All drivers need to be clued up on a rule that applies to motorists when driving at certain hours. Failing to follow this rule could result in a fine of up to £1,000 or penalty points being slapped onto your driving licence.
Some people rarely touch their car horn, unless it is an emergency, but sounding it in certain situations can cause far greater problems than a bit of traffic. If a motorist is caught using their horn during specific hours or in circumstances that don't warrant it, they could face consequences.
Certain rules exist because the sudden blast of a car horn is regarded as anti-social noise, particularly in the early hours when most people are tucked up in bed. The legislation is designed to prevent unnecessary disturbance to residents, reports the Express.
What does the Highway Code say about using the horn?
Taken directly from the GOV.UK website, all drivers should familiarise themselves with this section of the Highway Code when preparing for their driving test. Section 112 of the Code says: "Use [the horn] only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively."
"You must not use your horn while stationary on the road [or] when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am, except when another road user poses a danger." The rule applies across all four parts of the UK.
This is no mere suggestion — it is enshrined in law for England, Scotland and Wales under Regulation 99 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (1986). Northern Ireland's rule is enforced locally under Regulation 114 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland, 1999).
What does the Highway Code say about using the horn?
Drivers are caught almost exclusively by police officers witnessing the offence first-hand. Legal experts at Footman James said: "The police are able to issue non-endorsable fixed penalty notices (FPN) of £30 for these offences.
"A driver can challenge the decision in court. If magistrates agree with the police, they have jurisdiction to increase the penalty to up to £1,000."
The current Highway Code contains 305 separate rules that motorists are expected to study and learn when preparing to drive. Given the sheer volume of regulations, most drivers are likely to forget a few as they gain more experience behind the wheel.
However, forgetting a rule is no defence if a driver is found to have broken it. One rule that often slips people's minds is about anohter car part - the use of headlights.
Motorists will often flash their headlights to give a passing driver a quick 'thank you' when pulling over, or to alert others to nearby police speed traps. However, this is in direct violation of the Code.
According to Code 110, flashing your headlights should solely be used "to let other road users know you are there". The handbook further adds: "Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users."