As autumn and winter roll in, you might find yourself using your fog lights a bit more often than usual, so let’s chat about what the law really says about them and figure out when it’s cool to use them and when you should probably skip it.

When Should You Use Fog Lights?

Fog lights are meant to be used only when you can’t see more than 100 metres ahead, which is about the length of a full-sized football pitch according to the Highway Code. If the fog is so thick that it’s hard to spot other cars, switching on your fog lights can really help you see better and make sure other drivers see you too. Just keep in mind that these lights are for low visibility situations only, and using them when it’s not foggy can distract fellow road users.

What’s the Penalty for Not Using Fog Lights?

Just a heads up, while there aren’t any specific laws that say you must use fog lights when visibility is low, cops can still give you a warning or a ticket for general stuff like driving carelessly if they see you zooming around without them during foggy weather. Also, if you’re getting ready for your MOT test, make sure your fog lights are in good shape, because if they’re not working, it could mean your car doesn’t pass the test.So knowing when to use fog lights  could save you a fine as well.

Is It Illegal to drive with Fog Lights Turned On if its not foggy?

Using fog lights when they’re unnecessary is prohibited by law, as they can easily overwhelm or distract other drivers. This rule applies even during rainy weather. While rain may impair visibility, fog lights are specifically intended to penetrate fog rather than rain. If law enforcement stops you for improperly using fog lights, you may receive either a verbal warning or a fixed penalty notice.

Why should you turn your fog lights off when visibility improves?

If you forget to turn off your fog lights when visibility gets better, it can really cause some safety issues on the road because that bright glare might blind other drivers for a bit. This can make it tough for them to drive safely and could lead to accidents, putting everyone at risk. So, it’s super important for all drivers to stay aware and change their lights when needed to keep the roads safe for everyone.

How to Turn On Fog Lights

And when to use fog lights

When it comes to fog lights, UK law says you need to have rear fog lights in your vehicle, but not every car comes with front fog lights. To figure out what lights your car has and how to use them, just check out your owner’s manual. You can usually spot front fog lights by a symbol that shows a lamp angled to the left with some diagonal lines and a wavy line. You can turn these on with a button on your dashboard, on your steering wheel, or by using the light control dial. The rear fog light symbol looks similar but has a lamp pointing to the right with straight horizontal lines and a wavy line. You should find a dedicated button for the rear fog lights on your dashboard, but if it’s giving you a hard time, your owner’s manual will be your best friend since layouts can vary between different models. With autumn and winter coming up, driving can get trickier, so don’t forget to check out our website for some handy guides to help you stay safe during the colder months. We’ve got your essential winter car pack checklist, tips for driving in snow and ice, and advice on how to get your vehicle ready for winter.