When is it permissible to honk a horn within city limits?

Horns are safety devices intended to alert others on the road to your presence or to communicate urgent situations. In urban environments, it is permissible to use the horn primarily during emergencies to prevent accidents or to draw attention to a hazardous situation. Additionally, honking can also serve as an important warning to other drivers about your presence, especially in scenarios where visibility may be limited or when other vehicles may not be aware of your approach.

Both situations—using the horn in emergencies and to warn other drivers—reflect the main purposes of the horn: enhancing safety and communication on the road. It’s essential, however, to use the horn judiciously and not excessively, which is why the guidelines typically emphasize these specific contexts where honking is appropriate. Misuse of the horn, such as to signal a vehicle to move or out of frustration, does not align with safety motivations and can contribute to road rage or confusion among drivers.