Most drivers will never have to think twice about whether they can drive with fog lights on, and to be honest, most won’t even know what fog lights are! However, we’ve had questions in the past about whether having your fog lights on when it isn’t foggy is illegal or not, so we thought it would be useful to answer this question once and for all. In short: yes, driving with your fog lights on when there isn't any fog present is illegal in many countries around the world. Find out why that's the case below!

What are fog lights?

Fog lights are bright lights that can help you see better in foggy conditions. Fog lights are usually LED lights, which make it easier to see the road in front of you. Drivers often turn on their fog lights when the sun goes down, but they should turn off their fog lights as soon as the rain is gone. If not, it's illegal to drive with your fog lights on and can be dangerous for other drivers who may not know what you're doing behind them. 

Fog light laws vary by state and country, so it's important to know if driving with them is legal where you are before turning them on. In some states, like California, drivers can't use their fog lights at all. In others, like Texas and New York, it depends on how close you are to other vehicles or how much visibility there is ahead of you. You might be able to use your headlights during a storm or heavy snowfall too. The safest thing to do is check the law before getting behind the wheel.

When should you use fog lights?

Can you drive with your fog lights on? This might seem like a silly question, but is it illegal to drive with fog lights on? The answer is no, you can use your fog lights at any time. There are some exceptions, though. In the US, you may only use your fog lights when visibility is low due to precipitation or other bad weather conditions such as dense fog. Generally this means that there must be less than a 500 feet of visibility. You cannot use your front and rear headlights in these circumstances either so even if the sun comes out you should leave your fog lights on until the haze clears and the visibility improves back to 500 ft or higher.

Are there any exceptions to the rule?

It is illegal to drive with your fog lights on when it is not foggy, but there are some exceptions. You may use your fog lights if you're driving in a heavy rainstorm, snowstorm or a sandstorm. Be sure to turn off the fog lights as soon as the weather clears up.

1. Rear fog lights can obscure your own brake lights and make it difficult for the vehicle behind you to see when you're braking, so be careful not to drive with them on when there's no need for it. 2. Fog lights can dazzle other road users, while rear fog lights can obscure your own brake lights, preventing the vehicle behind you from seeing when you're braking. 3. Make sure you switch them off as soon as the fog clears - it is illegal to drive with your fog lights on when it isn't foggy outside. 4. Driving with your headlights also affects visibility of other drivers; don't rely solely on these alone during low-visibility conditions such as rain or snow storms because they won't provide enough light for others to see you clearly from far away 5. And since headlights can reveal distance markers like street signs and traffic signals which cannot be seen well by others without illumination, remember that turning them on in bad weather conditions can help improve safety for everyone 6.

What are the penalties for driving with your fog lights on when it is not foggy?

Driving with your fog lights on when it is not foggy is illegal. Make sure you switch them off as soon as the fog clears. Fog lights can dazzle other road users, while rear fog lights can obscure your own brake lights, preventing the vehicle behind you from seeing when you're braking. There are various penalties for driving with your fog lights on without justification, but they vary by state and circumstance. The most common penalty is a fine or ticket. Some states will also suspend or revoke your driver's licence for up to six months if you drive with your fog lights on in a situation where there is no visibility problem such as during the day, in clear weather conditions, or over-head high beam headlights.

How can I prepare for driving in fog?

Driving in fog is a lot like driving in the dark. You need to have your headlights on, and make sure they are adjusted properly so they don't dazzle other drivers. Driving in fog can be challenging because you can't see very far ahead of yourself, and other drivers might not be able to see you either. That's why it's important to use your fog lights as well as your headlights when driving in foggy conditions. 

Driving with your fog lights on when it is not foggy is illegal, so make sure you switch them off as soon as the fog clears. Fog lights can dazzle other road users, while rear fog lights can obscure your own brake lights, preventing the vehicle behind you from seeing when you're braking.

What if my car doesn't have fog lights?

If your car doesn't have fog lights, you can still use your headlights to see the road. However, if there is a lot of fog and it's difficult to see any distance ahead, try not to drive at all. This can be dangerous and it is illegal to drive with your headlights on in foggy conditions. You're better off waiting for the fog to clear if you can't find another way home.