Answer: Yes you are. According to Minnesota State Statute, Every 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 200 feet. However, the horn or other warning device must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation, give audible warning with the horn, but shall not otherwise use the horn when upon a highway. It also states, A vehicle must not be equipped with, and a person shall not use upon a vehicle, any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section. (Such as an authorized emergency vehicle squad car, ambulance, fire truck.)

As to must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle, I believe the definition of whistle is quite clear. For the unreasonably loud or harsh sound, this should come down to common sense and good judgment. A few years ago I used an aftermarket Dixie horn to play the General Lees theme on my Dukes of Hazard inspired demolition derby car; of course this was for off road use. The horn was so loud that you were still able to hear it over the roar of my big block Mopar motor which included a screaming set of header pipes coming out the hood. Sounded great in the arena, but most certainly not permissible on public roads.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)