Motorists could face fines of up to £1,000 for using their car horn improperly, according to little-known laws that remain in force. The horn is intended as a safety device, such as warning other drivers on narrow country roads, but using it as a greeting or to express annoyance is illegal.
It is also an offence to sound your horn on a restricted road between 11.30pm and 7am. Restricted roads are those with streetlights and a speed limit of 30mph. Breaking these rules can result in a £50 fixed penalty notice, but if contested in court, the fine can rise to £1,000.
Other unusual laws that can lead to penalties include being drunk in a pub under the Licensing Act 1872, which carries a potential £200 fine. Public urination can result in a fixed penalty of up to £400, or up to £2,500 if charged under littering laws, and could even lead to a charge of indecent exposure.
Household waste offences also carry significant fines. Fly-tipping can result in a £1,000 fixed penalty, rising to £50,000 for repeat offenders. Bins that cause a nuisance, such as blocking pavements or attracting vermin, can lead to £80 fines from local councils. Incorrect recycling may incur fines up to £400 for repeat offenders, though this varies by local authority.
Dog owners face fines of £100 for not picking up waste, rising to £1,000 if challenged in court. In theory, they can also be fined £100 for not carrying a waste bag, even if they used one earlier on the same walk. Blue Badge holders can park on double yellow lines for up to three hours, but only if not in a no-loading zone and on on-street lines.
