Beep at your friend? DGT fines those who use horns in Spain

Be honest – who hasn’t used their horn to let off a little steam? Quick toot when someone doesn’t move at the green light. A happy beep when you see a good friend. When your team wins the title, you can hear a full-on concert of honking. It’s a part of Spain’s celebrations, roads and soundtrack.

According to the DGT (Spanish traffic authority), all of this is illegal. The DGT is getting stricter in enforcing rules.

Yes – you can be fined just for saying hello with your horn.

DGT is tightening controls and clarifying exactly when a warning beep turns into a fine. Many drivers have to learn these rules the expensive way.

Only three reasons to honk – everything else is a fine

The law has always stated that the horn serves as a safety device and not a tool for communication. It is there to warn of dangers, not to express joy or impatience.

There are only three moments when honking is allowed in Spain: First, if it’s your only way to prevent an accident – for example, warning someone reversing who hasn’t seen you, or signalling your presence on a blind bend.

The second time is when you need to let another driver know that you’re overtaking. It’s the same thing with quieter roads. A quick horn can help prevent a collision.

Third, in very specific urgent situations that resemble those reserved for emergency vehicles – but only if combined with your hazard lights. Although it’s rare, the law acknowledges that there can be urgent moments.

In some mountain roads with little visibility, local signs even force you to honk – but that’s the exception.

All the other things that drivers do on a daily basis?
No.

The friendly beep is not the only way to communicate.
The “Get moving!” reminder is not the only one. reminder.
Not the “olé, campeones!” parade.
Not the stress-relieving honk when stuck in traffic.

The DGT message is very clear: If your concern is not safety, don’t raise a fuss.

What is the cost of a “bad tone”?

You may think, “One little tap will not hurt.”
But it could cost you €80 – every single time.

This is the fine for honking in public without a legal reason. Although it is a minor infraction, the fine can still be a pain.

It’s not just one scenario.

Ignore the ‘No horns’ road sign – that’s also €80.
Have a horn that sounds too loud or too aggressive – another €80.

The problem gets worse if the horn is at fault:

If you’re driving without a horn at all, because it’s broken or missing, the fine jumps to €200. Same amount applies if you add special sirens or emergency-style sounds to a non-priority vehicle – something that some drivers find “fun” until the penalty arrives.

Is there any good news at all? All of these fines don’t come with any points.
But several €80 hits in a week? That adds up fast – especially in cities where honking is treated like a second language.

Why suddenly is Spain enforcing these laws?

The rule isn’t new – the attention is.
Spain wants quieter and calmer cities.

People who live in close proximity to busy streets are more likely to experience anxiety, insomnia and stress. It also causes distractions for drivers themselves — cue more accidents, not fewer.

The DGT argues that spontaneous honking isn’t “a sign of life”, as many drivers think – it’s pollution.

The logic is simple.
A horn should warn of actual danger – not express mood.

Honking is often used to escalate tensions, rather than reduce them. One beep is followed by another. Then, a street turns into a riot of anger.

What should drivers do?

The DGT wants drivers think before they honk

Can this device prevent an accident?
If yes – do it.

You’re either annoyed or excited.
If yes – don’t.

The key is to learn to pause before letting your instincts run wild.

We all learned how to drive using a horn for communication. Spain’s new rules insist that it is only a protection tool.

Ask yourself the following questions the next time your hands twitches towards the centre of the steering wheel:
“Is someone really in danger?”
If you don’t know the answer, then save your money and remain silent.

Spain isn’t banning honking – just the kind that doesn’t help anyone. And when we look at it that way… maybe the streets will sound better for all of us.