With recent fog warnings, it’s a really useful at this time of year to familiarise yourself with the fog light settings in your car. Using fog lights can be a little tricky - brings back MOT test nightmares for some of us!
When fog descends, it’s important to remember to use your fog lights as fog decreases visibility of the objects in front of you therefore you must ensure you drive appropriately for the foggy conditions.
Driving in fog
It’s important to drive with headlights on low beam, never high beam as it can reduce visibility in because light can be reflected off the fog or mist, making it harder for you to see the road ahead.
Fog lights should only be used once visibility drops below 100m (328 ft) which is more or less the length of a football pitch otherwise it can dazzle drivers of oncoming vehicles.
Rear fog lights should always be switched on whenever visibility is poor, as they are there to alert other road users of your presence, not just to give you a clearer view of what’s behind you.
When not to use fog lights
In normal driving conditions fog lights should never be turned on.
Fog lights are also not to be used when it is wet, as the extra brightness of fog lights can result in their reflection off a wet road surface, and can cause unnecessary dazzling reflections, which is not good.
Using fog lights in drizzle and rain is not allowed, and you are even eligible for a fine from the police if caught. So, make sure that you switch off your fog lights once the fog has lifted.
Where are my fog lights?
There are separate buttons to operate Fog lights, with some cars using buttons to activate them. Some have daytime running lights.
The symbol for the front fog lights is an oval-shaped lamp with three diagonal lines intersected with a wavy vertical line to the left of it.
The symbol for the rear fog lights is an oval-shaped lamp with three horizontal lines bisected by a wavy vertical line on its right.
It’s best to check your car manual and become familiar with your vehicles light settings.
What Is The Difference Between Daytime Running Lights And Fog Lights?
An LED strip on the front of some cars are called Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and have been fitted to all new cars in the UK since 2011. They turn on whenever the car is switched on and are there to make the car more visible to other road users. They do not perform the same function as front fog lights.
If your car is fitted with automatic lights activated by low light levels, remember to check the lights are on, as they may not be automatically activated in foggy conditions.
Similarly, drivers whose vehicles have daytime running lights should ensure rear lights are switched on as most vehicles with this feature only illuminate the front lights.
How do I know if my fog lights are on?
As most vehicles have a separate button to switch on the fog lights, they will be illuminated when on.
When Should You Turn Your Fog Lights Off?
If you are parked or if visibility improves it’s vital that you switch off your fog lights.
In summary:
- Get familiar with front and rear fog lights
- Don’t use full beam lights as fog reflects the light back reducing visibility
- Slow down and drive patiently, ideally leaving at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front
- Wind down windows at junctions if visibility is particularly bad to allow you to listen
