The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has publicly restated the circumstances where drivers in Spain are permitted to sound their vehicle horn, highlighting the risk of fines of up to €80 for misuse. Although car horns are a familiar feature of Spanish roads, the rules governing their use remain strict. The DGT confirms that horns should only be used when necessary to ensure road safety or the orderly movement of traffic, as set out in the Spanish Traffic Regulations effective in 2025.
The regulatory framework, reinforced by nationwide traffic safety campaigns, aims to reduce unnecessary noise and tension on public roads. "Horn use is authorised strictly for situations where it contributes to safety or alerts other road users to imminent danger," the DGT explains. Routine or unwarranted use—such as signalling irritation, greeting acquaintances, or prompting others to move—counts as a minor offence under Article 110 of the General Traffic Regulation. Although these offences involve no penalty points, the resulting €80 fines are meant to encourage more considerate behaviour and reduce acoustic pollution, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Permitted scenarios for horn usage
The DGT specifies several exceptional cases when horn use is not only allowed but serves as a safety mechanism. For instance, in locations where visibility is severely limited, such as narrow roads with sharp bends, drivers may use the horn to alert oncoming vehicles. Additionally, on non-urban roads, sounding the horn is authorised to indicate the intention to overtake or to warn of an unexpected hazard. These practical applications are intended to enhance communication between road users and promote safer, smoother journeys, as long as their intent is to prevent accidents.
Prohibited uses and specific restrictions
Daily infractions cited by authorities include horn use to hurry other drivers, to express annoyance, or as a substitute for a friendly wave—all practices officially banned. The DGT also prohibits horn use in tunnels, on overpasses, or at level crossings, due to the potential for sound amplification and distraction. Furthermore, in residential areas and during late-night hours, horn use is forbidden to maintain public tranquility and limit noise-related stress for residents.
Consequences of improper horn use
Misuse of the car horn, while generally considered a minor infraction without loss of licence points, is eligible for financial penalties up to €80. The DGT regularly reminds drivers that appropriate horn use is "a tool for safety communication, not an outlet for driver frustration". Studies link persistent improper horn use to increased driver aggression and higher accident risks—consequences the current regulatory approach is designed to mitigate. Enforcement, therefore, focuses not only on deterrence but also on fostering a more respectful, calm driving environment in Spain.