A truck driver caught with modified horns. The National Police are working with the capital-provincial transport departments to educate people about the ban on modified horns, exhaust pipes and vehicle decorations. MPWT
The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has prohibited the use and sale of modified vehicular horns and exhaust pipes, which it said have caused public nuisance and disrupted social order.
The initiative follows incidents where people were seen dancing to music played by horns on heavy vehicles. These horns, often imported and sold on social media, come with various tunes.
Concerned about the potential risks to people on the roads, Prime Minister Hun Manet directed the National Police, provincial law enforcement and authorities to take action by banning such devices.
The ban, signed on March 19 by municipal governor Khuong Sreng, gives owners of vehicles or garages one week to stop the practice, or else.
“We noted that the modified horns and exhaust pipes had affected public order, especially disturbing schools, hospitals and pagodas. They could also lead to traffic accidents,” Sreng stated.
To curb the disruptive activity and enhance social safety, the government mandated the removal of the horns and urged the installation of new ones compliant with road laws.
“I ask that businesspeople selling modified horns and exhaust systems cease their operations. Otherwise, the authorities will shut down their businesses completely,” Sreng added.
“We gave them a week starting from today to cease [using them] immediately, or else the authorities would take legal action without exception,” he warned.
At the same time, the transport ministry issued a directive urging transportation companies, drivers and vehicle owners to ensure their horns are compatible with their vehicles.
Issued on March 19 by transport minister Peng Ponea, it highlights the potential for accidents caused by the use of incorrect horns.
The order specifies that horns should only be used during the day to signal other drivers and prevent accidents. It also advises using horns outside of towns when overtaking another vehicle.
At night, drivers are encouraged to use high beam flashes instead of honking. The directive also notes that horns should be used in short bursts, except in emergencies.
“Honking is prohibited in towns, crowded areas and near hospitals. This ban extends to decorative lights, except where technically necessary,” Ponea stated in the directive.
Kim Pagna, country director of the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation, observed that some vehicles have unusual features, not only in horns but also in decorations, which can impact safety.
“Firstly, honking can startle other drivers, particularly motorcyclists, leading to danger. Secondly, some drivers tamper with exhaust pipes,” he said.
Pagna added that both educational and legal enforcement measures are needed to address the issue for drivers and transportation companies.
“The authorities should conduct regular checks and inform businesses involved in modifying horns, exhausts and other decorations to cease their activities. Legal actions should be taken against those businesses if they do not comply. Enforcement should start immediately at the business level,” he stressed.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, acknowledged that the horns caused public nuisance, with their noise often persisting throughout the night.
“We support the Phnom Penh municipal administration’s move and urge strict enforcement of the ban. Don’t just act like politicians. The administration must have autonomy to lead and understand its responsibilities. We need proactive measures,” Peou emphasised.
He advocated for similar stringent measures across all provinces, not just the capital, stressing the need for thorough checks on vehicular technical standards to maintain social order and prevent road accidents.
The Road Traffic Safety Department of the National Police reported impounding 79 modified horns from 61 vehicles nationwide following the leadership’s instructions this week.
Prime Minister Hun Manet directed authorities in the capital and provinces to collaborate with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to prevent public nuisance caused by heavy goods vehicles’ horns playing music on the streets.
They were also instructed to conduct technical inspections to search for the horns.
