Will honking in a no-honking zone result in penalty points?
3 Answers
Honking in a no-honking zone typically results in a 3-point deduction. Below is an introduction to road regulations: Introduction to road safety regulations: Drivers are prohibited from honking in designated no-honking areas or road sections. Reckless honking not only disrupts citizens' normal travel but also creates discordant noise in civilized cities, making it necessary to enforce regulations against such behavior. According to Articles 62 and 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, violators may receive a warning or a fine, along with a 3-point deduction. No-honking road sections: Honking is prohibited in residential areas, schools, hospitals, or congested road sections. Examples of violations include: drivers aggressively honking to hurry pedestrians crossing the road; honking when other vehicles change lanes or obstruct their path; or impatiently honking at slow-starting or slow-moving vehicles ahead. Many regions now have honking detection systems in place. If a driver honks illegally, the system will capture the violation, and penalties will be imposed according to relevant regulations.
I've been driving for over a decade, and I used to think it was no big deal to honk the horn in no-honking zones. But based on actual experience, this can indeed result in penalty points. According to our country's traffic regulations, unauthorized honking in prohibited areas like urban residential zones or near schools is considered a violation, typically incurring 1 to 3 penalty points and possibly a fine of 100 to 200 yuan. The reason is simple: these zones are designated to reduce noise pollution and ensure pedestrian safety, especially since the elderly and children can be easily startled. If caught by police or surveillance cameras, the system automatically records the violation, and you won't be able to avoid penalties during your next annual inspection or when handling traffic violations. I recommend drivers develop good habits—avoid unnecessary honking and instead use lights or slow down. Many cities now promote silent driving, which also saves fuel and is environmentally friendly. Regularly checking if your vehicle's horn is functioning properly is also crucial to prevent it from becoming a safety hazard. Remember, driving isn't just about mechanical operation—it reflects a sense of responsibility.
As a new driver who just got my license, my instructor specifically emphasized that honking in no-horn zones could result in penalty points. He said it's not a minor offense, as it's categorized as disrupting traffic order under regulations, potentially costing around 2 points and a fine exceeding 100 RMB. The key is these areas are designed to be quieter for public protection, like near hospitals or nursing homes. I initially wondered why the rules were so strict, but after driving myself in similar situations, I understood—sudden honks can easily cause accidents. So I always remind myself: when encountering traffic jams or crowded pedestrians, don’t rush to honk; first check if it’s a no-horn zone. Developing good driving habits is far better than fixing mistakes later. Driving isn’t just about personal convenience—it’s part of community safety. I recommend new drivers download traffic authority apps to check rules in real time and avoid unintentional violations.
