Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation

A heavy motor vehicle must be fitted with at least 1 horn or other device that can give sufficient audible warning to other road users of the approach or position of the vehicle.

A heavy motor vehicle must not be fitted with a device that can make a sound like the sound of a siren, exhaust whistle, compression whistle or repeater horn.

However, subsection (2) does not apply to the following—

an exempt vehicle;

a heavy vehicle at least 25 years old and fitted as an emergency vehicle or police vehicle if the vehicle—

is used only for exhibition purposes; or

is part of a collection of former emergency vehicles or police vehicles;

an anti-theft alarm fitted to a heavy vehicle that can not be operated while the vehicle’s ignition is on.

Also, a heavy motor vehicle may be fitted with a device that—

emits a regular, intermittent sound while the vehicle is reversing or in reverse gear; and

is not louder than is necessary so the driver, and a person near the vehicle, can hear the device when it is operating.

The provision of the relevant ADR that corresponds to subsection (2) applies to a vehicle as if that provision did not contain a reference to a bell.

Note—For the relevant ADR, see the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 42/04—General Safety Requirements) 2005, subrule 20.1.1.