What Lights to Use When Driving in Fog?
2 Answers
When driving in fog, use fog lights, low beams, and position lights, but avoid using high beams. The following rules should be observed in foggy conditions: 1. When visibility is less than 200 meters, turn on fog lights, low beams, position lights, and front and rear position lights, and the speed should not exceed 60 kilometers per hour; 2. When visibility is less than 100 meters, turn on fog lights, low beams, position lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers, and the speed should not exceed 40 kilometers per hour; 3. When visibility is less than 50 meters, turn on fog lights, low beams, position lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers, and the speed should not exceed 20 kilometers per hour. When driving in fog, visibility is poor, and fog lights have strong penetration, so fog lights must be turned on. If there are no fog lights, low beams can be used as a substitute. This helps inform other vehicles of your position, and position lights should also be turned on.
In foggy conditions, I always turn on the fog lights. Last winter during a trip, the fog was so thick that even road signs were barely visible, so I immediately activated the rear and front fog lights—their low beams can penetrate the fog without reflecting glare like high beams do. At the same time, I reduced my speed to under 50 km/h and maintained a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, as reaction times are slower in such weather. I also make it a habit to turn on the position lights to alert following vehicles. Fog lights are typically yellow or white, designed to minimize light reflection and scattering. Accidentally using high beams can make the fog appear denser and reduce visibility further. Remember, safety always comes first—if the fog is too heavy, it’s best to find a safe spot to pull over and wait. Regularly checking the vehicle’s lighting system is also essential to ensure the fog lights function properly and avoid risks from sudden malfunctions.
