MMDA chief slaps muzzle on car horns

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution yesterday that prohibits the unnecessary blowing of horns by both public and private utility vehicles, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando.

Fernando said it was high time that a law against unnecessary use of car horns by motorists on EDSA and other major thoroughfares be implemented because honking is an indication of a driver’s impatience on the road.

The MMDA observed that some drivers, particularly those on public utility jeepneys and buses, even use horns when loading passengers.

"They do this to call the attention of passengers, pero wala namang dahilan para bumusina sila. The horn is supposed to be used in emergencies — to avoid being hit by other vehicles or when there is imminent danger to a pedestrian," he explained.

Emergency cases include situations when a patient is seriously ill inside a vehicle and to warn pedestrians of an approaching vehicle.

Ambulances, firetrucks, police patrol cars and military vehicles are exempted from the new regulation.

The new resolution also cited that too much loud noise caused by constant blowing of horns could affect a person’s eardrums.

This practice is actually prohibited when driving near a school, hospital, church and even residential areas.

"Ang ating lansangan ay sadyang nakakabingi na, nakakasira ng tenga ang ingay at nakakaapekto na sa mga pasahero at dinadaanan natin," he added.

Once the law is in effect, the MMDA will impose a penalty of P500 for first time offenders and cancel or revoke licenses of recidivists.

The regulation would take effect 15 days after publication in two general newspapers with metrowide circulation.