How far must a motor vehicle's horn be capable of being heard?

A motor vehicle's horn must be capable of being heard from a distance of 200 feet. This requirement is in place to ensure that the horn serves its primary function as a warning device to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers about potential dangers or the presence of the vehicle itself. Hearing a horn from this distance is crucial for enhancing safety on the road, as it provides ample time for others to react to a vehicle's presence or an emergency situation.

The choice of 200 feet aligns with standardized safety regulations that prioritize response times in various driving conditions. In contrast, the other distances suggested, such as 100, 150, or 250 feet, either fall short of effective warning range or exceed what is mandated for practical use. The standard aims to strike a balance between effectiveness and the reasonableness of sound levels in a typical urban or rural setting.