Ind. Code ch. 9-19-5

in effect

Ind. Code § 9-19-5-1 Necessity of horn; audibility

Sec. 1. A motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, must be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred (200) feet. However, a horn or other warning device may not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-8-6-35(a) part.] As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 9-19-5-2 Use of horn during operation of vehicle

Sec. 2. The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation, give audible warning with the horn on the motor vehicle but may not otherwise use the horn when upon a highway. [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-8-6-35(a) part.] As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 9-19-5-3 Equipping vehicle with sirens, whistles, or bells; exemption

Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b): (1) a vehicle may not be equipped with; and (2) a person may not use upon a vehicle; a siren, whistle, or bell. (b) An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell that is capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet and of a type approved by the department. A siren authorized under this section may not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violation of the law. The person who drives a vehicle equipped with a siren under this section shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other persons who are driving vehicles of the approach of the authorized vehicle. [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-8-6-35(b); (d).] As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.1-1991, SEC.85.

Ind. Code § 9-19-5-4 Repealed

[Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: Repealed.] As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.1-1991, SEC.86.

Ind. Code § 9-19-5-5 Theft alarms

Sec. 5. A commercial vehicle may be equipped with a theft alarm signal device that cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal. [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-8-6-35(c).] As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 9-19-5-6 Emergency warning signals

Sec. 6. (a) A person may not operate a motor truck, passenger bus, or truck-tractor upon a highway outside the corporate limits of a municipality from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise unless the vehicle carries the following equipment: (1) At least three (3): (A) flares (liquid-burning pot torches); (B) red electric lanterns; or (C) portable red emergency reflectors; each of which must be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than six hundred (600) feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime. (2) At least three (3) red-burning fuses unless red electric lanterns or red portable emergency reflectors are carried. (3) At least two (2) red-cloth flags, not less than twelve (12) inches square, with standards to support the flags. (b) A flare (liquid-burning pot torch), fusee, electric lantern, or cloth warning flag may not be used to comply with this section unless the equipment has been submitted to and approved by the director of traffic safety. (c) A portable reflector unit may not be used to comply with this section unless the unit: (1) is designed and constructed to include two (2) reflecting elements, one (1) above the other, each of which must be capable of reflecting red light clearly visible from all distances within six hundred (600) feet to one hundred (100) feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps; and (2) has been submitted to and approved by the director of traffic safety. (d) A person may not operate at the time and under conditions stated in subsection (a) a: (1) motor vehicle used for the transportation of explosives; or (2) cargo tank truck used for the transportation of flammable liquids or compressed gases; unless three (3) red electric lanterns or three (3) portable red emergency reflectors are carried in the vehicle that meet the requirements of subsection (a). A person may not carry in such a vehicle a flare, fusee, or signal produced by flame. [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-8-6-41.] As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.212-2014, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 9-19-5-7 United States Department of Transportation regulations; classification of violations

Sec. 7. (a) This section does not apply to a person who owns or operates a vehicle or combination of vehicles that: (1) contains parts and accessories; and (2) is equipped; as required under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation. (b) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction. [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-8-6-2(a) part.] As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/9Fetched: 10/17/2026