With the weather getting worse, you are more likely to have to drive in quite foggy conditions.
When driving in the fog, it is important to use your fog lights, but drivers could risk being fined for not following the rules surrounding fog lights.
Car experts have revealed that leaving your fog lights on when it is not necessary could leave you with a £50 penalty.
Drivers warned they could get a fine for using fog lights unnecessarily
Official Highway Code guidance says you must use your headlights when your visibility is seriously reduced.
You can use your front or rear fog lights if you cannot see but they must be switched off when your visibility improves.
Rule 236 of the Code says that if you leave your fog lights on when it is not necessary, you can dazzle other drivers and obscure your brake lights.
Graham Conway, the managing director at Select Car Leasing, says the Code is also backed by law in Rule 27 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations Act 1989.
It says that using fog lights when it is not necessary, even when you are parked, can cause “undue dazzle or discomfort” to drivers.
Mr Conway added: “A quirk of UK road law means that it’s not actually a legal requirement to use fog lights, even in thick fog.
“But on the flip side, motorists can end up with a £50 fine for forgetting to turn them off once visibility improves.
“Glare and dazzle from fog lights is a real issue.
“Rear fog lights can appear brighter than normal brake lights and the dazzle effect can be much worse when it’s wet, as the light bounces up off the tarmac.
“Following someone who’s forgetfully left them on can be really uncomfortable, so it’s crucial you remember to flick them off once conditions improve.”
Select Car Leasing has highlighted how most cars require drivers to turn off their fog lights manually.
Mr Conway said: “Don’t rely on your car’s automatic lighting system, if it has one, to switch your fog lights on and off for you.
“You’ll need to trigger them yourself.
“Familiarise yourself with the fog light settings before you need to use them.”
It is important to be extra careful when driving in foggy conditions but there are a few things you can do to prevent accidents.
Mr Conway explained: “Use your ears as well as your eyes when it’s foggy.
“Both the Highway Code and guidance from National Highways suggests that you should stop and listen for traffic at junctions when visibility is reduced.
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“Turn off your music, wind down your window, and listen carefully for the sound of approaching vehicles while making sure it’s safe to pull out.
“Once you commit to the manoeuvre, don’t hesitate or dither, otherwise you could put others in danger.
“Also be aware that fog can also make roads slippery.”
Are you careful with your fog lights when driving? Let us know in the comments.
