What is the Difference Between Position Lights and Fog Lights?

[VonElisa]

Fog lights generally refer to automotive fog lights, which are installed at the front and rear of the vehicle. They are used to illuminate the road and provide safety warnings during rainy or foggy weather, enhancing visibility for the driver and other road users. Position lights, on the other hand, are warning lights used to alert other vehicles. According to safety standards, vehicles with a height exceeding three meters must be equipped with position lights. Below is a classification of automotive lights: 1. Headlights: Combined headlights are located at the front of the vehicle and primarily serve lighting and signaling purposes. The light emitted by headlights illuminates the road ahead, enabling safe driving at night. 2. Combined taillights: Located at the rear of the vehicle, these mainly serve lighting and signaling functions. 3. Turn signals: These lights indicate left or right turns to other road users.

[GraceFitz]

Let me share my understanding. The position lamps and clearance lights are actually the same thing, designed to alert others to the presence and position of your vehicle. These are most commonly used during dusk or when entering tunnels, as they emit a soft light that doesn't glare. When driving, you'll notice several small lights illuminated at the front and rear corners of the car. Fog lights, however, are different. Front fog lights are mounted low and project a yellow light directly onto the ground, specifically for use in heavy fog or rain, with exceptionally strong light penetration. Rear fog lights emit a glaring red light and should not be used indiscriminately in clear weather, as they can easily blind drivers behind you.

[Carter]

Just studied this a few days ago, simply put, they serve different purposes. The position lights are like outlining the car's silhouette - they should be turned on at dusk, especially when driving on highways at night, so others can clearly see your vehicle's width and height. Fog lights, however, are specialized equipment for bad weather conditions. They must be activated when visibility drops below 200 meters due to heavy fog. The front fog lights project light at a very low angle specifically to cut through fog, while the rear fog light's red brightness equals three brake lights combined. It's actually illegal to use them under normal circumstances.

[DelAnastasia]

I finally understood the difference after driving in heavy fog. The position lights are those small dotted lights on the car body, including ones under the side mirrors, mainly marking the vehicle's dimensions. When fog lights turn on, the whole aura becomes aggressive - the front fog lamps shoot out two sword-like yellow beams from below the bumper, cutting through the mist ahead. The rear fog light's red glow is practically like a warning beacon, clearly a different class from regular taillights. Remember to press that fog light button on the dashboard during thick fog, and be sure to turn it off when the fog clears - don't let that red light follow the car behind you all the way.