Police advise on car horn misuse

The advice comes in response from householders in the Portstewart area.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Sharon Campbell said, “This is an important issue and from the complaints we have received it is clear that many drivers are not conversant with the law when it comes to using their vehicle’s horn.”

“When your vehicle is moving, use the horn only if you need to warn other road users of your presence. It should never be used aggressively, and must not be used between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am in a built up area, or when your vehicle is stationary, unless a moving vehicle poses a danger.

“Common courtesy should also dictate that this practice should not be used to alert householders to the fact that their taxi is waiting, and it is particularly inconsiderate to do so during the early hours of the morning when many people are trying to sleep.

“I would therefore ask motorists to take note of the advice on offer and to remember that sounding a car horn while stationary, or strident use of a car horn are offences that both attract a non-endorsable 30 fixed penalty notice.”