It is normal and even essential to turn on your vehicle’s lights when visibility becomes poor, including during the day, with rain, snow or fog. But be careful, because their use is very regulated.
As winter approaches, weather conditions become more unpredictable and often difficult for drivers. With falling temperatures, rain, fog and sometimes snow, visibility frequently reduces, making driving more risky, especially during rush hours, with darkness falling early. To drive safely, it is essential to use your vehicle’s equipment properly, particularly the fog lights. But be careful, because their misuse can result in heavy fines.
Fog lights, front and rear, are designed to improve visibility in extreme weather conditions. They are particularly useful when fog is thick or snow is falling heavily. However, their use is strictly regulated. In heavy rain, for example, only the front fog lights can be switched on. Rear fog lights should be left off as they are very dazzling and can blind following drivers. Their misuse is one of the biggest mistakes made on the road, and it can be costly.
When visibility is reduced due to fog or snow, rear fog lights become essential to be clearly seen by other drivers. These powerful lights ensure that your vehicle remains visible even in the worst conditions, but be careful to turn them off as soon as the situation improves. It is also advisable to reduce your speed to 50 km/h when visibility falls below 50 meters. If these rules are not respected, you risk a fine of 135 euros, which can go up to 750 euros depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Many drivers are not aware of the importance of using fog lights correctly, especially those at the rear. In case of rain, many people mistakenly think that it is necessary to turn them on, even though this is prohibited by the Highway Code. Only front lights are authorized in this type of conditions, so as not to dazzle other road users. This error can result in a fine, without deduction of points, but the fine remains significant: 135 euros for unjustified use of rear fog lights.
The use of fog lights must therefore be limited to situations of snow or thick fog, when visibility is severely reduced. Using these lights in other circumstances, such as on a clear day or in the rain, is not only dangerous to other drivers, but can also cost you money. It is therefore crucial to understand these rules and to respect them scrupulously to avoid a hefty fine and guarantee the safety of everyone on the road.