Motorists in the UK risk facing an instant £50 fine if they forget a simple rule even when they are parked up in their car. As winter approaches, drivers are being reminded of the regulations around fog light usage.
With Halloween finished and November bringing colder weather, the UK is officially in winter and counting down to Christmas. This period of the year comes with weather conditions that make things difficult for drivers.
Winter weather and driving conditions
According to the Met Office, the long-term average for UK winter is 4.09C. Due to the impact El Nino has had on the polar vortex, it is expected that this winter will be colder than normal.
Occurring every two to seven years, an El Nino event is a natural climate pattern characterised by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and east-equatorial Pacific Ocean. The UK is likely to face extremely windy conditions, with some experts noting that it would bring cold and snow to the UK over the coming months.
Following a record-breaking summer in terms of heat, members of the public are beginning to question if it will be a white Christmas. As a result of these unpredictable conditions, drivers should be more cautious this winter. Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions and to allow extra time for journeys.
Fog light rules and penalties
One thing that drivers must not forget is to know when and when not to use their car's fog lights. According to experts at leading vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing, leaving them on when it is not necessary brings an on-the-spot £50 penalty.
The Official Highway Code says that drivers use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced 'generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres'. Stating that you 'may' use front or rear fog lights, the code warns 'you must switch them off when visibility improves'.
Rule 236 of the Code states that fog lights left on when visibility is clear can 'dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights'. Rule 27 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations act 1989 also backs the code. The rule explains that unnecessarily-lit fog lights cause 'undue dazzle or discomfort' to other road users. Surprisingly the rule still applies even 'when a vehicle is parked'.
Expert advice on fog light use
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: "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."
Most cars require drivers to turn their fog lights on and off manually. While not every car has front fog lights, all cars legally have to have at least one at the back. Mr Conway added: "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."
The Highway Code recommends keeping a safe distance behind the vehicle in front during foggy weather, using your windscreen wipers and demisters to clear moisture, and to beware of other drivers not using headlights. Mr Conway said: "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.
"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."
