In an attempt to reduce the amount of street noise in Shanghai, the city has banned cars from honking their horns in the downtown area. Those who decide to go ahead and lean on their horns anyway could face fines of up to 200 RMB ($13). Even police cars are included in the ban and can only use their sirens in emergencies.
Some drivers, in trying to get around the new ordinance, have shelled out the money to purchase new, personalized horns. Such horns play music or recordings of people talking.
Police have yet to crack down on customized horns, although they say that all forms of honking are banned.
