Horns/Signaling Devices (Noise)
Legal Definition
It is unlawful to use a horn or other audible signaling device on a motor vehicle except as a reasonable warning or as otherwise permitted by law. The statute prohibits the use of horns to create unnecessary or unreasonable noise, including prolonged or excessive sounding in non-emergency situations. Horns must emit a sound reasonably calculated to give notice of the vehicle's approach or presence.
Possible Punishment
This is a noncriminal traffic violation subject to a penalty assessment. The fine is typically set by the traffic violations bureau schedule and varies by jurisdiction, generally ranging from $25 to $100 plus court costs. No jail time is imposed for this infraction.
Local Context
This violation is part of New Mexico's equipment and operation standards for motor vehicles. Emergency vehicles and certain commercial vehicles may have different signaling-device requirements under other sections of Chapter 66.
Criminal Traffic Cases in Doña Ana County
Not every traffic offense is a ticket. Driving on a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, and fleeing an officer are criminal charges that end in booking rather than a citation, and they appear constantly in our feed. Suspended-license charges in particular tend to snowball: unpaid fines lead to suspension, driving anyway leads to arrest, and missing the court date adds a bench warrant.
Criminal traffic cases are heard in Las Cruces Municipal Court for city violations and Doña Ana Magistrate Court for state charges. If alcohol or drugs are involved, the case moves into DWI territory with its own mandatory penalties.
Related Guides
Bench Warrants and Failure to Appear in New Mexico: How a Missed Court Date Becomes a Booking
What a bench warrant is, how it differs from an arrest warrant, why FTA bookings fill the Doña Ana County jail log, and how to clear a warrant before arrest.
DWI Arrests in New Mexico: Penalties, Aggravated DWI, and the MVD Clock
What a New Mexico DWI arrest means: legal limits, first-offense penalties, aggravated DWI, felony DWI, and the separate MVD license hearing deadline.
Recent Arrests for This Charge (1)
Information provided for general reference. Statutory text is summarized and may not reflect the most recent amendments. All persons listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.