Can You Honk on the Highway?
2 Answers
Honking is allowed on the highway, but it is rarely used because the engine noise and wind noise at high speeds make the horn less effective. Therefore, flashing headlights is generally preferred for overtaking on the highway. Reasons to avoid using the horn: When overtaking, flashing headlights is more effective. Due to the high speed and loud noise on the highway, the car ahead may not hear the horn. Using alternating high and low beams is more useful, especially since smaller cars are harder to notice and move faster. When to honk during overtaking: Before overtaking, ensure you have a clear view of the road ahead and behind. First, use your turn signal, then honk continuously, and flash your high beams if necessary. Once you start overtaking, be decisive. When returning to your lane, check the rearview mirror to maintain a safe distance from the car behind.
To be honest, I've thought about honking on highways during long drives. While traffic rules don't prohibit honking like in urban areas, wind noise and high speeds make the horn sound travel poorly, especially when heavy trucks roar by—honking is basically useless. If you encounter a car swerving ahead, a short tap as a reminder is enough; don't hold it down and annoy others. Once on the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, I saw a car behind honking frantically, but the car ahead didn't hear it at all, and the honking car nearly caused a rear-end collision when changing lanes to overtake. Flashing high beams twice is more effective. Keeping a safe distance is what really matters—reckless honking on highways might just make things worse.
