Australian motorists could be hit with a hefty fine for a simple, friendly honk.
Drivers nationwide who use their horn for any purpose other than warning others could be fined between $50 and $3,700, including a greeting or farewell honk.
Legally, a vehicle’s horn can only be used to warn other drivers of your position, warn animals to get off the road, or as part of an anti-theft or alcohol interlock device.
Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh explained that laws prohibit using a car horn except to warn motorists of imminent dangers on the road.
“No matter what state you drive in, a vehicle’s horn can only be used to warn other drivers or alert animals to the approach or position of your vehicle,” he said. Yahoo News.
‘The only exception to this rule is if the horn is used as part of an anti-theft device or a DUI. Drivers who use the horn in situations other than these could face possible jail time and fines of more than $3,000, depending on the state in which they reside.’
Here are the specific rules for your state:
New south Wales: ‘Unnecessary use of a horn or warning device’ carries a $344 fine.
Using a car horn for any purpose other than to warn others is against the law (pictured, stock image of a woman honking her horn)
Victory: In Victoria, offenders can be fined one penalty unit, currently valued at $192.31, under Rule 224 of the Victoria Road Safety Rules 2017.
Queensland: The maximum fine is 20 penalty units, which is currently $3,226.
Western Australia: Motorists receive a “modified penalty” of 1 penalty unit, which is equivalent to a $50 fine.
South Australia: Improper use of a horn or similar warning device carries a $215 fine and a $99 crime victim tax.
Northern Territory: Maximum penalty of 20 units, fine $3,700, or imprisonment for 6 months.
Tasmania: ‘Using or allowing the use of the horn unnecessarily’ will cost the driver $146.25
Australian Capital Territory: Fine per violation of $264 and possible additional 20 penalty units valued at $160 each.