UK drivers warned they could be slapped with £1,000 fine simply for beeping their horn

Road users are being urged to only use their car horn under specific circumstances as drivers could be fined up to £1,000 for using it “incorrectly”.

The Highway Code states that horns should only be used to warn other road users of imminent danger and when a vehicle is in motion.

It can’t be used when motorists are in a built-up area – a place with streetlights and a speed limit of 20 or 30mph - between 11.30pm and 7am.

The only exception is if another road user poses a danger.

The Highway Code website says: "A horn should only be used when warning someone of any danger due to another vehicle or any other kind of danger, and 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 street lights and a 30mph limit, between the times of 11.30pm and 7.00am."

Drivers who honk their horn at the wrong time could face a £30 fine which if appealed in court could cost up to £1,000 if the claimant loses.

Philip Ward, chief operating officer of Warranty Direct said: "Our survey revealed there is a strong need for UK drivers to brush up on their knowledge of driving laws.

"The results suggest many mistakes made could be down to not knowing the appropriate laws, which can be easily rectified.

"We recommend any unsure drivers to re-read a copy of the Highway Code to avoid causing any dangerous situations when out on the road."

According to analysis by Warranty Direct, only 38 per cent of drivers knew about the rules about horn use.