If it is prohibited in town, the use of the horn is nevertheless authorized in certain specific cases. Find out in our article.
Cars have always been fitted with a buzzer, more commonly known as a horn, allowing motorists to communicate with each other, especially in an emergency. Even if most of the time, it is rather used to express his discontent or to issue the order to push himself to a driver who thought he was alone. Nevertheless, and despite what one might think, there are indeed rules governing the use of the horn, and in particular in city, where it is quite simply prohibited, night and day, in order to avoid nuisance.
Some exceptions
The Highway Code is moreover quite clear on the question, since thearticle R416-1 stipulate that ” in built-up areas, the use of the audible warning device is only authorized in the event of immediate danger. The signals emitted must not be prolonged more than necessary “. While it is therefore in theory forbidden to use the horn in town, there are nevertheless some exceptions, in order to prevent other wear and tear from an immediate danger. This is the case, for example, if another road user has not seen you, if a driver swerves towards you or if a pedestrian walks in front of you and you risk hitting him.
So no question of honking to greet a friend, arguing with another motorist or in a wedding procession. In which case you risk a 2nd class ticket, equivalent to a fine of 35 €, without withdrawal of point.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Priority on the right: what are the rules
Inconvenient parking: can I be fined if I’m in my car?
Roundabout: what are the rules?
If it is prohibited in town, the use of the horn is nevertheless authorized in certain specific cases. Find out in our article.
Cars have always been fitted with a buzzer, more commonly known as a horn, allowing motorists to communicate with each other, especially in an emergency. Even if most of the time, it is rather used to express his discontent or to issue the order to push himself to a driver who thought he was alone. Nevertheless, and despite what one might think, there are indeed rules governing the use of the horn, and in particular in city, where it is quite simply prohibited, night and day, in order to avoid nuisance.
Some exceptions
The Highway Code is moreover quite clear on the question, since thearticle R416-1 stipulate that ” in built-up areas, the use of the audible warning device is only authorized in the event of immediate danger. The signals emitted must not be prolonged more than necessary “. While it is therefore in theory forbidden to use the horn in town, there are nevertheless some exceptions, in order to prevent other wear and tear from an immediate danger. This is the case, for example, if another road user has not seen you, if a driver swerves towards you or if a pedestrian walks in front of you and you risk hitting him.
So no question of honking to greet a friend, arguing with another motorist or in a wedding procession. In which case you risk a 2nd class ticket, equivalent to a fine of 35 €, without withdrawal of point.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Priority on the right: what are the rules
Inconvenient parking: can I be fined if I’m in my car?
Roundabout: what are the rules?
