The regulations are clear about when fog lights should be used and when they must be switched off. Although they can help drivers navigate poor visibility, leaving them illuminated unnecessarily can dazzle other road users. With colder weather and widespread frost also forecast, motorists are being reminded to follow the Highway Code.
Why Leaving Fog Lights on Could Result in a £50 Fine
According to The Independent, drivers who fail to switch off their fog lights once visibility improves risk receiving a £50 fixed penalty notice. The warning follows yellow fog alerts affecting the Midlands, London, Wales, Yorkshire, north-west England, eastern England, the south-east and the south-west.
Rule 236 of the Highway Code states that motorists must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. It explains that unnecessary use can dazzle other drivers and obscure brake lights, making it harder for following vehicles to recognise when a car is slowing down.
The Highway Code generally defines seriously reduced visibility as conditions in which drivers cannot see more than 100 metres ahead. While motorists may use fog lights in these circumstances, they must switch them off when conditions improve.
The rule also applies to vehicles that are parked. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 prohibits the use of lighting that causes undue dazzle or discomfort to other road users, including when a vehicle is stationary.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explained that UK law does not require motorists to use fog lights, even in thick fog. Drivers can nevertheless be penalised for leaving them switched on unnecessarily.
Conway also warned against relying on automatic lighting systems. Most vehicles require fog lights to be operated manually, meaning drivers should familiarise themselves with the relevant controls before encountering poor visibility.
Met Office Warns of Fog, Frost and Colder Conditions
The Met Office issued a yellow fog warning beginning at 6pm on Monday, 9 November, and remaining in place until 10am on Tuesday. The conditions could affect road journeys, public transport and flights, particularly during the morning commute.
According to the Met Office forecast reported by The Independent, fog in central areas could linger on Tuesday, while cloud and rain would spread across much of England and Wales later in the day.
Colder conditions are expected to follow as temperatures fall below average across much of the country on Thursday and Friday. Frost is forecast to become increasingly widespread, with parts of Scotland potentially experiencing wintry showers.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said snow showers could briefly reach lower ground in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday, although any settling snow would probably remain confined to higher ground.
Drivers are advised to check road conditions before setting off, allow extra travelling time and maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. The Highway Code also recommends using windscreen wipers and demisters to maintain visibility, while remaining alert to motorists travelling without headlights in foggy conditions.
