Drivers heading to pubs or bars to watch the England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final on July 15, 2026, risk penalty points and unlimited fines for celebrating with loud music or horn-honking, according to motoring experts.
Highway Code Rule 148: Loud Music as a Distraction
Highway Code Rule 148 states that safe driving requires concentration and warns against distractions such as loud music, which can mask important sounds like emergency sirens. Violating this rule can lead to penalties for careless driving.
Saul Turner of National Scrap Car said: “It will be incredibly tempting to turn Three Lions or Wonderwall up to full volume on the way to and from celebrating. However, blasting music or turning it up can easily distract you and mask vital road hazards, such as emergency sirens. Being distracted by music and blocking other noises is a violation of Highway Code Rule 148, where you could face an unlimited fine and between three and nine penalty points for careless driving.”
Highway Code Rule 112: Horn Use Restrictions
Rule 112 of the Highway Code permits horn use only while the vehicle is moving to warn other road users of danger. It prohibits sounding the horn aggressively, while stationary, or in built-up areas between 11:30pm and 7am, except in emergencies.
Turner added: “Beeping the horn is the classic sound of a football victory parade, but drivers must not beep their horn during World Cup celebrations as it is a driving offence. Rule 112 of the Highway Code states you must only use your horn while moving to alert other road users of your presence and to avoid potential dangers or accidents. You must never beep your horn to celebrate a goal or match win with your passengers or other road users, as doing so you risk an unlimited fine and between three and nine penalty points for careless and inconsiderate driving.”
Penalties and Advice for Drivers
Breaking these rules can result in an unlimited fine and three to nine penalty points. Drivers are urged to keep car volume low and non-distracting, and to refrain from honking horns. Celebrations should be saved for the pub or other venues, not while driving.
