Navigating the roads can be a tricky business, and for drivers, staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving road rules is crucial.

But there's one little-known law that could catch many of us off guard, and it concerns something as seemingly harmless as using your car horn.

A prominent Australian solicitor has recently highlighted a road rule that many drivers might not be aware of, which could lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment.

The law states that drivers should only use their car horns for specific purposes: to warn other drivers, to alert animals to their vehicle's approach, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.

Any other use could be considered inappropriate and, therefore, an offence.

‘Whether it’s beeping to greet friends or family members or out of frustration of others’ driving, honking your horn inappropriately is an offence,’ Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh shared.

A solicitor warned Australian drivers about a little-known car horn rule that could result in hefty fines. Credit: Shutterstock

‘No matter what state you’re driving in, a vehicle's horn can only be used to warn other drivers or alert animals about the approach or position of their vehicle.’

‘The only exception to this is if the horn is being used as part of an anti-theft device or an alcohol interlock. Drivers caught using their horn in situations outside of these could face possible imprisonment and fines of over $3,000, depending on which state they reside.'

Penalties for using car horns vary by state: New South Wales has a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units, currently $2,200; Victoria imposes a fine of 1 penalty unit, valued at $197.59.

Queensland also has a maximum of 20 penalty units, amounting to $3,226; Western Australia fines one penalty unit, currently $50.

South Australia imposes a $323 fine; the Northern Territory imposes up to 20 penalty units ($3,700) or six months imprisonment; Tasmania's fine is $146.25; and the Australian Capital Territory issues a $264 infringement penalty, with a maximum of 20 penalty units ($3,200).

Given the significant variations and strict enforcement, it's crucial to be aware of and adhere to local regulations regarding car horn use.

A sobering statistic underscores the urgency of adhering to road rules: Australia's road network recorded its deadliest six months in the first half of 2024, the worst in over 13 years.

The Australian Automobile Association's report showed a 7.3 per cent increase in deaths from 2022 to 2023, with 1,266 people losing their lives last year.

The second half of 2023 was particularly grim, marking the deadliest consecutive quarters since 2010, with 677 road deaths.

Significant increases in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia drove this spike in the national road toll.

In related news, the legality of flashing headlights to warn other drivers about speed cameras or other hazards differs across Australian states and territories.

In New South Wales, while no specific law prohibits flashing headlights, drivers can face fines for dazzling other road users or using high beams within 200 metres of another vehicle. Read more about this news here.

Key Takeaways

• A solicitor warned Australian drivers about a little-known road rule regarding the use of car horns, which could lead to hefty fines.
• The horn should only be used to alert others of the driver’s vehicle's position or to warn animals. It cannot be used for other purposes, such as greeting or expressing frustration.
• Penalties for incorrectly using car horns vary by state, with fines ranging from $50 to $3,700 and potential imprisonment in some cases.
• The nation has seen increased road deaths, leading authorities to crack down on road rule violations to improve safety.

Have you ever been fined for misusing your car horn, or do you know someone who has? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

OK, SCENARIO: You're at the lights and they turn green and number three in the queue, the car at front doesn't move (face in phone maybe), car number two doesn't do anything, 5+ seconds have gone by (depending on intersection some lights stay green for a SHORT period) car number three gets on the horn to wake them up (long blast 2-3 seconds) IS that a fineable offense?? or are you prepared to wait until the lights go orange and miss your turn/chance?

Reckon this might cover it.
No matter what state you’re driving in, a vehicle's horn can only be used to warn other drivers or alert animals about the approach or position of their vehicle.’

'hey, honk, honk, I'm stuck behind you! put the bloody phone down and get on with it!
Did a lot of night driving and had to do that a few times because of texters. It's a bit of a mongrel when your on a tight schedule. Not a long of frustration mind, more the fun, if your 2nd in line, watching the head snap terror as away they go.

 

[Georgie149]

ridiculous - what about to warn pedestrians?

 

[Veggiepatch]

ridiculous - what about to warn pedestrians?

And nobody thinks of the cyclists? Understandably.

Better off as roadkill anyway.

Let the Lycra clad poofs whinge away!

 

[Rob44]

drivers can face fines for dazzling other road users or using high beams within 200 metres of another vehicle.

Those damnable intense blue lights are blinding. They prevent one seeing past them; the human eye is well adapted to seeing in the dark with even 6-volt headlights IF it is not repeatedly blinded by in particular those bloody blue lights. It takes about 20 minutes to become properly adapted to night vision. I have had to slow to a crawl on a number of occasions because of oncoming modern glaring headlights.

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

drivers can face fines for dazzling other road users or using high beams within 200 metres of another vehicle.

Those damnable intense blue lights are blinding. They prevent one seeing past them; the human eye is well adapted to seeing in the dark with even 6-volt headlights IF it is not repeatedly blinded by in particular those bloody blue lights. It takes about 20 minutes to become properly adapted to night vision. I have had to slow to a crawl on a number of occasions because of oncoming modern glaring headlights.

There is no much that I grizzle about on the road, but the poorly crafted and poorly fitted headlights that produce a broad glaring blinding light can bring out the worst in me. The glare is way too harsh on some. Probably have to wait for a high level politicians family to be impacted before something is done about it.

The adaptive driving beam headlights should be mandatory on all new vehicles manufactured.

In addition, I often wonder if vehicles are being fitted with after manufacturing LED headlights that don't comply with ADR (Australian Design Rules). I don’t think there is a limit, but they typically look for within the range of between 5-6000k. Getting the position of the globe in the correct place is vital and not easily done without a bit of expertise and the ability to test afterwards.

I don't know if the coppers are doing much in the way of defecting non-compliant headlights. Might be too busy with protest groups, but probably not with horn pressers I hope.

 

[Rob44]

There is no much that I grizzle about on the road, but the poorly crafted and poorly fitted headlights that produce a broad glaring blinding light can bring out the worst in me. The glare is way too harsh on some. Probably have to wait for a high level politicians family to be impacted before something is done about it.

The adaptive driving beam headlights should be mandatory on all new vehicles manufactured.

In addition, I often wonder if vehicles are being fitted with after manufacturing LED headlights that don't comply with ADR (Australian Design Rules). I don’t think there is a limit, but they typically look for within the range of between 5-6000k. Getting the position of the globe in the correct place is vital and not easily done without a bit of expertise and the ability to test afterwards.

I don't know if the coppers are doing much in the way of defecting non-compliant headlights. Might be too busy with protest groups, but probably not with horn pressers I hope.

Problem is in part the design of the vehicles. Most SUVS have larger wheels than the average normal car and are a few inches higher off the ground, which has those overbright lights straight in one's face even when apparently dipped. Having begun motoring life with Joe Lucas' 60 watt DC dynamos running 6-volt ordinary British motorcycle headlights, the modern car's LED lights are too bright for easy adaptation for night vision; they are too dangerous for any oncoming vehicle. This also applies to brake lights and some indicators; those would keep a brothel well lit.

 

[Penny4]

I only use the horn when someone is about to change lanes without turning their head to check, and is going to hit my car. It works, plus appropriate.

 

[mOiOz]

OK, SCENARIO: You're at the lights and they turn green and number three in the queue, the car at front doesn't move (face in phone maybe), car number two doesn't do anything, 5+ seconds have gone by (depending on intersection some lights stay green for a SHORT period) car number three gets on the horn to wake them up (long blast 2-3 seconds) IS that a fineable offense?? or are you prepared to wait until the lights go orange and miss your turn/chance?

Was thinking the same... in my opinion that is definitely 'alerting', which should be considered permissible - even though you were actually awakening the idiot!

 

[mOiOz]

It’s not news and not little known. it’s just ignored and I’m sure police have more important things to follow up. But it’s definitely not law in USA. The horn honking LA is unbelievable !

True, it's not the law in many countries. South Africa would be the winner hands down!
The thousands of mini-van taxi drivers, throughout the day, hoot every single person walking down the street, to alert them of having a vacancy in the cab... it's mind-boggling!!!

 

[LITTLE RED ROBIN]

THANK GOODNESS I DONT DRIVE ANY MORE SO MUCH TO REMEMBER HAHHAHAHAHAHA

 

[Winston Bryant]

This is not a little known rule. I was made aware of it when obtaining my license in 1956. The horn is a warning device not a social tool.

 

[Kevin. A.]

Another case of bloody-minded stupidity an excuse for using drivers as cash-cows topping up state coffers by the law makers.

 

[Kevin. A.]

OK, SCENARIO: You're at the lights and they turn green and number three in the queue, the car at front doesn't move (face in phone maybe), car number two doesn't do anything, 5+ seconds have gone by (depending on intersection some lights stay green for a SHORT period) car number three gets on the horn to wake them up (long blast 2-3 seconds) IS that a fineable offense?? or are you prepared to wait until the lights go orange and miss your turn/chance?

These are excuses to fine drivers and top up the state coffers.