Rule 224 of NSW Road Rules 2008 states the following:
"A driver must not use, or allow to be used, a horn, or similar warning device, fitted to or in the driver’s vehicle unless:
(a) it is necessary to use the horn, or warning device, to warn other road users or animals of the approach or position of the vehicle, or
(b) the horn, or warning device, is being used as part of an anti-theft device, or an alcohol interlock device, fitted to the vehicle."
This rule ignores the fact that horns can be used to convey different messages. For instance, two short beeps of a horn are commonly used by drivers to indicate departure from or arrival at a destination. To indicate an emergency, drivers use a single long beep of their horn.
We, the undersigned, request that rule 224 of NSW Road Rules 2008 be amended to allow the use of beeps under one second in length to indicate departure or arrival at a location. We understand that horns have a role in indicating emergency situations, and propose that beeps of over one second in length be reserved for emergency use only.