The importance of your car horn

Every car has got one...They are featured pride of place on your steering wheel... So what's the importance you might ask of your car's horn?

Well in short they are there as a way of communicating to other drivers and road users of your intentions. The car's horn is quite loud and means that other road users will be able to hear you.

They could signal to other drivers of threats or to prevent accidents. The vehicle operator uses the horn to warn others of the vehicle's approach or presence, or to call attention to some hazard. Motor vehicles are required by law in some countries to have horns this includes the UK.

So we all know what a horn does and the benefits of using one, but are there any things to consider before using one?

If you use your car's horn inappropriately this could be considered dangerous and may distract other drivers potentially leading to accidents. Also if you

use your horn in a built up area which people are sleeping between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am this is also illegal.

You should never sound your car's horn aggressively, even if you are not at fault and a pedestrian or other driver acts dangerously, you must sound your horn only to alert them of your presence.

If you sound your horn in anger, often after the event has just occurred it is in fact still illegal and you could face a police fine. Also you cannot use your horn while you are stationary.

Police do have the power to issue fines for the illegal use of horns. This will be as a non endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of thirty pounds. If drivers do not agree that the FPN was correctly issued, they can challenge the decision, however if magistrates agree with the police they could increase the fine to up to one thousand pounds. Local councils have the power to take action against drivers under the UK noise pollution laws.

Here at H Bowers we stock and advise on all motor parts and accessories for all the main brands. For further information

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