Drivers are being warned that they are risking being fined by doing this common gesture.
The horn should be used when you need to warn other road users of your presence on the roads.
However, many drivers use it to signify anger, and sometimes for other things such as beeping goodbye to a house when leaving.
But this can actually lead to fines of up to £1,000, as it breaches the Highway Code.
What does the Highway Code say about using the car horn?
As explained by the Highway Code, the horn should only be used "while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence".
It adds that you should "never sound your horn aggressively".
The horn must not be used while stationary on the road or when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am, except when another road user poses a danger.
New data from vehicle finance provider First Response Finance found that tailgating is the most common cause of road rage in the UK, frustrating over one third of drivers (33%).
This was followed by not indicating correctly or at all (30%), traffic (27%), swooping and moving lanes (27%), and middle lane hogging (24%).
And when it comes to letting other drivers know of their frustrations, Brits are most likely to beep (30%) or honk the horn (29%).
UK drivers warned of £1,000 fines over car horn gestures
However, using the horn incorrectly can actually lead to a fine.
Tom Preston, CEO at Hippo Leasing, explained: "Your horn should only be used to warn other drivers of your presence while moving, according to Rule 112.
"But did you know that it’s actually illegal to sound your horn while stationary on the road at any time, or in a built-up area between 11.30pm and 7am, unless another road user poses an immediate danger?
"Beeping out of anger, to say goodbye as you leave someone’s home, or to alert a friend of your arrival could result in an immediate £30 Fixed Penalty Notice, which can rise to £1,000 if challenged in court and left unpaid."
Mr Preston also warned of other common gestures that can see drivers fined when driving.
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He continued: "Many motorists see small gestures like a quick wave of thanks, flashing headlights to let someone out, or a tap of the hazards as harmless road etiquette.
"However, under UK law, many of these habits can easily cross the line into driving offences and be classed as careless driving if you’re not careful.
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"The Highway Code is clear that drivers must maintain full control of their vehicle at all times and only use signals for their intended safety purposes.
"When you take your hands off the wheel to wave or use your lights incorrectly, you could potentially risk a substantial fine and penalty points on your licence.
"Drivers need to realise that what they consider polite or an act of driver solidarity can be treated incredibly seriously by the police."
Have you ever been fined for anything while driving? Let us know in the comments.
