Jamshedpur: In an effort to curb rising noise pollution and strengthen road safety measures, the district administration has announced a crackdown on the use of pressure horns and multi-toned horns in vehicles. A high-level meeting on the subject was convened under the chairmanship of District Transport Officer (DTO) Dhananjay, where strict enforcement measures were discussed and finalized.
DTO Dhananjay highlighted that, as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, horns fitted in vehicles must strictly conform to specifications approved by AIS-014 and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Pressure horns and multi-toned horns are unauthorized and fall under prohibited categories. Their use not only violates road safety norms but also contributes significantly to noise pollution, which has direct health implications including stress, hearing loss, sleep disturbance, and increased risk of cardiovascular ailments.
He added that punitive measures will be taken against offenders under Section 194-F of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which prescribes penalties for the use of non-standard and prohibited horns.
It was decided that a joint enforcement campaign will be launched across the district to identify and penalize violators. Teams comprising traffic police, motor vehicle inspectors, police station in-charges, and the road safety cell will be deployed to conduct surprise checks on roads. Vehicles found with pressure horns or multi-toned horns will be penalized and instructed to remove them immediately.
DTO Dhananjay emphasized that enforcement would not be symbolic but continuous, with special drives carried out in crowded areas, school zones, and highways where the nuisance of loud horns is more prevalent.
The meeting also saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders including the Traffic DSP, Motor Vehicle Inspector, Road Safety Team, Jamshedpur School Vehicle Service Operating Committee, Auto Association, Bus Association, Mini Bus Association, Transport Welfare Association, and representatives of the Transport Employee Union. All associations assured full cooperation in spreading awareness among drivers and vehicle owners to discourage the use of prohibited horns.
Officials appealed to citizens to contribute towards the campaign by reporting violators and by ensuring their own vehicles comply with the rules. Vehicle owners were urged to voluntarily remove pressure horns and multi-toned horns before enforcement begins, thus avoiding penalties.
DTO Dhananjay underlined that road safety is not only about preventing accidents but also about ensuring a healthy, peaceful environment for all residents. “The campaign is not just about legal action, it is about creating awareness that excessive honking is harmful for everyone in society,” he said.
With this campaign, the administration aims to reduce unnecessary noise on roads, improve public health, and foster discipline among drivers. Authorities believe that strict enforcement, coupled with awareness, will bring visible change in traffic behavior across the city in the coming months.
Government on duty officials should be honest while discharging their duties. Paridhi chowk on duty PCR van polic focus on seat belt. Harrassing regular commuters. No check on vehicle pollution certificate abd other legal documents. Not bothered on encroachments on NH33. Paridhi chowk road. Connecting road to Brahmananda Hospital always blocked by auto drivers. No sign boards at NH33 road activities. NH33 P.Chowk to Mango bridge both sides full encroachments. No footpaths for pedestrian. Appeal to help regular commuters crossing bridge every day.