BRTA Warns All Motorists Against Illegal Hydraulic Horns

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has warned motorists against installing or using hydraulic horns, hooters and other unauthorised horn devices, saying legal action will be taken against those who violate the rules.

The warning was issued in a message released on Monday, 3 August, referring to a notification issued by the authority on 21 July. The directive applies to all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, except vehicles that are specifically permitted to use such warning devices for emergency and official purposes.

According to the notification, Rule 81 of the Road Transport Rules, 2022 prohibits the installation, reinstallation or use of multi-tone horns and other devices that produce excessively loud, harsh, sudden, frightening or disturbing sounds. The restriction covers motor vehicles other than ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles and similar vehicles engaged in state emergency duties.

The BRTA said the use of excessively loud and unauthorised horns is not merely a nuisance for pedestrians and other road users but can also pose risks to public health. Sudden and extremely loud sounds may cause distress and discomfort, particularly in densely populated urban areas where traffic, residential neighbourhoods, hospitals, schools and commercial centres are often located close together.

The authority also expressed concern that the availability and use of powerful horns may encourage some drivers to behave more aggressively on the road. Loud warning devices can be used to force other motorists, cyclists, pedestrians or rickshaw users to give way, potentially contributing to reckless driving and excessive speed. Such behaviour can increase the likelihood of road crashes and make already congested roads more hazardous.

The warning comes amid complaints about the growing use of hydraulic horns, hooters and other unauthorised sound-producing devices on some motor vehicles. These devices can create significant public inconvenience, particularly when used unnecessarily or repeatedly in busy areas.

The BRTA stressed that the legal restriction applies not only to the use of such devices but also to their installation and reinstallation. In other words, vehicle owners and operators are expected to ensure that prohibited horns or sound-producing equipment are not fitted to their vehicles in the first place.

Emergency vehicles are treated differently under the rules because audible warning systems are necessary for them to perform their duties safely and reach incidents quickly. The exemption covers ambulances, fire-fighting and rescue vehicles, as well as vehicles involved in state emergency operations.

The BRTA has therefore urged all vehicle owners and drivers to refrain from installing, reinstalling or using hydraulic horns, hooters, multi-tone horns and other unauthorised devices capable of producing excessively loud or frightening sounds. The authority warned that failure to comply with the applicable rules could result in action against the individuals concerned in accordance with the law.

The latest warning is also a reminder to motorists that road safety depends not only on speed control and compliance with traffic signals, but also on responsible use of vehicles and consideration for other road users. The BRTA’s position makes clear that unnecessary noise from vehicles is a matter of regulatory concern as well as a public nuisance, and that motorists who disregard the restrictions may face legal consequences.