What Are the Rules for Use of Fog Lights?

Fog lights are special lights designed to be used in foggy, rainy, or low-visibility conditions. They help improve visibility by illuminating the road immediately in front of the vehicle, reducing the glare caused by normal headlights. However, improper use of fog lights can cause discomfort and hazardous driving conditions for other road users. The Motor Vehicles Act and various traffic regulations outline specific rules for the proper use of fog lights in India to ensure that their usage is both safe and legal.

Rules for Use of Fog Lights:

Usage in Foggy or Poor Visibility Conditions:

Fog lights should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced, such as during fog, rain, or stormy weather, where normal headlights might fail to provide proper illumination.

The use of fog lights in clear weather or bright daylight is illegal and can result in a fine.

Switching Off When Not Required:

Fog lights should be switched off once the visibility improves, such as when the fog clears or during bright daylight. Keeping fog lights on unnecessarily can cause glare for other drivers, making it difficult for them to see clearly.

Drivers should turn off their fog lights as soon as visibility improves to ensure they do not disrupt other road users.

Only for Low Beams:

Fog lights are designed to be used with low beam headlights and should not be used in combination with high beam headlights, as the latter can create excessive glare, especially in foggy conditions.

Using high beams along with fog lights is considered a traffic violation and can lead to penalties.

Use of Rear Fog Lights:

Many vehicles are equipped with rear fog lights in addition to front fog lights. These are bright red lights that are intended to help drivers behind you in low visibility conditions.

Rear fog lights should only be used in conditions where visibility is drastically reduced, such as dense fog. Overusing or leaving them on in normal weather conditions can distract or confuse other drivers.

Penalties for Improper Use:

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, using fog lights improperly, such as using them in clear weather or with high beams, can attract penalties.

Fines for misusing fog lights vary across states, but the violation can lead to fines and an on-the-spot challan. In some states, this fine may range from ₹100 to ₹500 for misuse.

Vehicle Manufacturers' Regulations:

Many modern vehicles come with fog lights installed by the manufacturer, and these should only be used as intended. Altering the fog lights or using them for purposes other than their design is a violation.

Vehicles with non-standard fog lights or improperly fitted fog lights may face scrutiny during vehicle inspections and might not pass the necessary fitness test or registration requirements.

Impact on Other Drivers:

It is crucial to note that improper fog light usage can be dangerous for other road users. If fog lights are used incorrectly, they can cause glare, disorientation, and even temporary blindness for drivers coming from the opposite direction.

Drivers are encouraged to use dipped headlights rather than high beams and fog lights in such conditions to maintain safe visibility for all road users.

Road Safety Considerations:

Fog lights are designed to cut through fog and mist by illuminating the road immediately in front of the vehicle without reflecting the light back. Improper use of fog lights in clear weather can reduce the overall visibility for all drivers, compromising road safety.

Road users are advised to always exercise caution and use fog lights in conjunction with other road safety measures, such as speed reduction and increased following distance in poor visibility conditions.

Example:

A driver is traveling on a foggy highway at night and uses front fog lights along with low beam headlights to improve road visibility. As the fog clears and the road conditions improve, the driver turns off the fog lights and continues driving with only normal headlights. This use of fog lights is legally correct and ensures safety without causing any inconvenience to other drivers.

Conclusion:

The rules for using fog lights are clearly defined to ensure that they are only used in specific low-visibility conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. Improper use of fog lights, such as using them in clear weather or in combination with high beams, can lead to penalties and is dangerous for other road users. It is important to ensure that fog lights are used responsibly to enhance road safety and visibility for all drivers.