Audible Warning (7)
Formerly MOT Test of horn
An audible warning must be loud enough to be heard by other road users.
For vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1973, the sound emitted must be continuous or uniform. It can’t be harsh or grating.
The following can’t be used as an audible warning:
- gongs
- bells
- sirens
- anything that has more than one tone
However, on vehicles first used before 1906 the audible warning can be a gong, bell or siren.
The following categories apply to defects in this section:
| Defect | Category |
|---|---|
| a. Audible warning: i. not working properly | Minor |
| ii. inoperative | Major |
| b. Audible warning control insecure | Minor |
| c. Audible warning: i. sound not in accordance with requirements | Minor |
| ii. sound likely to be confused with an emergency vehicle siren | Major |
Note: The requirement that control can be easily reached by the driver appears to have been omitted by the regulators – this may be in error on their part.
Link to all MOT Test procedures and failure items descriptions HERE