Is a horn that is not audible at 200 feet a cause for inspection failure?

A horn that is not audible at 200 feet is indeed a cause for inspection failure. In Hawaii, as in many places, vehicle safety inspections include checks on various components, including the sound of the horn. The primary purpose of the horn is to alert other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists of a vehicle's presence or intentions, promoting safety on the road.

For a horn to effectively fulfill its function, it must be loud enough to be heard from a reasonable distance, which is set at 200 feet in this context. If a horn is not audible at this distance, it fails to meet safety standards and can pose a risk in situations where a warning signal is necessary. This requirement helps ensure that all vehicles on the road are equipped to communicate adequately, contributing to overall traffic safety.

In contrast, conditions like whether the horn is damaged or if the vehicle's weight might influence its performance, do not change the fundamental requirement that the horn must be audible at the specified distance. Hence, the direct criterion of audibility at 200 feet indeed leads to an inspection failure if not met.