FAQ

Why do train drivers sound the horn near my house?

Sounding the horn is a safety requirement to notify people of a train approaching a level crossing. The location is determined on the distance from the crossing and the speed of the train.

At the discretion of the driver, the horn is also sounded when there is a person or animal near the tracks to warn them of the train approaching. Trains are heavy and fast moving, so drivers use the horn to alert all nearby motorists and pedestrians to stand back.

The train horn sound and general operational sound of trains have specific exemptions in the Transport Act Noise Regulations under the Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1970 and the subordinate State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade) does not apply to noise from V/Line trains.

V/Line acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country on which we operate our services. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present.

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