HONKING in your car this festive season could land you with a fine of up to £1000, drivers have been warned.
The traffic at Christmas time is always heavier and it is likely to cause frustration for drivers, but beeping your horn is not a smart option anymore.
GettyDrivers can avoid paying fines this Christmas by following this one simple rule[/caption]
It is best to remember the “Christmas Calm Rule” for drivers to avoid paying unnecessary penalties this winter.
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £30 can be issued for illegal use of a car horn, like using it at night in anger, or when there is no genuine danger from their driving.
If drivers don’t agree with an FPN being issued, they can challenge the decision in court.
However, losing could see an increase in the fine amount up to £1,000.
James Armstrong, CEO of Veygo says: “Some drivers will feel road stress more than others at this time of year as the pressures of a ‘perfect Christmas’ mount.
“The best thing to do to avoid fines and points from this is to allow enough time for your journey so you don’t get anxious at being late and avoid busy motorways or roads as much as possible.”
However, showing frustration by beeping your horn at a certain time or driving close to other road users can land motorists with fines and/or points for careless driving.
According to the road laws in England, a horn should only be used when warning someone of any danger, and not to indicate your annoyance.
It is also illegal to use a horn on a moving vehicle on a restricted road that has street lights and a 30 mph limit, between the times of 11:30 p.m. and 07:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, drivers can also land with a fine of up to £2,500 just for standing next to their cars at Christmas.
Being over the limit simply in the vicinity of your vehicle can also see you thrown behind bars for three months.
In England, drink-driving refers to “being in control of a motor vehicle”.
So if someone is drunk and is standing next to a car, by law it is entirely possible to charge the person without ever having been behind the wheel, if the intention to drive can be proven.
Key indicators of an intention to drive are being near your vehicle, being inside but not in the driving seat, and having the keys in the ignition.
Clare Freemantle, Sales and Marketing Director at Harwoods Group, explains it further.
She says: “Around the Christmas season, there’s a heightened risk for anyone who is planning to drink, whether going to visit friends or celebrating at their work Christmas party. By simply standing next to your car, you could be charged with drunk driving.
“English law stipulates that you can be charged with drunk driving, even if you’re not behind the wheel of a car.
“If the police believe you have the intention to drive, and that could be by standing next to your car intoxicated, you could be opening yourself up to a fine.
“If you are seen as guilty of having the intention to drive, you could end up with up to three months imprisonment, a fine of £2,500 and a possible driving ban.
“Intention can simply be standing next to your car, or having an appointment booked which could prove intention to drive.
“If you do end up driving or attempt to drive while under the influence of alcohol, you could be imprisoned for six months, given unlimited fines and receive a driving ban of at least one year.”