CVC 27000(a)Eligible for written declarationCorrectable

Defective Horn

Driving on a highway without a horn in good working order that can be heard from at least 200 feet.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: check your notice or your court's bail scheduleDMV Points: None✓ Correctable

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Defective Horn ticket?

CVC 27000(a) says a motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, shall 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, but no horn shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound. An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with, and use with its siren, an air horn that does not comply with these requirements.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) A motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, shall 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, but no horn shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound. An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with, and use in conjunction with the siren on that vehicle, an air horn that emits sounds that do not comply with the requirements of this section.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You operated a motor vehicle upon a highway
2It was not equipped with a horn in good working order, audible under normal conditions from not less than 200 feet, or its horn emitted an unreasonably loud or harsh sound

Arguments Commonly Raised for Defective Horn

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Horn working

If your horn was in good working order and audible from 200 feet, describe it and include a video.

Correction

If your notice is marked correctable, keep proof of the repair.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not keeping repair receipts
✗Not keeping proof of correction

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 27000(a) — Defective Horn. Driving on a highway without a horn in good working order that can be heard from at least 200 feet.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 27000(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

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