Will non-functioning fog lights affect the annual vehicle inspection?
2 Answers
Non-functioning fog lights will not affect the annual vehicle inspection. This is because fog lights are not checked during the inspection, and some vehicles do not even come equipped with fog lights as they are not a standard feature. Below are detailed methods for defogging your car: 1. Open the windows for air circulation: If the fog inside the car is not too heavy, you can slightly open both side windows to allow air to flow between the inside and outside of the car. This reduces the temperature difference and gradually dissipates the fog. 2. Use the air conditioning system: Using the air conditioning system to defog is the most common method. Almost all cars today have air vents located under the front windshield. Simply adjust the air conditioning to the appropriate setting to blow air and remove the fog. 3. Use a defogging spray: Special defogging sprays are widely available at auto parts stores, supermarkets, and other locations. Spray the defogger onto the inner surface of the car windows and wipe it clean. In addition to removing dirt from the glass, it also forms a protective film that prevents moisture from condensing into fog on the glass.
Last year during my vehicle's annual inspection, it almost failed because the front fog lights weren't working. This is actually quite common – many people run into issues with their fog lights during inspections. According to the inspection standards, the external lighting system is a mandatory check item, including whether the fog lights are functioning properly. If they don't light up, the inspector will directly note it as a fault, affecting the overall result. I experienced this myself when my fog light bulb was burnt out, causing the inspection to be rejected. I had to go to a repair shop to replace the bulb and get reinspected before passing. This isn't just an inspection issue – more importantly, non-functioning fog lights make it harder to see the road in foggy conditions, increasing accident risks. I recommend everyone periodically check their fog lights: start the engine and check if the rear lights illuminate. If you notice any abnormalities, address them early to avoid delays like I had. Don't skimp on this during regular maintenance either.