Excessive honking remains a daily concern in Guwahati, with residents and officials raising questions over road discipline
Unnecessary honking continues to be a concern on the streets of Guwahati, with motorists frequently using horns during traffic jams, at red lights and, at times, even on empty roads. Residents and traffic police officials say the practice has contributed to rising noise levels in the city despite existing regulations governing the use of vehicle horns.
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While several northeastern cities are often noted for disciplined driving practices, residents say unnecessary honking remains common in Guwahati. Traffic police officials also acknowledge that excessive use of horns continues to be an issue on city roads.
Dipak Nath, a resident of Beltola in his 60s, told GPlus that excessive honking has made the city noisy and chaotic.
"It’s very difficult to go out. At my age, I fear that my ears will go deaf," he said.
Nath said road etiquette comes with awareness and education.
"When on the road, we should always be calm and patient, respecting fellow commuters and pedestrians. Nowadays, it's all about oneself, with no sense of community," he added.
Traffic personnel also said they are regularly exposed to excessive honking while on duty.
A traffic official from Bharalumukh Police Station said working on the streets for long hours can be stressful because of constant exposure to vehicle horns.
"We are at the receiving end of horns at all times. There's no respite. I hope I don't go deaf or develop other health issues after regular exposure to honking sounds," the official said.
Other traffic officials shared similar experiences.
A senior traffic official based in Guwahati told GPlus that police are empowered to impose fines and take enforcement action against violations of honking norms, particularly in designated no-honking zones.
"There are a few no-honking zone signs in the city. Say for example, near the Gauhati High Court. In these places, we can impose fines on vehicle owners," the official said.
The official added there had been discussions on installing devices at various locations to monitor vehicle horn sound levels, but the proposal has not progressed.
“There were talks of installing devices at various locations to check sound levels of honking of vehicles. Things haven’t moved much on that front,” the official said.
Asked about high-decibel modified horns installed in some vehicles, the official said such matters are primarily dealt with by the District Transport Office (DTO).
The restrictions on the use of vehicle horns are also provided under existing central rules. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that under Rule 5A(1) of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the use of sirens and multi-toned horns is prohibited in silence zones and during night-time in residential areas, except during a public emergency. The minister was responding to a question on whether the government had taken cognisance of the growing problem of excessive and unnecessary honking in urban areas and its impact on noise pollution and public health.
Rule 119(2) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (CMVR), also states that no motor vehicle shall be fitted with a multi-toned horn or any other sound-producing device that emits an unduly harsh, shrill, loud or alarming noise.
Violations of these provisions are punishable with a fine of Rs 1,000 for the first offence and Rs 2,000 for every subsequent offence.
Another senior traffic official told GPlus that motorists often use horns at traffic signals because vehicles block lanes meant for U-turns or left and right turns.
"Many drivers are regularly seen blocking the lanes meant for vehicles taking U-turns or turning left or right. That is why we often see vehicles blowing horns at red-light intersections," the official said.
The official said better lane discipline could help reduce unnecessary honking at busy intersections, though maintaining lane discipline can be difficult on some narrow roads in the city.
Guwahati has witnessed awareness campaigns against unnecessary honking in the past. Guwahati Traffic Police, along with a private entity, had earlier launched a campaign on responsible honking. In early 2018, then Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi also launched the 90-day "No Horn Please" campaign, a concept of a city-based NGO.
Despite these initiatives and the existing legal provisions, residents and traffic officials say unnecessary honking continues to be a common feature on Guwahati's roads.
A college student in Guwahati told GPlus that if every horn use cost even Re 1 or consumed additional fuel, motorists would be more likely to use it only when absolutely necessary.
"People would only press the horn button when it is absolutely necessary or in unavoidable situations," the student said.
Though hypothetical, the suggestion reflects the frustration many residents feel over the continued misuse of horns on city roads. As Guwahati's traffic continues to grow, officials say existing rules already provide for enforcement, while residents believe greater compliance, awareness and responsible driving are equally important in reducing unnecessary honking.
As Guwahati continues to expand and traffic density increases, addressing unnecessary honking will require a combined effort from authorities, motorists and the wider community. While existing regulations provide a framework to control noise pollution and regulate the use of vehicle horns, their impact depends largely on how effectively they are followed on the ground. Despite awareness campaigns and enforcement measures, violations of these norms continue to be observed on city roads, reflecting the need for greater awareness and responsible driving practices.
Reducing unnecessary honking is not only about imposing penalties but also about encouraging a change in road behaviour. Maintaining patience during traffic congestion, respecting fellow commuters and using horns only when necessary can contribute to a more disciplined traffic environment. As the city faces growing mobility challenges, balancing the need for smooth traffic movement with public comfort and peace remains important. A quieter urban space will depend not just on rules and enforcement, but also on the everyday choices of those who use the roads. Building a culture of responsible driving can help make city streets more orderly and reduce the impact of noise pollution on daily life.