Drivers have been warned they could face a £1,000 fine for excessive use of horns outside of the designated Highway Code usage.
Experts have urged drivers not to use their horns recklessly while driving or stationary, as they may be unknowingly breaking the law.
In the UK, motorists who use a horn aggressively or unnecessarily can be charged with careless driving under the Road Traffic Act 1991.
Meanwhile, drivers caught making offensive hand gestures towards other road users could also be fined under the Public Order Act 1986 if the behaviour is deemed threatening or likely to cause alarm.
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According to Rule 112 of the Highway Code, drivers should only use a car horn while moving to warn other road users of their presence or danger.
Motorists should not use the horn when stationary on the road or when travelling in a built-up area, between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am.
Experts have warned that using the horn irresponsibly can quickly escalate into more serious incidents, especially in heavy traffic or high-stress situations.
Neil Atkinson, owner of Carrosserie, said: "A lot of people think using their horn in frustration or making a gesture is harmless, but that is not how it is viewed legally.
Drivers can be fined for careless driving for using their horn excessively
|GETTY
"Drivers are expected to remain in control not just of their vehicle, but of their behaviour as well. If your actions are seen as aggressive or intimidating, it could be enough for it to be treated as careless driving."
He added that many motorists underestimate how closely excessive horn usage is monitored on the roads, particularly with the rise of dashcams and increased reporting.
Even a brief exchange between drivers can be recorded and used as evidence if the situation escalates or is reported to the police.
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Under rule 112 of the Highway Code, drivers should only use their horns to alert other drivers of their presence
| PAExperts warned penalties for this type of offence can be severe, with fines reaching £1,000 depending on the circumstances.
Mr Atkinson added: "It is often the small moment that causes the biggest problems. One blast of the horn or a quick reaction can trigger a chain of events that puts everyone at risk."
Last year, research by Sheffield Hallam University into excessive car horn usage found that 39 councils across the UK have introduced bans on "sounding horns other than in accordance with the Highway Code".
More local councils have been introducing traffic orders to prevent careless driving offences
| PAEarlier this year, Tandridge District Council in Surrey put forward plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order following complaints about the behaviour of drivers, including excessive horn usage.
The new rules could see drivers slapped with a £100 fine, which could be reduced to £60 if paid within a certain period.
The research detailed: "The Road Traffic Act 1988 outlaws dangerous driving (Section 2A), careless and inconsiderate driving (Section 3), and motor racing on public ways (Section 12).
"Dangerous driving is the more serious offence and constitutes driving in a manner that falls 'far below' what is expected of a competent and careful driver."