Don’t toot your own horn. When you should & shouldn’t honk your horn, according to WA law

Ever been stuck behind someone going below the speed limit in the fast lane? Or waited for someone to realize their light has been green for a while, and they’re holding up traffic?

Whichever traffic scenario gets you the most angry, you may have been tempted to honk your horn.

But just like many safety features in vehicles, car horns come with restrictions. The Washington Driver Guide outlines when drivers should — and shouldn’t — honk their horn.

When to honk your horn in WA

Your car horn is an important safety feature that can save your life. Because of this, it should be used sparingly and with care. It is intended to be used as a warning device for others, and no more.

There are specific circumstances in which you are encouraged to honk your horn in Washington state.

The bottom line for using your horn is to prevent collisions. If someone does not see you, honking can let them know you’re there before a crash occurs.

In fact, in the Revised Code of Washington’s Rules of Road, the only time use of the car horn is mentioned is in requiring drivers exercise due care to prevent collisions.

There are scenarios in which you may benefit from a light tap on your horn, preventing a potential crash when there is no immediate danger. These scenarios include:

• Someone on foot or a bike looks like they’re moving into your lane
• Someone starts to turn into your lane while you’re passing them
• Someone is not paying attention and may have trouble seeing you
• When approaching a place where you can’t see ahead, like a hill, curve or leaving a narrow alley

In the event of immediate danger, drivers can sound a sharp blast on their horn. These scenarios include:

• A child or older person is about to walk, run or ride into the street
• Another vehicle is in danger of immediately hitting you
• You’ve lost control of your vehicle and are moving toward someone

Outside of these scenarios, refrain from sounding your horn.

When honking is prohibited in WA

The Washington Driver Guide also outlines scenarios in which drivers are not permitted to honk their horn — no matter how much they may feel inclined to do so.

These include:

• In order to get someone to drive faster or move over
• To tell another driver they made a mistake
• Acknowledging someone you know
• Anytime blind pedestrians are around
• Anytime pedestrians with a service animal are around
• Whenever passing a bicyclist
• When approaching horses

Cities and counties are also permitted to codify further regulations on honking.

This story was originally published August 31, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Don’t toot your own horn. When you should & shouldn’t honk your horn, according to WA law."