Eleven per cent of respondents to the question ‘When is it legal to use your car horn?’ selected the correct answer: ‘To warn others of the position of your vehicle.’
Out of more than 1200 respondents, 89 per cent answered the question incorrectly.
Victorian road rule 224 outlines the legal use of car horns, with the only other legal use being as part of an anti-theft device or alcohol interlock fitted to a vehicle.
The current fine for breaching Victorian car horn rules is $184.92.
RACV head of policy James Williams said it was important motorists understood when it was legal to use their car horn to avoid unsafe driving conditions and fines.
“We know that using your horn doesn’t really strike many Victorians as a potentially illegal activity while driving, but it pays to be informed and diligent about the road rules,” Mr Willliams said.
“Using the horn to speed up other drivers, express frustration or even say goodbye can confuse and disorientate other road users who use the horn as an important warning.”
Excessive car horn use can be characterised as road rage, which, in some cases, can attract much steeper fines, Mr Williams said.
“It can be tempting to use the horn for convenience in some of those settings that may seem innocent and harmless, but we’re encouraging motorists to follow the laws and practice patience and empathy for each other,” he said.
More information on road rules can be found at vicroads.vic.gov.au, or the RACV website’s ‘Road Safety’ section at racv.com.au
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