Bizarre Highway Code driving rule almost nobody knows about

Some driving rules are obvious, like sticking to the speed limit and stopping at red lights. With others included in the Highway Code, it's not quite so clear.

There are things in there which drivers do every day and have no idea what they're doing is against the rules and could be considered a traffic offence. One of these is beeping the horn while stationary.

The horn shouldn't be used if the car is not moving. This includes at traffic lights and when parked up. Generally, the horn shouldn't be used at all, except to let someone know you are there for safety reasons and to avoid a crash.

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It also means when your kids are playing about with your car, they're technically breaking the rules. It means gently letting the driver in front know the lights have changed to green by pressing the horn or even that you've arrived at a friend's house are not allowed. The reason is it could be considered "aggressive" use of the horn.

In a recent survey by insurance firm Tempcover, a whopping 73% of drivers were unaware this is against the rules. They said: "Yet it can be a common reaction in frustrating traffic jams. If caught, drivers could face a fine of up to £1,000. Staying patient behind the wheel and avoiding unnecessary horn use while stationary could save more than just stress."

Motoring website Pass Me Fast said: "The Highway Code also prohibits stationary vehicles from beeping. So if you’re parked up anywhere, you should avoid honking your horn.

"This obviously includes things like beeping once you’ve pulled up outside a friend’s house to let them you’ve arrived, but it also means times when you’re sitting in traffic. It may be tempting to honk your horn at the driver in front as soon as a traffic light changes to green, but this is interpreted as honking aggressively, and is against the law."

The same goes for flashing headlights, which shouldn't be done for any other reason than letting another driver know you are there. Despite this little-known rule, it happens every day on roads up and down the country.