MoneySuperMarket, a leading car insurance provider, is warning drivers about a little-known fog light rule that could leave them with a £50 fine. Despite fog lights being an essential safety feature, a recent survey revealed that one in five drivers are unaware of the legal rules surrounding their use.
The Legal Fog Light Rule
According to Rule 236 of the Highway Code, drivers are prohibited from using front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. The reason? Fog lights can dazzle other road users and obscure brake lights, creating a hazard on the road. The rule states: “You must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights.”
Common Mistakes That Could Lead to Fines
The MoneySuperMarket survey highlights some common misconceptions among drivers:
One in three drivers mistakenly think it’s acceptable to use fog lights in normal rain conditions.
Turning fog lights on too early, forgetting to turn them off, or using them inappropriately could result in a £50 fixed penalty notice.
Alicia Hempsted’s Advice
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, emphasized the importance of understanding when to use fog lights: “Fog lights are designed for extreme conditions, so it’s important to use them only when visibility drops below 100 metres – roughly the length of a football pitch.”
She also cautioned against using fog lights unnecessarily: “Switching your fog lights on in light rain or clear conditions might seem helpful, but it can dazzle other drivers and increase the risk of an accident. It’s easy to forget they’re on, especially if the weather improves mid-journey. Always double-check your lights before setting off and when conditions change.”
Key Points to Remember
Use fog lights only when visibility drops below 100 metres (about the length of a football pitch).
Turn them off as soon as visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Check your lights before setting off and adjust them as weather conditions change.
By staying aware of these rules, drivers can avoid unnecessary fines and ensure safer driving conditions for everyone on the road.
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