MOTORISTS are being warned about the incorrect use of a button in the car that could cost them a £1,000 fine.
With more cars on the road than ever before it can be tempting to use it, but there are only certain times when it's acceptable.
The Highway Code states that car horns should only be used to warn other road users of imminent danger and when a car is in motion – essentially as an alert system.
You also can't use it when you are driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11:30 pm and 7 am.
A built-up area is defined as an area with streetlights and a speed limit of 20 or 30mph.
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However, the exception is if another road user poses 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 30mph limit, between the times of 11:30 p.m. and 07:00 a.m."
If you honk your horn at the wrong time, you could be slapped with a £30 fine.
However, if you appeal the fine in court and lose, it could cost you up to £1,000.
According to research from Warranty Direct, only 38% of drivers knew about the rules surrounding horn use.
Speaking to the Daily Express, Philip Ward, chief operating officer of Warranty Direct, said: "Our survey revealed there is a strong need for UK drivers to brush up on their knowledge of driving laws.
"The results suggest many mistakes made could be down to not knowing the appropriate laws, which can be easily rectified.
"We recommend any unsure drivers to re-read a copy of the Highway Code to avoid causing any dangerous situations when out on the road."
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