Police to clamp down on motorists abusing horns and sirens

The Police Administration has issued a one-week ultimatum to all motorists who have illegally installed and are using sirens to dismantle same forthwith or face prosecution.

The Police say after the expiration of the grace period, they are going to embark on a nation-wide exercise to enforce the law by arresting and prosecuting unauthorized users as well as authorized users who abuse the facility. 

The warning follows what the Police Administration says has been its observation of the unauthorized installation and use of Horns and Sirens as regulated by Regulation 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 (L.I. 2180).

“Regulation 74(2) of L.I. 2180 provides that … a person shall not fit on a motor vehicle a warning appliance other than a type approved by the Licensing Authority (DVLA). The law is therefore clear on who can install and use motor vehicle warning appliances including bells and sirens in their vehicles,” a statement issued by the police and signed by Supt. Cephas Arthur, Director/Public Affairs, said. 

List of entities permitted to install and use sirens and horns:

1. a government vehicle used for official purposes by the Head of State
2. a Police vehicle
3. a motor vehicle used by the Fire Service
4. a motor vehicle used as an ambulance by a hospital or clinic
5. a motor vehicle used by other recognized Government security agencies
6. a bullion vehicle registered by the Licensing Authority. 

The police warned that it is an offence for any person not within the above listed entities to install or use sirens and horns.