Patna: More than a month after the Bihar Transport Department directed district authorities to act against vehicles fitted with illegal pressure horns and multi-tuned horns, enforcement has yet to begin in most parts of the state. Officials have also failed to conduct raids on shops selling such horns, despite explicit instructions issued by the department.
The directives were issued on June 13 by Transport Department Secretary Rajkumar, who instructed all District Transport Officers (DTOs) to initiate a special enforcement drive against vehicles using pressure horns and multi-tuned horns. The order also required officials to inspect establishments selling the prohibited horns, confiscate the stock and initiate legal proceedings against violators.
Enforcement Yet to Begin
Despite the department’s instructions, no significant action has been reported against vehicle owners or vendors. According to departmental sources, vehicles equipped with pressure horns continue to operate across Bihar, with complaints suggesting that their use has increased since the order was issued.
Officials have also not carried out a state-wide inspection campaign, even though the department had directed DTOs to intensify checks on all categories of vehicles, including school buses.
Use of Pressure Horns Is Punishable
Under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the use of pressure horns and multi-tuned horns that exceed prescribed noise limits is a punishable offence. The Transport Department had instructed district authorities to take action against vehicle owners found violating these provisions during the special drive.
The department also ordered enforcement teams to conduct raids on shops selling the prohibited horns and confiscate illegal stock. Although enforcement squads were constituted in districts, the proposed raids have not been carried out.
Municipal Bodies Also Directed
Following the Secretary’s order, the State Transport Commissioner issued instructions to District Transport Officers across Bihar to implement the special drive. Municipal Commissioners were also directed to remove pressure horns from vehicles operated by urban local bodies.
However, more than a month after the directives were issued, implementation remains incomplete, according to departmental sources.
Public Continues to Face Noise Pollution
The continued use of pressure horns has raised concerns over increasing noise pollution, particularly around hospitals, schools, colleges and densely populated residential areas. Pedestrians, patients, students and local residents continue to face inconvenience due to excessive noise from vehicles fitted with illegal horns.
Transport Department officials maintain that the enforcement drive was intended to improve road safety and reduce noise pollution. However, the absence of action has raised questions over the implementation of the department’s own directives.
