The importance of a horn on motorcycles: safety and regulations

Sound alarms, also known as horns, are essential electronic devices on motorized vehicles, including motorcycles. Indeed, such equipment helps ensure the safety of the driver as well as that of other road users, while complying with current regulatory standards. In this article, discover the main reasons why it is crucial to have an approved horn on your motorcycle and the penalties incurred in case of absence or non-compliance.

A major tool to ensure safety on the road

The first reason why a sound alarm is essential on a motorcycle lies in the guarantee of safety it provides to the driver and other road users. Indeed, the motorized world naturally presents dangers, such as collisions or accidents related to risky behaviors. For motorcyclists specifically, certain situations make the use of the horn necessary:

• Attract attention : In certain contexts where visibility is low, often due to unfavorable weather conditions (rain, fog, snow) or winding turns, the sound alarm can be useful to signal one's presence to other users.
• Avoid accidents : Car drivers sometimes tend not to see motorcycles, particularly when changing lanes or direction. A horn can therefore help prevent any risk of accident by alerting the distracted driver.
• Maintain a safe distance : To keep a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles on the road, motorcyclists must constantly pay attention to their external environment. In certain situations, using the horn helps prevent other drivers from getting too close to the motorcycle, which could cause a collision.

Thus, an approved sound alarm greatly contributes to the safety of motorcyclists, but also to that of other road users, by facilitating communication between them and drawing their attention to potential dangers.

Complying with current regulations

Besides the safety it offers, an approved horn is essential for compliance with legislation. Indeed, several laws regulate the use of sound alarms.

The required technical characteristics

The European standard ECE No. 28 defines the technical characteristics of sound alarms for motorized two-wheelers. According to this regulation, the sound intensity produced by the horn must be between 105 and 118 decibels (dB), and the sound emitted must be uniform for all models of motorized vehicles. Approved horns generally bear a distinctive mark certifying compliance with the standards in this area.

The conditions of use on the road

To avoid any noise nuisance or accident risk, the French Highway Code regulates the use of sound alarms on the road:

• Article R416-1 specifies that their use is prohibited in built-up areas, except in cases of immediate danger.
• Article R413-6 states that when a motorcyclist honks without justification (imminent danger), they are subject to a fine of €35.
• Article R318-3 provides a penalty for the absence of a sound alarm or non-compliant equipment: it is a second-class fine that can lead to a penalty of up to €150.

Thus, to ensure safety while complying with current legislation, it is imperative to have an approved horn on one's motorcycle and to use it only when necessary.

How to choose and install a compliant sound alarm?

The choice of an approved sound alarm is based on several criteria, including:

• Compliance with European standards ECE No. 28, mentioned on the packaging or as a distinctive mark on the product.
• Compatibility with the model and brand of their motorcycle, considering the technical and aesthetic specifications unique to each vehicle.
• Taking into account the opinions of other motorcyclists regarding the choice of brand and performance of the horn.

Moreover, it is essential to properly and safely install the sound alarm. To do so, it is advisable to:

• Carefully follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Check that the electrical wiring is compatible with the horn's specifications (voltage and intensity).
• Ensure that the equipment is securely fixed and does not pose a risk of detachment.
• Regularly test the proper functioning of the sound alarm to ensure its reliability over time.

Thus, an approved horn plays an important role in safety and regulatory compliance. Correctly choosing and installing this equipment on one's motorcycle will not only allow one to ride legally but also to prevent potential dangers associated with traffic. Favoring a compliant sound alarm is therefore a necessity for any motorcyclist concerned about their own safety and that of other road users.