The operation of vehicles is prohibited if:

Explanation

In both cases — both fitting dangerous objects and a horn that does not work.

The first item is a rare example of a rule made to protect others rather than the vehicle's occupants. Home-made metal bullbars, pointed decorations, protruding parts and any similar object concentrate the impact energy at a single point instead of spreading it over a surface when striking a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. A modern car is designed so that in a collision with a pedestrian the bumper and bonnet deform and absorb the blow; one hard, sharp component nullifies that design.

The second item is the horn — your only audible warning device. Outside built-up areas when overtaking, on mountain bends with poor visibility, and wherever a child suddenly approaches the carriageway, the horn is the only way of announcing your presence. Without it, at the moment when braking alone is not enough, you have no other tool.

Both items appear on the list of prohibiting defects, so the comprehensive answer is correct.

Worth memorising: in this chapter the horn, wipers, mirrors and external lights all fall into the category of "equipment for communicating with the environment", and the failure of any one of them makes driving unlawful on its own — unlike comfort equipment such as interior lights or the engine temperature gauge.

• This item is correct but incomplete; a horn that does not work also prohibits operation on its own. • This is a genuine item of the list too, but choosing it alone means treating the fitting of objects dangerous to other road users as permitted.

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