Face music for honking nuisance: Rs 10K fine, 6-mth jail

Lucknow: In a stringent move to curb rising noise pollution, Uttar Pradesh Traffic Directorate has issued a comprehensive standard operating procedure, introducing strict penalties including jail terms and heavy fines for vehicle manufacturers, dealers, importers, and owners involved in illegal vehicle modifications.The SOP, issued by Satish Ganesh, ADG (traffic and road safety), mandates strict action against use of modified silencers, pressure horns and unauthorised hooters, identified as major contributors to noise pollution and road safety violations.As per the new guidelines, vehicle manufacturers, importers and dealers found modifying vehicles illegally may face up to one-year imprisonment or fine of Rs 1 lakh per vehicle.Similarly, vehicle owners who get unauthorised modifications done or install non-compliant parts will face up to six months in jail and fines, along with penalties for each individual alteration.Officials said the action follows directions from high court in a PIL on noise pollution. The SOP states clearly that use of modified silencers and high-decibel horns violates provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, particularly Sections 190(2) and 182(4), making such acts punishable.

The directive allows only emergency vehicles—such as ambulances, fire brigades,and police vehicles—to use sirens or hooters. Authorities have also been empowered to suspend or cancel vehicle registrations in cases of repeated violations.The SOP outlines graded penalties for offenders. For causing noise and air pollution or violating road safety norms, offenders may face three months’ imprisonment and a Rs 10,000 fine for first offence, and six months’ imprisonment with a Rs 10,000 fine for repeat violations.

In cases of unnecessary honking, drivers can be fined Rs 1,000 on first instance and Rs 2,000 for repeated offences.The directive also brings foreign vehicles under scrutiny, mandating their compliance with Indian noise standards. Officials noted that many imported vehicles produce sound levels exceeding 80 decibels, whereas permissible limits range between 40 and 75 decibels depending on the zone.The Traffic Directorate emphasised that strict enforcement, combined with public awareness, is essential to tackle the growing menace of noise pollution, which adversely affects public health, particularly children, the elderly, and patients.Permissible Noise Limits (as per norms):Industrial Area: 75 dB (day), 70 dB (night)Commercial Area: 65 dB (day), 55 dB (night)Residential Area: 55 dB (day), 45 dB (night)Silence Zone: 50 dB (day), 40 dB (night)