What is the point of swithching on fog-lights when you can see?

Neil

The laws about the use of fog lamps in the UK, in simple words rather than legalese, are:

Front fog lamps should only be used in conditions of adverse vision such as thick fog or falling snow (effectively when vision is less than 100m)
Rear fog lamps should only be used when vision is less than 100m
No lamps should be used in a manner that could dazzle or annoy other drivers.

I use the rule that if I can see the car behind (e.g the bonnet or grille) then its driver can see my car, so I'll switch my rear fog lamp off even if it is foggy. Similarly, if I'm stopped at a red light, I'll keep my foot on the brake to keep the brake lights on to warn approaching cars that I'm stopped, but take it off (handbrake applied) as soon as they get close and are obviously aware that I'm there and stationary. I use turn signals in a similar fashion - no need to keep them flashing in someone's face if they're already aware.

Bel

The rear fog light is only meant to be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less.
It really does my head in when people put them on unneccessarily, it totally distracts you.

Pete

They warn driver behind that you are there, especially on faster roads. Just a word of caution, the police will expect you to switch them off when it's not foggy.

MR_KGB

It's when idiots put their fog lights on when it just rains or they leave the fog lights on that gets me.

Davy Crockett

Absolutely! Nothing is calculated more to p*ss me off than driving behind a vehicle using an uneccessary fog light.

Just4fun

They shouldn't be used other than what they were intended for. FOG. By law they should not be used in good road conditions.

Scotty

I agree. They can be a hazzard.

beanie

Agreed. Some people use their fog lights incorrectly. You should only use them in visibility of less than 100 metres.

scooprandell

they let others see you.

my sheds on fire

Yes. there used to be a public information film on tv about it.

John B

well turn them off

Swiss

You would be committing an offence by turning on your fog lights in conditions not requiring their use, however, it's virtually unenforceable regrettably because the driver would only need to show that s/he felt that it was necessary for road safety - and countering that is virtually impossible!

pete m

It to show how much of and idiot you are, it also helps if you slow down to 25 miles an hour in a national speed limit zone and for preference slow down and indicate 500 yards from the junction. ..........

Honestly you'd of thought it was a pea souper from the 1960's. I think there was one point on my journey that It would have been necessary to slow down, to 50 miles an hour you idiots not 20!

Freddy

So that other road users can see you and your car on the road. ---- SAFETY, SAFETY and SAFETY
If you can see does not necessarilly mean you can be seen, so when it is foggy, please switch on your fog lights.

vamedic4

Every one of you is missing the point. Fog lights, just like headlights, serve two purposes at least. First, they allow you a greater "view" of what lay in front of you.

Second and most importantly..they make you THAT MUCH MORE VISIBLE to other traffic. Visibility saves lives.

entertainer

no other drivers need to be able to see you and even though the fog wasnt that thivk yesterday it was still difficult to see the cars in front etc. Plus pedestrians need to be able to see you. It is better to be safe than sorry!

the_cheeze_cop

Fog lights are YELLOW and should only be on with LOW BEAMS. Driving lights are WHITE and should only be on with HIGH BEAMS. These rules get thrown to the curb with factory installed lights.

Mounting the yellow lights on the front help cut through fog when headlights are on LOW BEAM.

Barne-Hurst

I do agree, But the purpose is also to be seen!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: