A Complete Guide for Properly Using Your Car’s Fog Lights

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Increase your visibility while driving with these added lights
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If you’re traveling and it’s difficult to see in front of you, using your fog lights can help illuminate the road ahead and make you visible to other drivers. These special lights are better at piercing through the fog or haze than your headlights, so it’s important to use them while you’re driving. If you’re not sure what the fog light symbol looks like or where they’re located on your vehicle, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about what your fog lights are and how to safely use them.

Things You Should Know

  • Switch on your headlights since fog lights will not turn on otherwise.
  • Find the button or switch with the fog light symbol, a light with 3 horizontal lines and a vertical wavy line. Press the button or turn the switch to the On position.
  • Use your fog lights when visibility is less than 100 metres (110 yd). Turn off your fog lights once visibility improves so you don’t distract other drivers.
Section 1 of 4:

What are fog lights?

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  1. Front fog lights are usually located just under your standard headlights, while rear fog lights are either below or next to your tail lights. When you have reduced visibility due to fog, rain, or any other severe weather, the fog lights cut through the haze to illuminate the road in front of you. The fog lights also help other vehicles see you more easily. [1]
    • Rear fog lights aren’t standard for every vehicle, so you may not have them.
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Section 2 of 4:

Turning Your Fog Lights On

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  1. Fog lights usually won’t turn on unless your headlights are also lit. Use the control dial or handle switch next to the steering wheel to activate your headlights .
  2. Look near the headlight controls for the fog light symbol, which has 3 parallel horizontal lines going through a vertical wavy line. If the control is a button, press it down to turn on the fog lights. If the control has a switch or dial, turn it until it points at the fog light symbol. The symbol will also illuminate on your dashboard so you can easily tell if your fog lights are still on. [2]
    • If the vertical line is to the left of the light symbol, then it turns on the front fog lights. If the wavy line is on the right side of the symbol, then it turns on the rear fog lights.
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Section 3 of 4:

When should you use your fog lights?

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  1. When there’s fog, rain, dust, or any other weather and you struggle to see other cars ahead of you, flip on your fog lights to make the road more visible. Other drivers will also have an easier time seeing you on the road so you’re less likely to get into an accident. [3]
    • Drive defensively during severe weather and when there’s low visibility. Stay aware of your surroundings and leave more space between you and other vehicles.
    • When you’re stopped in the fog, keep your foot firmly on the brakes to ensure your brake lights are lit up and visible to other traffic.
Section 4 of 4:

Can you leave your fog lights on?

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  1. When the fog clears and you can easily see vehicles driving ahead of you, press the button again or turn the switch to the Off position. Leaving your fog lights on during clear weather could be a hazard since they may dazzle other vehicles or obscure your brake lights. [4]
    • Some state or local laws may charge a fine if you’re caught driving with your fog lights on when there’s normal visibility.
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      Tips

      • If there’s dense fog with zero visibility, pull into a parking lot or driveway and wait for the fog to clear. If you can’t find a parking lot, pull over to the side of the road as far as you can, turn on your flashing hazard lights, and wait for the fog to clear. [5]
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      Warnings

      • Avoid using your high beams when you’re driving in fog since the light will reflect back and cause a glare. [6]
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      • Using your fog lights when the weather is clear may be illegal in your area. Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles to learn the regulations. [7]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/4HxvggH9aCY?t=17
      2. ↑ https://owners-manual.mazda.com/gen/en/mazda3/mazda3_8gd7ee17h/contents/05030302.html
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/glObZE-XS3Q?t=349
      4. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions-226-to-237
      5. ↑ https://www.weather.gov/safety/fog-driving
      6. ↑ https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/online_manual/study-section_7.aspx
      7. ↑ https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/modify-or-build-a-vehicle/modify-or-build-a-light-vehicle-or-trailer/fog-and-driving-lights

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