When are you allowed to sound your horn?
There are many things you need to know when learning to drive – and one of them is when it is appropriate to use your car horn.
The Highway Code is the official set of road rules in the UK – and its main goal is to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
One of the codes covers the importance of when it is appropriate to use your car horn.
Read on to learn more about horns and when to use them.
Use of car horns
Rule 112 of the Highway Code outlines when you can and cannot use a car horn.
Drivers should only use a car horn when they need to alert other road users of danger of a collision or in the event of a potentially dangerous situation.
It can also be used to alert drivers when approaching a blind spot or corner.
This is also true for low visibility situations during fog or heavy rain or snow.
The horn is situated in the middle or the steering wheel and will sound when pushed with enough force.
Misuse of a car horn is illegal and can result in fines for the driver and owner of the vehicle.
- What happens after I pass my driving test?
- How to pass your driving test – a full guide from novice to pro
- How much does it cost to learn to drive?
When are you not allowed to sound your horn?
Outside of emergency situations, drivers are not allowed to use car horns in built-up areas between the hours of 11pm and 7am.
Drivers are also not allowed to use them in stationary traffic or to get the attention of other road users - except when another road user poses a danger to you or others.
Repeated use of a car horn is also banned.
A car horn is a safety device – and not something that is used to catch the attention of other drivers or as a sign of aggression.
When your vehicle is stationary, when may you use the horn?
Using a car horn when stationary in traffic jams or at traffic lights is illegal and something that drivers cannot do – outside of emergency situations, where a collision may occur.
If you are caught illegally using a car horn, you could face a fine up to £1,000.
Learning to drive - using the horn
For those people who are learning to drive, knowing how and when to use a horn will likely come up in your test – and definitely during your lessons.
Before taking lessons, make sure to prepare for your practical and theory test.
To prepare for the theory test, an app like Driving Theory Test UK is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here:
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
You might also like
Road trips in Ireland - six of the best Irish routes
Discover 16 essential Highway Code rules every driver should follow. Stay safe on the road and avoid penalties by mastering these key traffic regulations.
Are you up to date with the latest Highway Code rules?
A new survey has revealed that more than half of drivers in the UK haven’t read the Highway Code rules after they first passed their driving test. Read here.
Don’t get caught out by this Highway Code rule that could result in a £1,000 fine this winter
With the winter weather taking over the UK, drivers could be at risk of receiving a large fine if they make this mistake in these seasonal conditions.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D500%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
Two years on, half of drivers still unsure if Highway Code changes have made roads any safer for pedestrians
Half (51%) of drivers still feel unsure whether changes to the Highway Code have made the roads safer for pedestrians, RAC research shows.
Government launches new THINK! campaign to improve awareness of new Highway Code rules
People in the UK are being encouraged to give space and be considerate to other road users in the Government’s latest THINK! road safety campaign.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D500%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
Highway Code changes allow motorists to watch films and check emails on a vehicle's screen in 'self-driving' cars
The Government has set out changes to the Highway Code to ensure the first 'self-driving' vehicles are introduced safely on roads across the UK.
Highway Code changes: update to finally include detail on smart motorways
The Highway Code will be updated later this year to include specific guidance on driving on smart motorways, including the controversial all lane running schemes where there is no longer a hard shoulder.
New Highway Code rules - what you need to know
The biggest update to the Highway Code in four years has taken place in an effort to improve the safety of the most vulnerable road users.
Pedestrians and cyclists given right of way in new Highway Code
Road users on foot and bike are to gain greater priority over cars at junctions and crossings due to new Highway Code changes, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D500%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
Sharp rise in fixed penalty notices issued over changes made to Highway code over two years ago
Highway Code changes made in January 2022 over the priority given to pedestrians has seen a rise in fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued drivers.
Popular in Advice & Guides
1
Are headlights too bright? Everything you need to know about headlight glare
2
Lost driving licence – how to get a replacement
3
Car dashboard symbols and meanings – warning lights guide
4
What to do if your car breaks down
5
A complete guide to motorbike tax
6
How to check MOT history
7
MOT checklist and comprehensive guide
8
Cheapest cars to insure for new drivers 2025 - Top 10
9
Euro 7 emissions standard: what is it and when does it come into effect?
10