To honk or not to honk - that is the question in China?

Drivers in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in Eastern China, could face a fine of up to 200 yuan (30 USD) for sounding their horns, unless it's in an emergency.

A sign reminding drivers of the ban on horn-honking. [Photo: iqilu.com]

The new traffic regulation, which applies to roads within the ring expressway, was brought in this earlier this month, and has provoked a mixed reaction.

Some drivers say it's dangerous not to use their horn in some situations, such as when pedestrians jaywalk, or when drivers need to signal to one another.

A noisy protest by drivers angry at the ban on horn-honking in Jinan. [Photo: iqilu.com]

On the other hand, many have welcomed the car horn ban, believing that it can help reduce traffic noise, a major complaint of downtown residents.

Although there are no statistics that suggest horn-honking can improve road safety, officials point out that situations when it is permissible are stipulated in the new regulation.

Similar bans exist in other countries. For example, in the UK, it is illegal for drivers to sound their horn in stationary traffic. In Japan, a vehicle horn should be used only in an emergency or in dangerous locations where there is a signpost promoting horn use, such as on a blind curve.