On 30 November 2009 there will be some changes to the road rules for front fog lights

The new rules

The new road rules now require that a driver of a vehicle fitted with front fog lights (or rear fog lights) must not operate the fog lights unless the driver is driving in fog or other hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility.

What is a front fog light?

The Road Rules 2009 define a front fog light as being "..a light other than a headlight fitted to the front of a vehicle to improve illumination of the road in fog, snowfall, heavy rain or dust clouds".

How do I know if my vehicle is fitted with a front fog light?

Some drivers may be confused about what are the various lights fitted to the front of their vehicle.  A quick check of the vehicle driving manual might help or seek advice from the manufacturer:

Front Fog Lights:- These are optional lights which are designed and fitted to improve the lighting of the road ahead during times of reduced visibility.  If fitted they must be aligned to the front of the vehicle so as not to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to oncoming drivers and other road user.

• They may only emit white or yellow light; and
• They must be able to be switched on and off independent of the high and low beam headlamps.
• There must be a non flashing tell-tale light displayed on the dashboard and visible to the driver which illuminates when the front fog lights are on.
• If they stay on when the headlights are on they are fog lights

Day Time Running Lights:- These are optional forward facing lights which are designed and fitted to make the motor vehicle more easily visible to other road users when driving during daytime.

• They must be aligned to the front of the vehicle so as not to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to oncoming drivers and other road user;
• They may only emit white light;
• They must switch off automatically when the headlights are switched on;
• If they go off when the headlights are turned on they are daytime running lights.

What do you have to do?

Make sure you know what types of light are fitted to the front of your vehicle. If you are not sure check the switches, your vehicle's driving manual or with the vehicle manufacturer.  If your lights are front fog lights they can only be used to improve illumination of the road in fog, snowfall, heavy rain or dust clouds.

Road safety reasons

The new rule has safety benefits in that drivers must not unnecessarily use too many lights on their vehicle which may dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users.

• Fact Sheet(84KB)