When to Use the Fog Light?

How to Turn on Fog Lights?

So, now you know the fog lights symbol when they get active, but how can you turn them on in the first place? Understanding how and when to turn on fog lights is a crucial part of road safety. However, you will not find a standard way of turning them on or off since each car has different functions. Read your car’s manual, and you will know how to switch on fog lights.

Nevertheless, the general way to turn on the fog lights is to first flick on your headlights. Next, you should look for the fog light symbol (discussed above) on the indicator stalk where all other light options exist. You can also turn on the fog lights in most vehicles by pressing a button on the dashboard.

When Should You Check Your Fog Lights?

When the fog is most likely to appear in a season, it’s better to check your fog light and lamps in advance. Fog mainly occurs in the autumn and winter season. Therefore, it’s wise to test the fog lights to see if they work fine before heading out during these seasons.

The Fog Light Symbol is Always On

Unlike the high beam signal that is typically blue, the fog light symbol is green and hard to notice. It means you can sometimes have the fog lights on without knowing it. It cannot only prove detrimental to other drivers, but it can also quickly drain the lamp life and force you to purchase new ones.

To avoid this, always ensure that the fog light switch is in the off position. Furthermore, if your car has an ‘auto’ option, always set your headlights on it.

Yellow vs White Fog Lights

The critical debate when choosing fog lights is whether to buy yellow or white lights. During fog, a significant concern is a light reflecting off the fog and back into the driver’s eyes. Many people believe that yellow lights are better than white lights, penetrating the fog and not reflecting off it.

Moreover, when driving in severe conditions such as snow, white fog lights can tire the eyes. It can lead to fatigue and an overall lousy driving experience. Yellow lights offer a change insight while also providing a visual solution. However, do ensure that yellow lights are permissible in your state before purchasing them.

Is it Unlawful to Use Fog Lights?

While using fog lights is beneficial, turning them on in certain situations can be unlawful. When you use the fog lights in normal conditions, you impair the vision of others driving around you. It can put their lives as well as yours at risk of a potential road accident.

According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, using lights in any way that dazzles the drivers coming toward you is illegal. Therefore, it makes the usage of fog lights, in any condition apart from the fog, illegal. We advise you to avoid using fog lights in mild weather conditions such as rain because it could lead to undesirable consequences.

The regulations authorize police to charge hefty fines to those using fog lights without a proper reason. Therefore, switch off the fog lights as soon as the mist is over and take help from the fog light symbol on your dashboard.

How to Remain Safe during the Fog?

Fog lights help you see clearly during the fog, but you should follow specific guidelines to remain safe during the mist.

• When entering the fog, you should always slow down. Before doing this, check your side mirrors to avoid a crash with a faster approaching vehicle.
• Keep a lookout for signals or signs indicating ‘fog.’ Even when the road ahead is clear, be ready to tackle a drifting fog patch crossing your way quickly.
• Constantly use the wipers on the windshield to clear any matter acting as a visual obstacle.
• Always maintain distance between yourself and the car ahead of you. The recommended length is 2.0 seconds, but you’d be better off keeping a 4.0 seconds gap.
• Instantly use your fog lights if it’s difficult to see the space equal to the length of a football pitch, or roughly 100 meters, ahead.
• Always spend time studying the fog light switch’s position is in your car. Your car’s manual is the best source to learn this. Especially when driving in foggy weather, remember the switch’s position and the easiest way to turn it on quickly. Check the fog light symbol to ensure you’ve turned on the lights.
• Do not depend on the taillights of the cars in front of you to navigate your way. You cannot be sure if the driver ahead of you can adequately see the road, leading to a potential accident.
• Avoid using high beam lights to tackle fog. These lights reflect off the fog, further impairing the visibility.
• Be extra watchful when crossing junctions, as it holds the most risk of an accident. A helpful trick when passing intersections in fog is to lower down your window to hear the sound of the traffic. With a blocked vision, sound can help provide a safe passage.
• Consider stopping for a while if it is difficult to view the road ahead. Proceed when the fog is clear.