Swedish drivers are certainly not as enthusiastic users of the horn as their counterparts in southern Europe.
However, many people use the horn relatively frequently for various reasons when driving.
However, there is a risk of fines if you use the horn at the wrong time. Here we go through what applies.
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Then you must use the horn
The horn is one of the tools that a car driver can use to signal to other road users.
The traffic regulation states that a driver must use an audible signal to attract the attention of other road users, when this is necessary to avert or prevent danger.
The driver can also, for the same purpose, use light signals or any other suitable method to attract the attention of other road users.
Then the whistleblower can issue a fine
However, the Traffic Ordinance also states that signals, such as honking, may not be given longer than necessary.
Honk at someone you have been annoyed by in traffic is therefore not permitted, as it cannot be considered necessary at all.
– It is absolutely not allowed to honk because you get pissed off or irritated, you must use the horn restrictively and no more than necessary, says the traffic police David Askeröd to Carup.
Honking at the wrong time can even lead to a fine, according to Jarla traffic school. The same applies if you do not use the horn when you should do so to prevent or avert an accident.
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This applies at red lights
A common reason people use the horn is because the car in front won’t start when a traffic light changes from red to green.
Whether it is permissible to honk in this position depends on the situation, and how fast you are to throw yourself on the horn.
According to the traffic police officer David Askeröd, you should think about the basic rule of the road that you should show consideration for each other.
– If it changes to green and the car in front of you does not start immediately, then you must not blow the horn. But if you see that it does not react, it is permissible to give a small light signal to call attention, he tells Carup.
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