My wife had an idea that I think has merit. She doesn't think the driver holding up traffic at the green light has his head where he can't see the light. She thinks he's playing a game much like Crankshaft in his school bus to see how many people he can delay while he is the only car to turn left. Road rage is CAUSED, generally by someone who doesn't have it.
October 30, 2011 at 10:02 a.m.Once again, Ron White is correct !!!
October 30, 2011 at 9:25 a.m."You can't fix STUPID" !
I can't believe that the feds allow the feature in the car industry that gives the horn blow to let you know your doors are locked.
If you're too stupid, preoccuppied or busy to press one button once as you exit the vehicle, you don't need to be driving. Het folks, YOU CAN DISARM THIS ANNOYING FEATURE and still look your doors while walking away.
Car horns are also not for summoning your peeps, your carpool buddies or your slow teen out of the house.
KNIGHT: I hope you're not the only one in town with the train horn.
October 30, 2011 at 8:07 a.m.Please give me a break. Who determines the term "unreasonable"? To be used as warning only. Stick it in your ear. We have more car radios around town that are louder than my horn.
October 30, 2011 at 7:11 a.m.I have train horns. I only use them when I am around other vehicles. Since they're hidden, no one knows were it came from.
October 30, 2011 at 12:29 a.m.