Is it illegal to use front fog lights when there is no fog?

Driving at night, I notice an increasing number of drivers clearly using their fog lights as an extra set of headlights when there is no fog anywhere to be seen - is this usage legal ?

Asked on 15 November 2023 by Rob Wiltsher

Answered by David Ross

Rule 236 of the Highway Code states 'You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.' Potentially this could result in the issue of a fixed penalty notice if stopped by the police, but unfortunately this is a rare occurrence.

Tags: highway code fog lights driving laws

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