legal Db limit of horns in Oz?

Damo105 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-18-2007, 01:45 AM

Anyone know what the legal decibel limit for car horns is in Oz? Particularly for Vic? Can't be bothered trying to track through Vicroads regulations to find the answer.

I picked up some FIAMM air horns that will go on the Berlina, they're 134Db, and just wondering if they're legal.

Not that I actually care much about the legailities, if they're not legal they're still going on the car (after the roadworthy).

geh458 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-18-2007, 09:35 AM

Would an inspector actual have a dB meter to check it, would be my question.

Damo105 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-18-2007, 09:50 PM

I guess not, but knowing Vicroads, if they suspect it's too loud they would probably tell me to get an independent test done.

**italiansedanman** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 06:14 AM

Man, just get the standard horns working and then fit the FIAMMs after the RW test. Chances of getting booked for your loud horns?

They'll be more concerned with your straight-through back exhaust.

beatle_bayly · #5 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 07:41 AM

Damo,

While the States set their own rego rules, most stick loosely to the requirements set out in ADRs.

The only ADR I can find mentioning horns (audible warning devices) is ADR 42. It's up to revision 4 but I couldn't get it to download correctly. Regardless, the pertinent wording hasn't changed from that in the attached PDF (Ver.01).

Para 42.18 on page 16 refers.

The ADR gives no hint of an upper noise limit for horns. Interestingly, while not giving an actual dB lebel, it does limit reverse alarm volume to "it must not emit a signal louder than is necessary to warn persons of the proximity of the reversing vehicle". The absence of a similar limit for horns supports the no upper limit theory. Now, I'm sure there would be an upper acceptable limit, but it's probably set out in general safety documentation for all noise. Somethimng such as SAFETYMAN might give you a limit.

A call to the Vic Roads engineering department will probably elicit a response....after 3 days on hold of course !!

beatle_bayly · #6 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 08:03 AM

Yeah, musical horns would fail the ADR requirement of "having a constant amplitude and frequency".

Damo105 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 08:09 PM

Beatle thanks for the info!

Ben, this is for the Berlina, not the GTV. But regarding the exhaust, if all goes to plan the Berlina will make the GTV sound quiet!

**italiansedanman** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damo105

Beatle thanks for the info!

Ben, this is for the Berlina, not the GTV. But regarding the exhaust, if all goes to plan the Berlina will make the GTV sound quiet!

Damo105 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by italiansedanman

Yeah, that's what I thought! I was talking about the Berlina too...

I like the sound of Fiamm dual-tone horns too, and I fitted a pair to my BMW 2002 from a Lancia. You can have the most developed engine with the angriest exhaust note and torque that will pull the QE-2 into dry dock, but it means nothing if your horn makes you sound like a Nissan Micra.

**italiansedanman** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damo105

Agree. Nothing worse than a tinny sounding horn. I want the Berlina to have a very angry exhaust note, ridiculously loud horns, and some serious lights.

gtv27 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damo105

I want the Berlina to have a very angry exhaust note, ridiculously loud horns, and some serious lights.

Damo105 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtv27

nice

also be good for it to spit flame from the exhaust