Honking Your Horn Is Illegal
Every day, millions of people traverse the streets of New York City. The sound of the city's street traffic, which frequently includes the unceasing honking of cars, can be heard among the hustle and bustle of pedestrians.
"No person shall operate, use, or cause to be operated, or cause to be used, any claxon installed on a motor vehicle, save as a sound signal of impending danger or in connection with use as an audible motor vehicle burglar alarm," states Section 24-237 of the New York City Code.
People can report a noisy vehicle, including horn honking, on the city's website. According to the website, "you can report noise from a car generated by an idling engine, loud music, or horn blasting." "Horn blaring is only permitted to signal danger." Drivers who are found to be improperly using their horns risk receiving a $350 punishment.
The Office of the New York State Comptroller reported in January 2018 that there were 1.6 million noise complaints received to the 311 line between 2010 and 2015. Only 1% of those complaints were specifically about honking. Therefore, even though honking is forbidden in New York City, the law is rarely upheld.
