Horn-Honking Case Proposed to Supreme Court
California suit seeks First Amendment protection of vehicle tooting at will.
The California law, similar to others, prohibits car horn blowing except to alert others of traffic dangers.
IMAGE: Pexels/Wavy_revolution
A California woman has taken her case on the freedom to honk one’s car horn as a First Amendment right all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Oceanside woman, Susan Porter, cited by a sheriff’s deputy for honking her horn multiple times as she drove past a rally outside a congressman’s office in 2017, says Americans should have the leeway to honk when they feel moved to do so, according to news reports.
Porter honked in support of demonstrators outside Rep. Darrell Issa’s office over his support of then-President Donald Trump.
She was ticketed for misuse of a car horn in violation of state law. Porter sued, arguing that horn honking is a First Amendment right. She lost her case before a district court and a federal appellate court and has now asked the Supreme Court to take it.
The state law, similar to others, prohibits car horn blowing except to alert others of traffic dangers.
The Supreme Court hasn’t yet decided whether to hear the case.
LEARN MORE: Cybersecurity Risks in Today's High-Tech Vehicles
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
The Trade-In Paradox
Retailing older cars with confidence in today’s market is a matter of establishing and following a clear process that can turn greater profit for auto dealers as they aim to meet used-unit hunger.
Read More →
Focus on Vehicle Cabins
The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
European EV Market Hits Record
Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.
Read More →
Used EVs Outpace New
While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.
Read More →
New Vehicles Down for Most Brands
Healthy May sales cut into inventory as automakers kept a tight reign on supply, though some brands ended the month with excess units on the ground.
Read More →
Auto Prices Ride May Moderation
Flat ATPs and asking prices clocked in below long-term averages for the month, though some segments saw significant price gains, reported Cox Automotive.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Sets Growth Strategy, Structural Transformation
The Japanese automaker aims to 'strengthen products and technologies that embody its brand identity,' focus on its strongest markets and expand value-chain businesses 'that leverage its unique strengths.'
Read More →
Affordable, Safe Cars for Teen Drivers
Families looking to balance affordability and safety in vehicles for their teen drivers can look to the updated list of recommended vehicles by IIHS and Consumer Reports.
Read More →