INTRODUCTION
In Delhi, modifying a vehicle’s exhaust system or using pressure horns can lead to legal and other problems. The Indian government has regulations in place to control vehicle noise pollution, and modifications to the exhaust system that increase noise levels are generally not allowed. the use of pressure horns is prohibited under the Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993. Violating this rule can result in a fine and even the impounding of the vehicle. Additionally, Delhi’s traffic police have been cracking down on vehicles that violate noise pollution norms, including those that have been modified to make them louder.
Therefore, it is important for vehicle owners in Delhi, to follow the rules and regulations related to noise pollution and exhaust system modifications. It is also important to be considerate of others and avoid making unnecessary noise while driving to reduce noise pollution and ensure road safety.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACT
The Motor Vehicle Act is a law enacted by the Indian government to regulate the use and safety of motor vehicles on Indian roads. The Act includes provisions related to vehicle registration, licensing, insurance, road safety, and pollution control. The Act is applicable throughout India. In addition to the Motor Vehicle Act, Delhi has its own set of rules and regulations related to motor vehicles. The Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993, for example, provide specific guidelines for vehicle registration, driving licenses, road safety, and pollution control in the city. These rules are enforced by the Delhi Traffic Police and other regulatory agencies.
WHAT IS THE NEW LAW?
By changes to the Motor Vehicles Act, the Delhi Traffic Police fined pressure horns up to Rs 12,000 in 2022. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, any bike, car, or other vehicle that utilizes a pressure horn may be punished. A fine of Rs 10,000 can be imposed for using a pressure horn, according to Rule 39/192 of the Motor Vehicles Act. A further charge of Rs 2,000 may be levied if you honked this horn in a prohibited or silent area.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY?
As per the new rule, the fine for using a pressure horn or a modified silencer has been increased to Rs. 1,000 for the first offence and Rs. 2,000 for subsequent offences. In addition to the penalty, the vehicle may also be impounded. Vehicle owners and drivers in Delhi need to follow these rules and regulations to avoid legal and other problems. By avoiding the use of pressure horns and modified silencers, we can reduce noise pollution and create a healthier environment for everyone.
CRITERIA OF IMPOSITION OF PENALTY?
In Delhi, the criteria for imposing a penalty on pressure horns and modified silencers are outlined in the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
For modified silencers, the rules state that the use of silencers that increase the sound level of the vehicle’s exhaust system beyond the prescribed limit is prohibited. The prescribed sound level limit for vehicles in Delhi is 80 decibels for four-wheeled vehicles and 75 decibels for two-wheeled vehicles. If the sound level of a vehicle exceeds these limits due to the use of a modified silencer, it is considered a violation of the rules and attracts a penalty of Rs. 1,000 for the first offence and Rs. 2,000 for subsequent offences. In addition to the penalty, the vehicle may also be impounded. To enforce these rules, the Delhi Traffic Police conduct regular drives against the use of pressure horns and modified silencers. They use mobile sound level meters to check the noise levels of vehicles on the road and penalize those that violate the prescribed limits. Vehicle owners and drivers in Delhi need to ensure that their vehicles comply with these rules and regulations to avoid penalties and create a healthier environment for everyone.
THE NEW LAW HAS SEVERAL ADVANTAGES AND IS BENEFICIAL IN MANY WAYS
Reduces Noise Pollution: The use of pressure horns and modified silencers results in excessive noise pollution, which can have several harmful effects on human health. The new law helps to reduce noise pollution and creates a more peaceful living environment for the people of Delhi.
Improves Air Quality: The use of pressure horns and modified silencers also results in increased emissions, which can contribute to poor air quality. The new law helps to reduce emissions and improve air quality, which is crucial for the health and well-being of the people of Delhi.
Promotes Road Safety: The use of pressure horns and modified silencers can distract drivers and reduce their ability to hear important sounds on the road, such as emergency sirens or honks. The new law promotes road safety by eliminating these distractions and ensuring that drivers are more attentive on the road.
Prevents Nuisance: The use of pressure horns and modified silencers can be a nuisance to the general public, disturbing their peace and annoying them. The new law helps to prevent this nuisance and creates a more harmonious living environment for everyone.
Overall, the new law against the use of pressure horns and modified silencers in Delhi is a positive step towards creating a healthier and safer living environment for the people of Delhi. It helps to reduce noise pollution, improve air quality, promote road safety, encourage compliance, and prevent nuisance.
DISADVANTAGE OF NEW LAW PENALTY FOR PRESSURE HORN AND MODIFIED SILENCER
While the new law against the use of pressure horns and modified silencers in Delhi has several advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:
Financial Burden: The increased penalty for the use of pressure horns and modified silencers could be a financial burden for some vehicle owners. The penalties may be seen as excessive or disproportionate, especially for those who may have unintentionally violated the law or cannot afford to pay the fines.
Enforcement Challenges: Enforcing the new law may pose some challenges, such as identifying vehicles with modified silencers or pressure horns, and verifying whether the sound levels are within the prescribed limits. It may also be challenging to monitor compliance and ensure that the penalties are enforced consistently.
Inconvenience to Drivers: Drivers may feel inconvenienced by the new law as they will have to replace their existing pressure horns or modified silencers with quieter alternatives, which could be more expensive or less effective. They may also have to deal with the impounding of their vehicle if they are found to be violating the law.
Cultural and Social Implications: The use of pressure horns and modified silencers is often associated with a certain culture or identity, and the new law may be perceived as a threat to these cultural or social norms. Some people may resist the new law or feel that it unfairly targets certain communities or groups.
Overall, while there are some potential disadvantages to the new law against the use of pressure horns and modified silencers in Delhi, the advantages are many.
CONCLUSION
The new law against the use of pressure horns and modified silencers in Delhi is a step towards reducing noise pollution and improving air quality in the city. The use of pressure horns and modified silencers not only creates unnecessary noise but also leads to increased emissions, which can be harmful to public health.
Under the new law, the fine for using a pressure horn or a modified silencer has been increased to Rs. 1,000 for the first offence and Rs. 2,000 for subsequent offences. In addition to the penalty, the vehicle may also be impounded.
To enforce the law, the Delhi Traffic Police have been conducting regular drives against the use of pressure horns and modified silencers, and they have been using mobile sound level meters to check the noise levels of vehicles on the road.
Overall, the new law is an important step towards creating a healthier and safer environment for everyone in Delhi. By avoiding the use of pressure horns and modified silencers, we can reduce noise pollution and create a healthier living environment. Vehicle owners and drivers in Delhi need to comply with these rules and regulations to avoid penalties and promote a cleaner and quieter city.
Author(s) Name: Ayushi Singh (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat)
