In many countries, car horns are not seen as a tool for "communication" among drivers on the road. Instead, they are emergency warning signals for danger. This behavior is fostered through consistent traffic education, from schools to driver training, combined with strict penalties.

Unlike many streets in Vietnam, where honking is a common sound used to remind, urge, or express frustration, in developed countries, unnecessary honking is often considered uncivilized behavior and a violation of the law.

A truck continuously honks on Phuc La street. Video: Dinh Hieu

Education from schools

In Japan, traffic safety education begins at the primary school level, focusing on behavior and community awareness. Documents from the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Education, Japan, describe horn sounds as startling, distracting, and disruptive to those nearby. Therefore, children are taught from a young age that car horns should only be used in real danger, not to signal a vehicle's presence or demand others move aside.

Switzerland adopts a similar approach to car horns. In educational programs developed by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) in collaboration with local police, students learn that traffic noise directly impacts community quality of life. Consequently, horn use is only acceptable in emergency situations.

Reinforcing behavior in driver training

As citizens reach driving age, education on horn usage continues to be reinforced. In the UK, the Highway Code clearly states that horns are only for warning of danger. Drivers who honk while stationary, at a red light, in residential areas at night, or to urge other vehicles are violating the law. During practical driving tests in the UK, if a candidate uses the horn inappropriately – meaning not to warn of danger – the examiner may deem the behavior unsafe or indicative of poor judgment, resulting in a deduction of points.

Car horns are used only in dangerous situations in many countries worldwide. Photo: freepik

In Germany, driver training curricula emphasize controlling speed, distance, and personal emotions before considering horn use. German traffic law dictates that horns are only for warning of danger; honking out of frustration or to urge others is considered a disturbance of traffic order.

One reason horns are not used as a communication tool among drivers is the ambiguity of the sound. A horn cannot precisely convey the driver's intended message, yet it can easily startle others or provoke an incorrect reaction. Driver training materials in Europe indicate that drivers communicating via horns increase the risk of distraction and make situations less safe.

Crucially, if horns are used frequently to urge or complain, their value as a danger warning diminishes. When honking becomes common, road users no longer react strongly to genuinely dangerous situations. Therefore, these countries want drivers to understand that horns are reserved for situations with real risk, ensuring others can easily recognize when true danger is present.

Penalties for violations

Beyond education, penalties for drivers who misuse horns play a significant role in shaping habits. In the UK, drivers can face fines of up to 1,000 pounds (35 million VND) for inappropriate horn use. In Switzerland, unnecessary honking is considered noise pollution and is penalized under environmental regulations. In Singapore, honking without danger can result in a fine, and in some cases, is considered disturbing public order.

Avoiding indiscriminate honking in traffic also compels drivers to adjust to safer driving behaviors, such as reducing speed, maintaining distance, or yielding. These practices contribute to civilized and safe traffic for everyone, while creating a healthier living environment, reducing stress, and limiting unnecessary conflicts.

Ho Tan