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HornAustria

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

56. Horn

A horn is a sound-producing device used to warn other road users of danger or to attract their attention when necessary for safety. Most motor vehicles are equipped with an electric horn operated from the steering wheel. Traffic laws generally restrict unnecessary or excessive horn use, especially in built-up or residential areas. The horn should therefore be used as a warning device rather than as a way to express frustration or greet other road users.

Horn
Using horns prohibited. (Vienna, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • C. Löser • CC BY
What is a car horn?

A car horn is a sound-producing warning device used to alert other road users when their attention is needed for safety.

When should you use the horn?

The horn should generally be used when a sound warning is necessary to help prevent danger or an accident. The exact circumstances in which horn use is permitted depend on local traffic laws.

Can you use the horn to show annoyance?

Generally, no. A horn is intended as a safety warning device, and unnecessary or excessive use may be prohibited by local traffic rules.

Can you use the horn at night?

Rules for using the horn at night vary between countries. Some traffic laws restrict sound signals at night and require drivers to use their lights instead, except when there is immediate danger.

Can a vehicle horn be modified?

Vehicle horns may have to meet technical requirements for their sound and operation. Horns that imitate emergency-service sirens or otherwise fail applicable vehicle standards may be prohibited.

Is the horn checked during a vehicle inspection?

In countries with periodic technical inspections, the operation and condition of the horn may be checked as part of the vehicle's safety equipment.

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...