Millions of motorists across the UK are unknowingly breaking the Highway Code every day through common driving habits, according to motoring experts. Behaviours such as sounding the horn out of frustration or using headlights to signal gratitude are widespread but technically illegal.
The Highway Code states that the horn should only be used to warn other road users of your presence while the vehicle is moving. Using it aggressively, to express anger, or to prompt someone at traffic lights is a breach of Rule 112. Offenders can face a Fixed Penalty Notice of £30.
Research by LKQ Euro Car Parts found that 52% of UK drivers think it is harmless to beep a car horn in frustration, and 36% admit to having done so. The same rule applies to flashing headlights, which should only be used to alert others of your presence, not as a gesture to give way or say thank you.
Experts warn that these everyday actions, often done without a second thought, are in fact violations of the Highway Code. Motorists are urged to familiarise themselves with the rules to avoid penalties and improve road safety.
