What is the purpose of fog lights?
2 Answers
Fog lights can be divided into front fog lights and rear fog lights, and their functions are different. Front fog lights can penetrate thick fog and serve to alert oncoming drivers; the main purpose of rear fog lights is to make the vehicle more visible to drivers behind in conditions of low visibility such as fog, snow, rain, or dust. Fog lights should only be turned on when visibility is below 200 meters, but two conditions must be met: first, when visibility is greater than 200 meters, the headlights, position lights, and taillights already provide sufficient illumination and warning effect; second, the fog at this time should allow the fog lights to appear soft, and visibility is poor, requiring fog lights as supplementary lighting.
The primary purpose of fog lights is to enhance driving safety in adverse weather conditions, especially when visibility is compromised. Based on my years of driving experience, particularly in fog or heavy rain, standard headlights tend to create glare, making it harder to see the road clearly. Fog lights, positioned lower and with more dispersed illumination, effectively outline the road surface while minimizing light reflection. This helps drivers detect obstacles earlier and reduces collision risks. In dense fog, failing to use fog lights may result in missing pedestrians or other vehicles, potentially leading to dangerous accidents. I strongly recommend making it a habit to activate them proactively in low-visibility situations—it not only safeguards yourself but also reflects social responsibility. Remember, traffic regulations in many regions mandate fog light usage under specific conditions, so we should never underestimate their importance.
