Sounding off

MOTORING law is extremely complex and the chances are that you break it several times when out driving. I am not suggesting that you are a reprehensible recidivist (or that I really understand what I’m writing), but it is virtually impossible not to contravene a few regulations without even realising it.

For example, do you know when it is permitted to use a horn, hooter or whatever you might call it?

Well, the law states: “No person shall sound, or cause or permit to be sounded, any horn, gong, bell or siren fitted to or carried on a vehicle which is stationary on a road, at any time, other than at times of danger due to another moving vehicle on or near the road; or in motion on a restricted road, between 2330 hours and 0700 hours in the following morning.” Of course, there are exceptions, and one is when you are involved in a dangerous situation and the simple act of sounding your hooter could prove to be a life-saver.

Basically, every vehicle is fitted with a warning instrument. Note, the description: it’s a warning instrument and not meant to be used to say “good morning”, “hello, me old mucker”, “goodbye” or “I hate you for being in front of me”. Please bear this in mind, because one of life’s biggest irritants – and distractions – is a car’s hooter. It is an incredibly annoying piece of equipment and its tone is offensive. It’s supposed to be, so that it draws attention.

So do us all a favour and kindly refrain from joining the legions of brain-outs who use it as a form of personal expression.

‘It’s a warning instrument and not meant to be used to say “good morning”’