Is Honking Your Car Horn In California Really Illegal? 

A car’s horn is one way we try to communicate with others on the road. And sometimes, it goes too far, communicating more than just warnings, as it escalates into excessive honking that contributes to noise pollution and even damages the health of others. California regulates when and how much you can honk your vehicle’s horn because of the reasons above. 

Even honking in favor of a protest can land you in trouble. So in this blog post, we’ll dive into the laws and regulations governing car horns in California and discuss some permitted uses and types. Strap in and prepare for a road trip to understand honking laws in our state.

What are car horns?

Every car comes equipped with a horn because it’s an essential feature for the driver’s and others’ safety. Car horns can use them to alert drivers of your presence or warn other drivers and pedestrians of danger. Horns come in several types, but the most common for passenger vehicles is the electric horn you hear in almost every car. Air horns are the ones used by trucks and other heavy vehicles, and 

California car horn law

The California Vehicle Code (CVC), Section 27001, deals with car horn use and, in summary, prohibits “unnecessary” horn use. 

Subdivision (a) states that the driver of a motor vehicle “when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation shall give audible warning with his horn.” Subdivision (b) then adds, “the horn shall not otherwise be used, except as a theft alarm system which operates as specified” in the California Vehicle Code. 

Legal uses of the car horn in California 

So, what is “when reasonably necessary,” according to the CVC? The law doesn’t specify, so being cited for violating honking regulations can depend on the circumstances and the judgment of the ticketing officer. Nonetheless, the California Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Handbook does outline these guidelines, which state that honking is acceptable when: 

• Warning other drivers of approaching vehicles or a potential collision. 
• Trying to make eye contact with another driver to alert them. 
• Alerting pedestrians to your presence if necessary, such as when they’re jaywalking or not paying attention when crossing the road. 
• Making a vehicle pay attention to a streetlight. 
• Driving on mountain roads and you cannot see at least 200 feet in front of your vehicle, and you must alert other drivers to your presence. 
• Protecting wildlife from other vehicles or viceversa, protecting drivers from the wildlife they might not see. 

All of these are acceptable uses of the horn. As you can see, it’s always in cases where safety is the top priority, or at the least when contributing to the proper flow of traffic. 

Illegal uses of the car horn in California 

If it’s not for safety or an emergency, then avoid honking. This means no rage honking, no honking for supporting a cause on the street, or for getting angry or upset. 

The DMV also ask you to avoid honking at drivers for making mistakes, as this might cause them to panic and just make another mistake again. And never honk at bicyclists or motorcyclists unless it’s to avoid a collision. 

Also, honking for extended periods is illegal, and repeatedly honking in a quiet neighborhood or anywhere where it’s unjustified. 

Penalties for violating California’s car horn laws

Violating California’s car horn laws can lead to a traffic citation for disturbing the peace, handed out primarily for honking excessively, and can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $400, without counting court fees and other expenses. Not to mention, a simple honking ticket can lead to higher insurance premiums. 

How to safely use the car horn in California 

Using your car horn in California, legally, comes down to limiting it to reasons that are for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and the others on the road. Remember only to use it to alert other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists, and never be excessively loud with it. Never honk in a quiet residential area at night (like for calling someone in their home) unless it’s an emergency. 

It’s important for all drivers in California to understand car horn laws and to ensure the safety of everyone around them. If you’ve been given a ticket for honking your car horn in California, and think it was unjustified, call the traffic experts at Ticket Snipers, and we’ll help you fight that citation.