Can the horn be used reasonably on non-horn-prohibited road sections?

[ColinMarie]

On non-horn-prohibited road sections, the horn can be used reasonably. On such sections, when driving a motor vehicle approaching sharp curves, the top of slopes, or other areas with limited safe visibility distance, as well as when overtaking or encountering emergencies, the horn should be used appropriately, accompanied by slowing down and sounding the horn as a warning. Below is an introduction regarding horn usage: 1. Horn prohibition: In areas and road sections where horn usage is not prohibited, the volume must be controlled within 105 decibels, each horn press should not exceed 0.5 seconds, and continuous horn presses should not exceed three times. 2. Door calling: The horn must not be used to call people to open doors. 3. Distance and frequency of horn usage: The distance (generally 50~100 meters) and frequency of horn usage should be appropriate and reasonable, and the horn should not be used as a command. 4. Before starting or overtaking: The horn should be sounded before starting or overtaking.

[LylaLee]

Having driven for over a decade, I must say honking in non-horn-prohibited areas is acceptable, but it must be done reasonably. For instance, a short beep at blind spots like sharp turns or hilltops is crucial to alert oncoming vehicles; a light tap when overtaking to inform the car ahead of your position is also necessary. However, never use the horn as an anger vent—blaring it when someone blocks the way is just rude. Last time, I saw a driver honking aggressively at an elderly person near a residential gate, startling them so badly they nearly fell—that’s far from reasonable use. Honestly, 90% of urban driving doesn’t require honking; anticipating road conditions is what separates seasoned drivers. Oh, and remember to yield to ambulances or fire trucks as required by law—honking alone isn’t enough.

[LaAyla]

I commute two hours every day and am particularly sensitive to horn sounds. Although honking is allowed in non-horn-prohibited areas, I rarely use it unless there's a real danger. For example, last time I was driving, an electric scooter suddenly rushed out from a side road, and I honked to avoid a collision. But nowadays, many drivers abuse the horn—honking in traffic jams, honking while waiting—making the whole street buzz with noise. Especially around hospitals and schools, honking can frighten patients and children. In fact, many situations can be resolved by flashing the headlights a couple of times or using hand signals. I've been driving in the city for five years, averaging no more than three honks a month. Remember, reasonable use means only pressing the horn when necessary. Driving quietly the rest of the time is better for everyone.

[Peterson]

Over the past five years of commuting by car, I have consistently adhered to the principle of using the horn reasonably in non-prohibited areas. When the car in front doesn't move after the light turns green, I give a gentle tap as a reminder; at intersections without traffic lights, especially on foggy days with poor visibility, using the horn to alert oncoming traffic is essential. However, I absolutely refrain from using it in residential areas or near school entrances, as sudden horn sounds can startle children. I remember one time honking in a tunnel actually created echo confusion. Nowadays, I mostly rely on light signals for communication, which is both polite and effective.

[ZoeDella]

Although honking is allowed in non-prohibited areas, I basically treat the horn as non-existent when driving in the city. You see, many European cities ban honking, yet they have lower accident rates. Once during heavy rain with poor visibility, I encountered a wrong-way tricycle at a suburban curve, and honking helped avert danger. However, in daily driving, braking is better than honking when following too closely, and flashing lights can replace honking when encountering pedestrians on their phones. Especially when passing through residential areas at night, a single honk can wake up half the street. In short, reasonable use means honking only when life is threatened—otherwise, tolerance is key.

[VonCaden]

From a safety perspective, using the horn reasonably in non-prohibited areas can save lives. A quick honk on a blind mountain curve alerts oncoming vehicles, or an emergency beep when a car suddenly rolls backward can prevent accidents. However, many people turn reasonable use into reckless behavior: impatiently honking while waiting for someone or blaring the horn out of frustration in traffic jams—both are violations. Once, I saw an ambulance blocked by private cars, and those drivers kept honking chaotically, only making things worse. The proper practice is a short, light tap—half a second is enough to convey the signal. Especially in rainy or foggy conditions, the horn is more noticeable than lights. Remember, the horn is a safety device, not an emotional outlet.