New York City cabbies are being warned that horn honking could lead to a $350 fine.
A warning message from the Taxi and Limousine Commission began appearing on taxicab information monitors Monday:
“Drivers – remember that honking is against the law except when warning of imminent danger! Be a good neighbor and save yourself a $350 summons – honk ONLY in an emergency!”
The honking violation is not new, but enforcement against offending drivers has been rare. The NYPD has issued only 188 tickets for honking violations in the past year.
Now, the TLC is encouraging passengers to tell drivers that they do not want them to honk their horns. If the driver does not comply, they should call 311 to report the violation.
“We understand and appreciate that drivers want to be responsive when passengers are in a hurry to get to their destinations,” said TLC Commissioner David Yassky, “but horn abuse isn’t the way to accomplish that goal.”
The city recently announced that a new taxi model, expected on roads in November 2013, will have a "low annoyance horn."
