Vermont: Is it legal to put a train horn on a car?
Vermont requires a working horn used only as a warning, but no state limit on horn loudness or type was found.
Vermont law says drivers may sound the horn only when needed for safety, and the state inspection rules fail a car whose horn doesn't work. Unlike most states, Vermont's vehicle code has no 'unreasonably loud or harsh' horn rule and no ban on whistles or air horns. Its siren rule covers sirens only. A separate state law fines blowing horns that disturbs the peace between sunset and sunrise, and local noise rules may still apply.
Conditions
- Horn must work (inspection item)
- Horn may be used only when reasonably necessary for safe operation
What the law says
The operator of a motor vehicle, whenever reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation, shall give an audible warning with the horn of his or her vehicle but shall not otherwise use the horn when upon a highway.
Sources
- 23 V.S.A. § 1131 Official · legislature.vermont.gov
- 23 V.S.A. § 1251 Official · legislature.vermont.gov
- 23 V.S.A. chapter 13 (section list) Official · legislature.vermont.gov
- Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual, Code Vt. R. 14-050-022 Mirror of official text · law.cornell.edu
- 13 V.S.A. § 1022 Official · legislature.vermont.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
- Phone
- (802) 828-2000
- Website
- dmv.vermont.gov
How bordering states compare
- Massachusetts Allowed with limitsMassachusetts has no train horn ban, but sounding any horn to make a harsh, objectionable or unreasonable noise is illegal.
- New Hampshire No state limit foundNew Hampshire requires a suitable horn but sets no state limit on horn loudness or type, and bans only sirens.
- New York Allowed with limitsNew York has no express train-horn ban, but a car horn may not be unnecessarily loud or harsh.