Is it illegal to drive without fog lights?
DRIVING in the UK is no easy feat as weather is known to change from one minute to the next.
Fog is one of the more dangerous types of weather with a lot of confusion surrounding the rules for drivers.
Is it illegal to drive without fog lights?
If you use your fog lights when it isn't foggy you could be endangering other road users and potentially breaking the law.
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 says that it is illegal to use your lights to dazzle drivers coming towards you.
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Fog lights are very bright, which means they shouldn't be used in normal weather.
Switching or leaving your fog lights on when it's clear, or if it's just rainy, or in light mist where visibility is greater than 100m, could land you with a fine.
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If you use your fog lights incorrectly, you could be fined £30 at the roadside.
The rules also state that fog lights may be used if visibility is seriously reduced which includes to 100 metres or less).
It adds that they must be switched off, however, when visibility improves.
You won't get penalty points if dealt with in this way.
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When should I use my fog lights?
Your fog lights have been fitted to your car for use in fog and heavy mist which significantly reduces visibility on the road.
Specifically, they're meant to be used when visibility drops below 100m, around the length of a football pitch.
Rule 226 of the Highway Code says you must use headlights in these conditions and you may also use front and rear fog lights.
If you don't switch on your headlights under these conditions you could risk the safety of yourself or other road users.
At this point, you should be driving slowly enough to react to hazards, remembering your stopping distances.
If you are involved in an accident during fog and you don't have your fog lights on it could mean that your insurance is invalid.
But you must remember to turn them off when the fog clears.
Rules 234 to 236 of the Highway Code give instructions on driving in fog from checking mirrors to keeping a safe distance - and of course, switching your lights on.
How do I turn my fog lights on?
Every car is different, so you'll need to check your manual to be sure you know how to switch on your fog lights.
But in general, you would start by switching on your headlights as normal.
Then locate the fog light symbol - which may be on the indicator stalk with the other light functions.
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You may have to rotate the end of the stalk, or a switch to the right or left of the steering wheel.
Or it could be a button to press on your dashboard.
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