Under what circumstances should fog lights be used?
3 Answers
Circumstances requiring the use of fog lights: When visibility is less than 200 meters during rainy or foggy weather, motor vehicles should turn on their fog lights. When driving at night in urban areas without fog, do not use fog lights. Front fog lights without shades can make the vehicle lights dazzling and affect driving safety. Since fog lights are brighter than regular vehicle lights and have strong scattering, traffic regulations in many countries clearly stipulate: It is prohibited to turn on fog lights when visibility is good. Whether it's front fog lights or rear fog lights, if they don't light up, it indicates that the bulb has burned out and must be replaced. However, if they are not completely broken but only dimmer, with red and dull light, you must not take it lightly, as this may be a precursor to failure, and reduced lighting capability is also a major safety hazard for driving.
As a long-distance truck driver, I frequently drive in severe weather conditions and deeply understand the necessity of using fog lights when visibility is extremely low. Fog lights are designed with a low and wide beam pattern, unlike regular headlights which can easily reflect off fog and cause glare, making them ideal for use in heavy fog, torrential rain, or blizzards. I remember encountering dense fog in mountainous areas where visibility dropped below 50 meters—I immediately turned on my fog lights, allowing other vehicles to spot my car's lights from a distance and avoid rear-end collisions or crashes. The key is timely activation and deactivation: once weather conditions improve, turn off the fog lights to avoid blinding oncoming drivers with excessive brightness, which could create hazards. Safety comes first—never use fog lights unnecessarily on clear nights. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with your vehicle's controls; typically, there's a small switch near the steering wheel. In sandstorms or thick smoke conditions, fog lights are also essential as they penetrate the haze to enhance visibility.
From a regulatory perspective, I've noticed strict rules regarding fog light usage when driving in different regions. Many places only permit their activation during severely reduced visibility conditions, such as in fog, heavy rain, or snow – otherwise, you risk fines. I recall once on a European highway, I only switched on my fog lights when visibility dropped below 100 meters; keeping them on in clear weather would have been a violation. Fog lights aren't decorative accessories – they're engineered for hazardous conditions to minimize blind spot risks. For practical driving, I recommend first consulting your vehicle manual to familiarize yourself with their control locations, avoiding unnecessary battery drain or violations by leaving them on in clear weather. Following regulations ensures everyone's safety, and don't forget to periodically check if your fog light bulbs are functional to prevent failures during critical moments.
