Honking in America

A major difference in driver's attitude here in the United States is the use of the vehicle's horns.

On page 42 of the 2007 California Driver Handbook, the uses of the horn are enumerated. There are 3 conditions where you can use your horns and 4 conditions when not to use the horn.

For comparison:

In California

• Honk ONLY: to avoid accidents; to alert other drivers to get "eye contact"; on narrow mountain roads, where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.


• DO NOT honk: if a driver is going slowly and you want him to drive faster; if slowing or stopping - use the brakes instead; to show other drivers that they made a mistake; if you are angry or upset.

In the Philippines, I tap the horn

• to get the other driver to go faster;


• to show the other driver that he made a mistake;


• when approaching an intersection;


• when approaching a ped xing;


• when a car is in front of me and its a green light;


• when I give the right of way to another car;


• to thank a driver for giving me way;


• when I am angry or upset.

The only time I heard a car honk was in Las Vegas. In Bakersfield, I have yet to hear a car honk.