Motorists warned against illegal use of car horn - which could land you £1k fine

08 January 2023 , 13:55

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Motorists warned against illegal use of car horn - which could land you £1k fine

Let's face it, there are many of us who have lost our cool while driving and felt the need to honk our horns out of anger over another motorist or to warn those around us of something unsafe.

But did you know that certain conditions make using your horn illegal?

Appropriate horn usage is part of the Highway Code so all drivers should be aware of the rules, but the topic was highlighted for those who didn't know by driving instructors at Otimo, who posted a video on Instagram designed to teach those learning to drive or who have just passed their test.

You can't use your horn while stationary (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In the video, which was posted to Otimo's @weareotimo account, the driving instructors noted there are two specific instances in which you're not allowed to use your car horn - and could be fined if you do.

They stated you cannot use your horn when your vehicle is stationary, or if you're driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11:30pm and 7am, when the noise of your horn could be deemed a nuisance.

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A built-up area is defined as an area with streetlights and a 30 mph speed limit, and this rule does have an exception if you need to beep your horn due to another road user posing a danger.

The Highway Code website states: "A horn should only be used when warning someone of any danger due to another vehicle or any other kind of danger, and not to indicate your annoyance.

"It is illegal to use a horn on a moving vehicle on a restricted road, basically a road that has street lights and a 30 mph limit, between the times of 11:30 p.m. and 07:00 a.m."

If you do honk your horn at the wrong time, you could be hit with a fixed penalty fine of £30 if stopped by police.

However, in severe cases - or in cases where you decide to appeal the fixed penalty in court - overall costs could rise considerably, landing you with fines of up to £1,000.

And while it is common for drivers to beep at other motorists who have annoyed them, you could be penalised for that too - as your horn should never be used in an aggressive manner.

Meanwhile, we recently reported on the dirty car prank that could see you pay fines of up to £2,500, as well as the £1,000 fine that almost a million UK drivers are at risk of landing because of one simple thing.

Zahna Eklund