Horn/warning device violation
Florida Statute § 316.271
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
A highway motor vehicle needs a working horn audible under normal conditions from at least 200 feet. Horns/warning devices may not be unreasonably loud or harsh or emit a prohibited whistle; use a horn when reasonably necessary for safety. Sirens, whistles, and bells are generally restricted to statutory authorizations, with separate emergency-use, theft-alarm, and trolley exceptions. Document the device, audibility or improper sound/use, vehicle authorization, and whether an exception applies.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Equipment
- Type
- Non-Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Nonmoving infraction
- Points
- 0
- Fine / Penalty
- $30 base nonmoving penalty; offense-specific penalties/court costs may differ
Base fines are not the total payable amount. Costs, enforcement method, crash consequences, prior history, and court disposition can change penalties or points. A reported zero does not rule out license suspension or revocation.
Court & Enforcement
Court & Enforcement
- Mandatory Court
- No, generally
- NTA Eligible
- N/A — civil citation
- Custodial Arrest
- No — civil infraction (absent separate lawful basis)
NTA means notice to appear. Eligibility is conditional; these fields do not independently authorize arrest. Confirm the exact statutory track, lawful arrest authority, traffic procedure, and agency policy.
Arrest authority guideCivil infractions resulting in death or serious bodily injury require a hearing under §318.19.