Horn Prohibited Sign
Shape: Circular (octagonal for Stop, inverted triangle for Give Way) · Colour: White with red border (prohibitory); blue with white symbol (positive mandatory, e.g. compulsory turn, keep left)
Use of vehicle horn is not permitted in this zone.
What It Means
The Horn Prohibited sign is enforced around hospitals, courts, schools, and residential areas designated as silence zones. The Noise Pollution Rules 2000 (under the Environment Protection Act) define silence zones as areas within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions, and courts. Noise pollution from unnecessary honking causes stress, hearing damage, and distraction — the WHO has classified India as one of the noisiest countries for traffic noise.
📍 Where You'll See It
Near hospital gates, school entrances, court premises, religious sites during certain hours, and in residential zones designated by state traffic departments.
✅ What You Must Do
Switch off the horn relay or simply refrain from honking. Drive extra attentively — you cannot use the horn to warn pedestrians, so slow down and maintain greater caution.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Honking out of habit even when the sign is visible. Honking near a hospital during night hours is especially harmful to patients.
⚖️ Legal Note
Violation: MV Act Sec. 194F (use of horns / silence zones). Fine: ₹1,000 (first offence), ₹2,000 (repeat). Silence zones are defined under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Other Mandatory Signs
Stop
You must bring your vehicle to a complete halt at the stop line.
Give Way
Yield to all vehicles and pedestrians on the road you are entering.
No Entry
Entry of all vehicles is strictly prohibited in this direction.
Speed Limit 50
The maximum permitted speed on this stretch is 50 km/h.
No Parking
Parking of any vehicle is not permitted in this area.
No Stopping
Neither stopping nor parking is allowed at any time, for any reason.