Latest news with #carhorn
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Can I really be fined for honking my car's horn when I pick my friend up?
I pick a friend up once a week to play football and pull up on the road outside his house and honk my car horn to let him know I am there waiting. Last week, he got in the car and said to me: 'You know you could be fined thousands of pounds for doing that?' He claimed that there is a law that says you can't honk a car's horn when it's not moving. Is this true? Daily Mail and This is Money Motoring Reporter Freda Lewis-Stempel replies: I'm afraid that your friend is correct. Well mainly. While I don't want to pour cold water on your selfless weekly act of giving your mate a lift to football, honking your horn to let him know his chauffeur has arrived isn't a good idea. If the car is stationary then using the horn can land you a fine but your (somewhat dramatic sounding) friend is wrong when he says you'll be fined thousands. However, regardless of the legalities, we'd point out for the sake of your mate's neighbours that honking your horn is quite anti-social - let's hope you don't go to football at 7am. But to settle your concerns, here's what the Highway Code says about honking your car horn. The little-known Highway Code car horn rule There is indeed an obscure Highway Code rule regarding the use of the car horn when stationary: Rule 112 focuses on vehicle horn use. The rule states: 'Use only [the horn] 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 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.' The exception is when another road user poses a danger. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson comments: 'An essential part of learning to drive is knowing when it's appropriate to sound your car horn. Drivers should not use the horn in stationary traffic to express frustration or get the attention of other road users, except when there's a danger. 'It's a safety device and misuse can result in fines for both the driver and vehicle owner.' Freda Lewis-Stempel adds: So, unless your friend suddenly poses a danger to you or anyone else you can't honk your horn to get him to hurry up. Stationary applies to waiting outside his house - honking at him to let you know you're there clearly violates rule 112. Rule 112 of the Highway Code clearly states that you can only use your car horn when the vehicle is moving - tooting when stationary is NOT allowed What's the fine for honking your horn illegally? Freda Lewis-Stempel says: This is where your friend is slightly off the mark. Using a car horn when stationary in traffic jams or at traffic lights - both illegal - can lead to a Penalty Charge Notice, but of up to £1,000. So, the fine is not, as your friend said, 'thousands'. But it's still enough to get you to stop honking your horn - unless you're rolling up in a Rolls-Royce to give him a lift and then £1,000 might be small change. You could be forgiven for thinking that it is highly unlikely you would be fined for a one off use of the horn. But beware, in theory, you could be.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I'm a vet – everyday habit you do without thinking could be silently destroying your dog's mental health
FOR many families, the car is a part of daily life - from school runs and the food shop to weekend getaways. But while most drivers don't think twice about using their horn, vets are now warning that this common driving habit could be quietly harming the mental health of their beloved pets. 2 2 Motoring experts at Plates Express have teamed up with veterinary professionals to raise awareness about the unexpected link between frequent car horn use and rising anxiety in dogs. It's not something many pet owners consider, but according to new findings, the sharp, sudden sound of a horn especially when used often or near the home can trigger deep stress in dogs that builds up over time. Dr Ellie Grant, a veterinary behaviour specialist, explains: 'Dogs hear things far louder and more clearly than we do. "A car horn might just be a quick sound for us, but for dogs, especially nervous ones, it can feel like an alarm or a threat. "Over time, repeated exposure to sudden, loud noises like honking can lead to chronic anxiety and fear-based behaviour.' Even small, daily honks outside the house can cause pets to associate the car or the driveway with stress. For pets left at home during the day, these sounds can feel unpredictable and threatening, leading to pacing, barking, shaking, or even destructive behaviour. Many dog owners don't realise their pet is reacting to car horns, because the signs aren't always immediate. But the warning signs often show up at home. Some of the most common symptoms of horn-related anxiety include barking or howling when they hear a horn, even on TV, and hiding or retreating when cars approach the home. Everyone can see the happy dog but you need 20-20 vision to spot the mistake in under 7 seconds Your pooch could also show sudden aggressive or fearful behaviour during walks near traffic, or start to pant and shake when exposed to loud, unexpected sounds. What's especially worrying, according to the experts, is that repeated stress can impact a dog's long-term mental health making them more fearful, less trusting, and more prone to panic in everyday situations. While honking isn't always avoidable, experts say most drivers can reduce their use of the horn and help ease the pressure on nearby pets. Here are three simple changes recommended by Plates Express and Dr. Grant: A spokesperson from Plates Express adds: 'Most drivers never think about how their habits affect animals. "But the simple act of using your horn too often, especially around pets can build up anxiety that lasts all day. "We urge homeowners to treat the horn like a last resort and be more mindful, especially when pulling into their own driveway.'
