Use of horns and silence zones

Q: When did Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act come into force?

Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, cited as MV Act 194F, came into force on 01 Jul 1989, having been enacted on 14 Oct 1988. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

In force From 01 Jul 1989 Act 59 of 1988 As on 15 Oct 2026

Act 59 of 1988 Ministry Road Transport and Highways Enacted 14 Oct 1988 In force 01 Jul 1989 Cited by 1 provision

Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 deals with use of horns and silence zones. A fine of ₹1,000. Whoever-- (a) while driving a motor vehicle-- (i) sounds the horn needlessly or continuously or more than necessary to ensure safety, or (ii) sounds the horn in an area with a traffic sign prohibiting the use of a horn, or (b) drives a motor vehicle which makes use of a cut-out by which exhaust gase The Act came into force on 01 Jul 1989.

¹[194F. Use of horns and silence zones.-- Whoever--
(a) while driving a motor vehicle--
(i) sounds the horn needlessly or continuously or more than necessary to ensure safety, or
(ii) sounds the horn in an area with a traffic sign prohibiting the use of a horn, or
(b) drives a motor vehicle which makes use of a cut-out by which exhaust gases are released other than through the silencer,
shall be punishable with a fine of one thousand rupees and for a second or subsequent offence with a fine of two thousand rupees.]
Section 194F, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Act 59 of 1988).

Cross-references

Extracted from the operative text of the enactments themselves. Every destination below exists in our corpus.

Referred to by 1

s. 200 Composition of certain offences

Judgments citing this section

These may be obiter dicta or a precedent, for you to study. These are the judgments where this section is quoted.

High Court 10 Jan 2022 KLHC010763722021

… Motor Vehicles Rules, no driver of a motor vehicle shall sound the horn or other device for giving audible warning with which the motor vehicle is equipped, or shall cause or allow any other person to do so to an extent beyond that which is reasonably necessary to ensure safety. In view of the provisions under Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, inserted by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, whoever, while driving a motor vehicle, sounds the horn needlessly or continuously or more than necessary to ensure safety; or sounds the horn in an area with a traffic sign prohibiting the use of horn; or drives a motor vehicle which …

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High Court 28 Oct 2019 KLHC010546082018

… of three months and for any second or subsequent offence with imprisonment for a terms which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both. Sub-section (3) of Section 190 deals with carriage of goods which are dangerous or hazardous nature to human life. 4.6. Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, inserted by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 deals with use of horns and silence zones. As per Section 194F, whoever, while driving a motor vehicle, sounds the horn needlessly or continuously or more than necessary to ensure safety; or sounds the horn in an area with a traffic sign …

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Questions about Section 194F

What does Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act deal with?

Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act is headed "Use of horns and silence zones". [194F. Use of horns and silence zones.-- Whoever-- (a) while driving a motor vehicle-- (i) sounds the horn needlessly or continuously or more than necessary to ensure safety, or (ii) sounds the horn in an area with a traffic sign prohibiting the use of a horn, or (b) drives a motor vehicle which mak

How do I find court cases under Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: MV Act 194F, section 194F MV Act, section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

What should I read with Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, and has it changed?

1 other provision in this corpus refers back to it.

When did Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act come into force?

Section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act, cited as MV Act 194F, came into force on 01 Jul 1989, having been enacted on 14 Oct 1988. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.