Is it illegal to drive without fog lights?

There’s often a lot of confusion surrounding the rules of the road when visibility is affected.

But fog lights shouldn't be used in anything other than grey and hazy conditions. Here's what you need to know.

1

Are fog lights a legal requirement?

According to RAC guidance, front fog lights aren’t a legal requirement.

If your car has them, you should only use them when visibility is severely restricted.

However, rear fog lights are legally required to be on all UK cars. So if it’s an import, it will need to have fog lights fitted before it is allowed on British roads.

Is it illegal to drive without fog lights?

Yes. Since 1980, it’s been illegal to drive a car without fog lights. 

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If you use fog lights when it isn't foggy, you could be breaking the law and endangering other road users. 

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 says that it is illegal to use your lights to dazzle drivers coming towards you.

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Can I get pulled over for not having fog lights on?

Leaving your fog lights on when roads are clear, rainy or impacted by light mist with more than 100m visibility could land you with a £30 fine.

Fog lights are very bright, and therefore shouldn't be used in normal weather.

The rules also state that fog lights may be used if visibility is seriously reduced (which includes up to 100 metres or less).

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It adds that they must be switched off when visibility improves.

You won't get penalty points if dealt with in this way.

When should I use my fog lights?

Fog lights can be used when foggy and heavy mist significantly reduces road visibility. Rule 226 of the Highway Code says you must use headlights in these conditions and you may also use front and rear fog lights. It says: “You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but they must be switched off when visibility improves.”

At this point, you should be driving slowly enough to react to hazards, remembering your stopping distances.

If you are involved in an accident during fog and you don't have your fog lights on, it could invalidate your insurance. 

You must remember to turn them off when the fog clears.

How do I turn my fog lights on?

Each car is different, so you'll need to check your manual to be sure you know how to switch on your fog lights.

Generally speaking,  you would start by switching on your headlights as normal.

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Then locate the fog light symbol. This may be on the indicator stalk with the other light functions.

The RAC offers this advice for driving in fog. 

• Before entering fog, check your mirrors - then slow down.
• Maintain a greater distance between you and the car in front, increase the gap to four seconds from the recommended two.
• Make sure to use your wipers and keep your windscreen demisted to aid visibility.
• If the word ‘fog’ is shown on a signal, but the road is clear, be prepared for a sudden bank of fog or drifting, patchy fog.
• Use your lights if visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or roughly the length of a football pitch
• Make sure you know where your fog-light switch is before you set off.
• Do not use a full beam because the fog reflects the light back, reducing visibility even further.
• Do not attempt to navigate using the tail lights of the car in front, as these can give a false sense of security.
• If visibility is very limited, wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to listen out for approaching traffic.
• If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue.