CITY SMART / How to thrive in the urban environment of Southern California : The Right of Way on Honking

When is it OK to honk your horn?

A--When you’re behind somebody driving too slowly.

B--When the driver in front of you doesn’t move after the light turns green.

C--When you pick up your date.

None of the above, says Evan Nossoff of the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This isn’t New York.

Honking should be reserved for emergencies, Nossoff said. “But it has become a major form of self-expression that has reduced its effectiveness. We’d like people to just chill out.”

The DMV advises motorists:

* Sound your horn “when necessary to avoid collisions. Don’t honk at other times.”

* Try to get eye contact with other drivers. Sometimes, it may be necessary to tap your horn to alert another driver who may want to turn in front of you.

* If someone is driving slowly, don’t honk just to make the driver hurry. The driver may be ill or may be having problems with the car.

* Never honk if slowing or stopping your car will prevent a collision. It’s safer to hit the brakes.

* Don’t honk simply to show other drivers that they have made a mistake. Your honking may upset them so much that they make more mistakes.

* Never honk because you are angry or upset.

One last suggestion about honking: “It’s not a substitute for knocking on the door,” said Nossoff.