The Gujarat government has issued a draft notification under the powers conferred by Section 96 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1958 (LIX of 1988), proposing an amendment to the Gujarat Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The amendment seeks to delete Clause (v) of Rule 119, Sub-rule (2), which mandates that vehicles be fitted with a bulb horn in working condition.
This clause in Rule 119 pertains to the “Carriage of children and infants in public service vehicles.” Previously, the rule required that any vehicle transporting children “shall be fitted with a bulb horn, which must always be in working condition.” The provision was originally meant to provide a distinct and noticeable warning sound when approaching pedestrians or other vehicles, ensuring extra caution due to the presence of children onboard.
Nevertheless, the application of bulb horns in children’s transport like school buses and daycare vans has become largely redundant due to intensive traffic rules and improved school safety practices. Using blows has also become unnecessary with speed limitations and no-honking zones surrounding schools. Furthermore, now school buses come with reflective signs, warning lights, and stop signs, enabling other drivers to see and hear the aids without the need for excessive horn use.
In addition to this, noise pollution control under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) and state laws puts further restrictions on aimless use of horns, especially around silence zones, which encompass schools and hospitals. People walking and driving in the vicinity of schools have been conditioned to reduce speed and give way, making it another reason why loud signals of warnings are not needed. Given all these reasons, the use of bulb horns had already gone down with increased consciousness about safety on the road, organized traffic, and more signs.
Considering these factors and the minimal use of blow horns, the Gujarat government has decided to remove the provision from the Motor Vehicles Rules. The government has invited objections and suggestions from the public within 30 days of the notification’s publication in the Official Gazette on February 10. Stakeholders can submit their feedback to the Additional Chief Secretary, Ports and Transport Department, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, before the amendment is finalized.