Why Shouldn't You Turn on Fog Lights on Rainy Days?

[McJuliette]

Lights should be used according to regulations on rainy days. Here are the relevant explanations: Position lights: The type of light to use should be determined based on visibility. For example, when it just starts to rain and the sky is relatively dark but visibility is still good, position lights should be used. Front fog lights: When the rain is heavier, the rainwater itself can obstruct the view, and the water on the road surface splashed by the rolling tires of the vehicle ahead can create a mist, significantly affecting visibility. In such cases, headlights or front fog lights should be turned on. Rear fog lights: Rear fog lights should only be turned on during very heavy rain because the red taillights already have excellent penetration, and ordinary heavy rain cannot block their light. Rear fog lights are very bright and are designed to penetrate thick fog.

[ThomasLee]

Once I turned on my fog lights while driving in the rain, only to have the car behind me flash their lights in protest. Later, I learned that using them in rainy conditions can be particularly glaring. Fog lights have a highly concentrated and intense beam, which gets strongly reflected by raindrops and wet road surfaces, creating a luminous fog that actually obscures forward visibility—not only making it harder to see the road but also dazzling other drivers, putting everyone at risk. Think about it: regular headlights are sufficient, and using fog lights is unnecessary and can easily lead to rear-end collisions. The correct practice is to use them only in foggy conditions or when visibility drops below 100 meters. If the lighting is good, drive more cautiously in the rain and check your lights beforehand.

[JuliaAnn]

I think many drivers, like me, turn on fog lights to get brighter illumination, but in rainy conditions, they actually do more harm than good. Fog lights are designed to penetrate thick fog with their strong, direct beams; however, during rain, the dense raindrops reflect too much light, which can wash out the road scenery, making it harder to see and causing trouble for others. Practical experience has taught me that in rainy weather, maintaining a safe distance and using headlights alone is sufficient. Fog lights should only be tried in heavy fog or downpours if absolutely necessary. Don’t underestimate this habit—it could directly lead to traffic accidents.

[McBrayden]

Using fog lights in rainy conditions is prohibited. I learned this rule when I was learning to drive, as light reflection can severely interfere with driving safety. Normally, when driving in the city, traffic regulations state that using fog lights in the rain is a violation, and traffic police can issue fines. This is not to scare people; overly strong lights reflecting off wet road surfaces reduce overall visibility. Therefore, in rainy conditions, only use regular headlights to ensure safety for yourself and others.

[TaylorMarie]

I usually pay attention to the environment while driving, and using fog lights on rainy days is really unnecessary because it not only affects others but also wastes energy. In wet conditions, strong light reflecting off water droplets creates more light pollution, which affects road ecology in the long run. Plus, visibility is already challenging in the rain, so keeping lighting low-key is wiser. Adjusting headlight brightness and controlling speed are the reliable approaches.

[DiEli]

As a driver, I once had a near-miss accident by mistakenly turning on the fog lights on a rainy day: the light danced on the raindrops on the windshield, creating a blinding white haze. Fog lights are too bright and scatter intensely in moist air, unlike the gentler, more even coverage of headlights. It's advisable to use them only in extremely low visibility conditions, as they can otherwise be misinterpreted by other drivers as a provocation. Driving in the rain requires attentiveness, and using the appropriate lights enhances safety.