Motorists in the UK risk an on-the-spot £50 Fixed Penalty Notice for leaving their fog lights on when visibility improves, according to experts at vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing. The warning comes as wintry weather brings fog to the UK, with the Met Office advising travellers to check road conditions and allow extra time for journeys.
Highway Code rules on fog lights
Highway Code guidance says drivers must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when they cannot see for more than 100 metres. It adds that motorists may use front or rear fog lights, but must switch them off when visibility improves.
Rule 236 of the Code explains that fog lights left on when visibility is clear can dazzle other road users and obscure brake lights. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said the rule is backed by law, specifically Rule 27 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations Act 1989, which states that unnecessarily lit fog lights cause "undue dazzle or discomfort" to other road users, even when a vehicle is parked.
Legal requirement and fines
Mr Conway 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."
He added: "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."
Manual operation and driving tips
Select Car Leasing points out that most cars require drivers to switch fog lights on and off manually. Not all models have front fog lights, but it is a legal requirement to have at least one at the rear.
Mr Conway advised: "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 also advises keeping a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, using windscreen wipers and demisters to clear moisture, and being aware of other drivers not using headlights. Mr Conway also highlighted little-known advice for junctions: "Use your ears as well as your eyes when it's foggy. Both the Highway Code and guidance from National Highways suggest 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."
