Maharashtra government bans the Horn Ok Please sign from vehicles.
When you next peer at the truck driving in front to read the legend on its back, you might find a funny rhyme or two, but it won't read "Horn Ok, Please." Not in Maharashtra, at least.
The state's transport department wrote an obituary for the quaint phrase that a generation or two grew up up with, in a circular sent out yesterday. It believes "Horn Ok, Please," is an exhortation to honk, which might quite be how it all began. Something related to "Keep Distance," also a favoured request.
"It encourages people to honk every time you pass a truck or tempo. It sends an extremely wrong message to the people," the circular stated.
"We want to change the driving culture. "Horn OK Please" instigates drivers to honk unnecessarily. Liquor ads are banned so are cigarette ads, this has been done on the same lines. I am hopeful that people will comply," said State Transport Commissioner Mahesh Zagade.
The order also says that there should be no message next to a number plate as that violates the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules.
The circular has been distributed to regional transport offices and the traffic police for them to start implementing the ban.
As a rule, each year, every commercial vehicle has to take a fitness certificate from the Regional Transport Office. Now they will be checked for this sign too. If "Horn OK please" is found, the certificate will not be issued.
In addition they will also have to pay a 100 rupee fine.
So that is "Ok Tata" then to "Horn Ok, Please."
On Twitter, the old favourite is trending, as many mourn its passing (Only in Maharahstra).