Motorists using loud horns, beware! For, the Punjab Government has decided to impose heavy penalties on motorists using multi-tone horns as per the new guidelines. Besides, the use of loud horns may also lead to cancellation of driving licence.
State Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar on Monday said that the new guidelines are to be implemented within the State to ensure safety and peace of the commuters, pedestrians and residents.
He said that the authorities concerned, including district transport officers, have been asked to take strict action against vehicle owners for using loud horns.
“loud horns pose a multitude of threats and are a nuisance, contributing to noise pollution and hampering peace and tranquility,” said Kohar, adding that he had personally issued directions to the Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police and has been assured of full cooperation by the police.
Strict action will be taken against those caught violating of the rule that includes heavy penalties in the form of hefty fines, impounding of vehicle or cancellation of driving licence, Kohar said.
Only police vehicles, fire brigades and ambulances are permitted under law to use multi-toned horns, that too only during the course of their duties, he said.
The guidelines follow the directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to implement the same.
“Under the Central Motors Vehicle Act and the rules framed under state that ‘no motor vehicle, including agricultural tractor, shall be fitted with any multi-toned horn giving a succession of different notes or with any other device producing an unduly harsh, shrill, loud or alarming noise,” said Kohar.
He instructed, “Nobody is to be excused, action will be taken against officers in violation of the rules as well”. A vigilant check is to be maintained and compliance with the ban on loud, multi-toned horns has to be executed at the earliest, he added.
Kohar also stressed upon the need to spread awareness about safety guidelines amongst the state’s youth.
“A firm hand can only enforce what an educated, informed mind can execute. If the commuters are made aware of the hazards of using such horns, compliance with the ban will automatically be implemented,” he said.
The move was necessitated after an unfortunate accident earlier on in the year, wherein a young girl died in an accident in Patiala after she lost control of her two-wheeler when a blaring, multi-toned horn took her by surprise.