In What Instances Is it Legal to Use Your Car Horn in North Dakota?

North Dakota Century Code states that there is pretty much only one reason to use your car horn.

Did you know it is not legal in North Dakota to honk your horn for whatever reason whatsoever? According to North Dakota Century Code 39-21-36, "Whenever reasonably necessary for safe operation, the driver of a motor vehicle upon a highway shall give audible warning with the vehicle's horn, but may not otherwise use the vehicle's horn while upon a highway." So, whether you are honking at that person sitting too long at a light or honking at your friend as you pass them on the road, you could probably get pulled over.

Did you know that car horn use is only supposed to be used to warn other drivers of danger?

When I was younger, I did not use my horn very much because I was afraid of having a passive-aggressive exchange with a stranger. But, when you spend some time living in a major city, you learn to lay on that horn when necessary. And there are many instances in North Dakota where using a horn is necessary.

Since I have been back in North Dakota for a few years, I have laid off laying on my horn so much. But it is still necessary to use it even at times when there is not an emergency. I mean, people in Bismarck-Mandan like to lollygag and sit at lights just to watch the colors change. And those of us that have places to be should not have to sit quietly behind these Sunday drivers!

Did you know it is only legal to use your horn in safety situations in North Dakota?