Motorists have warned against illegal car horn use - which could land you a £1,000 fine

Driving experts have warned motorists that honking their car horn in certain situations could in fact be illegal - and could land you a fine of up to 1 £000

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Motorists sound car horn warning

Let's face it, many of us have lost our temper behind the wheel and felt the need to honk our horn out of anger at another motorist or to warn those around us of something dangerous.

But did you know that certain conditions make using your horn illegal?

Proper use of the horn is part of the rules of the road, so all drivers should know the rules, but the topic was highlighted for those who didn't know by Otimo's driving instructors, who posted a video on Instagram designed to teach those learning to drive or who have just passed their exam.

You can't use your horn when stationary (stock photo) (

Picture:

Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In the video, which was posted on Otimo's account, driving instructors noted that there are two specific instances in which you are not allowed to use your car's horn - and you might be fined if you do.

They said you cannot use your horn when your vehicle is stationary or if you are driving in a built-up area between 11:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., when the sound of your horn could be considered a nuisance.

A built-up area is defined as an area with streetlights and a 30mph speed limit, and this rule has an exception if you have to honk your horn because another road user presents a hazard.

States: "A horn should only be used to warn someone of danger from another vehicle or any other type of danger, 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 streetlights and a 30 mph limit, between 11:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.."

If you honk your horn at the wrong time, you could face a fixed £30 fine if caught by the police.

However, in serious cases - or in cases where you decide to appeal the fixed fine in court - the overall costs can increase significantly, exposing you to fines of up to £1,000.

And while it's common for drivers to beep after other motorists who have annoyed them, you might be...