A CAR horn upgrade could mean your MOT fails this year due to a little known law – here’s how to avoid the costly mistake.
Drivers are often at risk of being caught out by breaking the smallest of rules and this latest one involving your horn could cost you hundreds.
The horn is one of the most important parts of a car and having one that doesn’t comply with the law could spell big danger.
Fixing or replacing your horn when it becomes damaged or non-responsive is perfectly fine – but willingly changing its sound can lead to bigger issues.
According to experts at Cinch, you might want to think again before requesting an upgrade.
That’s because motoring regulations state vehicles must produce a “uniform sound” – with certain noises not making the grade.
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Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, said: “Car horns are a crucial safety feature, alerting fellow drivers and pedestrians to your presence and whereabouts.
“This means that your horn must always work properly and emit an appropriate warning sound as you cruise around town. If not, you’re likely to receive a failed MOT certificate.
“Laws about car horns in the UK are clearly defined – they must produce a uniform sound that can be heard from afar without deafening or disturbing other road users.
“Specifically, The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states that no car must be equipped with a gong, bell, siren or two-tone horn.
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“So, if the sound of your horn doesn’t meet the right requirements, your vehicle will fail its MOT.”
Without a valid MOT certificate in place, you cannot legally drive your car.
In order to avoid this, it’s best to steer clear of any horn upgrades that may not be classed as a “uniform sound” and stick to something more conventional.
Motorserv has also warned motorists that testers will check their car horn is working and appropriate in every test.
Therefore, road users won’t get away with trying to hide the function.
They said: “While car horn adaption is legal in the UK, the options are strictly limited.
“Car horns must sound like what they are – car horns – so as to be easily recognisable by other drivers.
“So, while it might be fun to change your car horn to replicate the sound of Santa’s sleigh, you likely won’t pass your MOT for it.”
Elsewhere, a little-known car accessory mistake could result in a failed MOT, a car expert has warned.
Sam Sheehan, motors expert at cinch, said air fresheners may cause a few problems if not placed correctly.
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And an expert mechanic has warned drivers over a deadly duo of winter motor mistakes that could cost them hundreds and leave them stranded in the cold.
With the weather turning icy, it’s more important than ever to make sure you know how to keep your car on the road.
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Tom Malley
