You’ve been using your fog lights all wrong – how to use them correctly
IT can be tempting to turn on your fog lights as soon as weather conditions worsen on the roads.
But getting it wrong can do more harm than good – and you could break the law. Here’s what you need to know.
What do fog lights do?
The fog lights at the front of your car will help you see road markings and pavements more clearly when visibility is less than 100m on the road.
Your rear fog light is indented to help other drivers see you, helping them to avoid crashing into you from behind.
When should I use fog lights?
Many drivers will put on their fog lights when it’s rainy or misty – but this could mask your brake lights and dazzle other drivers.
You should only switch on your fog lights when visibility is 100m or less.
The AA says: “It’s helpful to think of rear fog lamps as signals.
“Switch on your rear fog lamps when there is no one close behind – but switch them off as soon as they have done their job and the driver behind can see your regular tail lamps.
“For example, if you are in a slow moving queue of traffic in fog, the driver five metres behind doesn’t need your fog lights!”
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Should I have any other lights on?
When using your fog lights you should only have your dipped headlights turned on.
These won’t help you see in foggy conditions but they will help others see you.
You should turn off your main beams as these will reflect the light back and make it harder to see.
Your sidelights are pointless too.
When should I turn off my fog lights?
Fog is often patchy and can come and go while driving.
Be prepared to turn them on and off when necessary, being sure to turn them off as soon as visibility improves.
You can also turn them off when the driver behind you is close enough to see your normal lights.
The Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights.”
It adds: “You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.”
What does the law say about fog lights?
You could be penalised for using your fog lights at the wrong time.
If use the lights when visibility is clear, you could be slapped with a Fixed Penalty Notice and £50 fine.
