Will I get a fine if I beep my car horn?

WE’VE all been there. Somebody on the road is driving poorly and you feel like letting them know.

But drivers who use the horn in some situations will be fined heavily, so it pays to know when and where it’s OK to use it.

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When is it legal to use your car horn?

Some countries have high accident statistics, so drivers will use their car horns almost continuously while on the road – but this doesn’t apply in the UK.

According to the Highway Code, drivers should only use their horns when their car is moving and they need to warn other road users of their presence.

It’s important not to sound your horn in anger after a dangerous event has taken place – this can see a motorist get fined.

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales, so if you’re not sure of the rules it’s best to brush up on your knowledge.

When is it illegal to honk your car horn?

The Highway Code states that motorists mustn’t blast their horn “aggressively” as it’s not a tool to alarm others “without viable and reasonable intention”.

In the eyes of the law, it’s also illegal to sound your horn while driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.

The exception to the two rules above is if another road user poses a genuine danger.

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What are the fines for illegal use of your car horn?

Police can issue motorists with a fine for the illegal use of car horns.

This is usually a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £30.

If drivers don’t agree with an FPN being issued, they can challenge the decision in court – but if they lose, the fine can be increased to up to £1,000.

Local councils can also take action against people using a car horn illegally under the noise pollution law.

If someone is causing excessive noise pollution and breaking the law, the council will get in touch.

If no change occurs, an Abatement Notice is issued – and if it isn’t complied with, the maximum fine is £5,000 on domestic premises and £20,000 on commercial premises.