LED Fog Lights for Cars: Easy Guide & Symbols

Chanaka Sanjeewe Jan 6,2024

Utilising LED fog lights for cars at the right moments is essential for combating reduced visibility, a key factor in ensuring both your safety and that of other drivers. Employing them appropriately not only aids in safe driving but also adheres to legal requirements; misuse, however, might lead to unintended law-breaking and increased risks on the road.

To equip motorists with the necessary knowledge for maximum safety, we delve into driving techniques in foggy conditions, the correct use of fog lights, and deciphering the symbols of these crucial lights. But do you know what unexpected challenges you might face when driving in fog, even with these lights? Stay tuned to uncover these crucial insights.

What Do Fog Lights Do?
Where Are The Fog Lights On A Car?
What Are The Fog Light Symbols?
When to Use Fog Lights
When Should You Not Use Fog Lights? Will You Be Fined For That?
How Should You Use Your Car’s Fog Lights?
How To Turn On Your Fog Lights?
How Do You Know That Your Fog Lights Are On?
When Should You Turn Your Fog Lights Off?
Do All Cars Have Fog Lights?
What Is The Difference Between Daytime Running Lights And Fog Lights
Conclusion
Key Points
FAQs

What Do Fog Lights Do?

LED fog lights for cars play a crucial role in ensuring clear visibility, especially in the UK's unpredictable weather. Here is how these lights help you see clearly while driving in fog or mist:

Front LED Fog Lights: These are your heroes in cutting through mist, fog, rain, or dust. They sit lower than your car's regular headlights, focusing light directly on the road ahead. Imagine driving in winter with low visibility; that's when these lights become essential.
Rear LED Fog Lights: Positioned at the back, these lights serve as a beacon, alerting drivers behind you about your car's presence. Also, having at least one rear fog light in the UK is mandatory by law.

Where Are The Fog Lights On A Car?

Not all cars have front fog lights, but if yours does, look below the headlights. That's where these illuminating wonders are typically found. Meanwhile, rear fog lights are always there, shining at the back of your vehicle. It is a mandatory feature for safety.

And then, there are Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), always on to make your car visible, but they're not the same as LED fog lights for cars. This is because they have been a legal requirement in the UK since 2011.

What Are The Fog Light Symbols?

To turn them on or off, you can find fog light symbols on a button on the dashboard on a steering wheel stalk. In some cases, it's present next to the dial you use to control your regular lights. So, if the fog light is on your steering wheel, here is what the switch might look like:

Front Fog Lights Symbol: Look for a lamp icon pointing left, with diagonal lines cutting through a wavy line.
Rear Fog Lights Symbol: This one's a bit different. It shows a lamp pointing right but with straight horizontal lines. It's your car's way of saying, "Let's make sure the cars behind us know we're here!"

When to Use Fog Lights

If there are no unfavourable weather conditions, you should not use fog lights. Drivers should use fog lights only when the visibility of the road is low due to thick mist, fog, or snow. You can also use fog lights if there is heavy spray on the motorway.

Using high beam lights during low visibility weather conditions is not recommended. This is because the light reflects off the mist or fog, making it difficult for motorists to see the road ahead.

However, note that the Highway Code does not make it mandatory to use fog lights. You are required to use fog lights only if the visibility is at its worst. The reason for this is that fog lights can sometimes be too bright for the person, which can increase the risk of accidents.

However, you should always keep your rear fog switched on when visibility is low. This will help other motorists to identify your presence. So, it does not help you see much clearly, but it’s beneficial for others and their safety as well.

When Should You Not Use Fog Lights? Will You Be Fined For That?

Knowing when not to use LED fog lights for cars is as important as knowing when to use them. So, when should you refrain from using these lights?

Clear Visibility: Just like you wouldn’t wear sunglasses at night, don’t use fog lights when it's clear. They can dazzle other drivers, causing more harm than good.
Highway Code Rule 236: This rule is like the golden rule for fog lights. It strictly says, "No front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced." It's there to prevent dazzling other drivers and hiding your brake lights. If you don’t follow this, you might just get a ticket.

Now, here's a twist - rear fog lights are a bit different. They're always okay to use because they're designed to make sure you're seen by drivers behind you. However, there's a catch:

Wet Conditions: Even when it's just wet outside, using fog lights is a no-go. The reflection off the wet road can be blinding for other drivers.
Rain and Drizzle: Here's where you need to be extra careful. Using fog lights in light rain or drizzle is not only wrong but can also lead to fines.

Wondering what happens next? How do you avoid these fines and use your fog lights correctly? Keep reading to discover the smart way to navigate through the fog!

How Should You Use Your Car’s Fog Lights?

Operating your car's LED fog lights isn't complicated. Most vehicles have separate buttons for front and rear lights. One for the front and one for the rear. Some also consist of a collar on the light stalk that you turn back and forth in order to turn it on.

It's essential to familiarise yourself with these controls, as improper use can lead to safety hazards. But how exactly do you use them effectively? Let's delve into that.

How To Turn On Your Fog Lights?

Turning on your LED fog lights for cars is a breeze. The controls are usually located on the dashboard or the light stalk. However, the location can vary, so it's wise to consult your owner’s manual to find out where it is located.

In newer vehicles, they're often controlled by a knob under an air conditioning vent. But in older vehicles, you can find the buttons for the fog light on the indicator stick placed on the left of the steering wheel.

How Do You Know That Your Fog Lights Are On?

Most vehicles have indicators on the dashboard, showing when the lights are on. The buttons usually light up when the fog lights are on. The symbol for the front fog lights is a lamp that is oval-shaped, along with three diagonal lines intersected with a vertical wavy line to its left.

But when it comes to the rear fog lights, the symbol is a lamp that is oval in shape along with three horizontal lines bisected by a vertical wavy line to its right. Familiarising yourself with these indicators is key to ensuring you're using your fog lights correctly.

When Should You Turn Your Fog Lights Off?

As soon as visibility improves or it becomes normal, switch them off to avoid dazzling other drivers. This is not only courteous but also a requirement under the Highway Code. You should also avoid keeping the fog lights on while your vehicle is parked. Doing this will result in a fine. So, always be mindful when using fog lights.

Do All Cars Have Fog Lights?

In the UK, it is mandatory by law to have at least one rear fog light. This is done so that every vehicle will have at least one rear fog light. However, front fog lights are not required legally. Because of this, most manufacturers only include them in high-end models. In this case, you can find them below the headlights.

What Is The Difference Between Daytime Running Lights And Fog Lights

Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which is an LED strip on the front of some cars, have been fitted to all new cars since 2011 in the UK. Whenever the car is on, it lights up. This is there in order to make your car more visible to other motorists. However, note that these lights don't perform the same function as front fog lights.

Keep in mind to check whether the lights are on if your car is fitted with automatic lights that activate with low light levels. This is because, during foggy conditions, they might not get activated automatically.

Also, vehicles that have daytime running lights should be checked to see if the rear lights are switched on. This is because most vehicles that have this feature only illuminate the front lights.

Conclusion

Understanding LED fog lights for cars is vital for safe driving in adverse weather conditions. Whether it's knowing when to use them, how to operate them, or recognizing their symbols, this guide has illuminated the path for you. Always remember safety comes first, and using your fog lights correctly is a big part of that. Drive safe and stay visible!

Key Points

LED fog lights for cars play a crucial role in ensuring clear visibility, especially in the UK's unpredictable weather.
Front LED fog lights help in cutting through mist, fog, rain, or dust.
Rear LED Fog Lights, positioned at the back, these lights serve as a beacon, alerting drivers behind you about your car's presence.
Not all cars have front fog lights, but if yours does, look below the headlights.
To turn them on or off, you can find fog light symbols on a button on the dashboard on a steering wheel stalk.
Operating your car's LED fog lights isn't complicated. Most vehicles have separate buttons for front and rear lights.
Most vehicles have indicators on the dashboard, showing when the lights are on.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) light up whenever the car is on. This is there in order to make your car more visible to other motorists.

FAQs

How Do I Turn My Fog Lights On?

In most vehicles, you'll find a separate button dedicated to the fog lights. This button is usually located on the dashboard or on a control stalk near the steering wheel. Just press this button to turn your fog lights on.

Do Fog Lights Really Work?

Absolutely! LED fog lights for cars are specifically designed to improve your visibility in poor weather conditions like fog, mist, or heavy rain. However, remember to use them only for their intended purpose and not in clear visibility.

Do All Cars Have Fog Lights?

Every car has rear fog lights because it's mandatory by law. But not every car has front fog lights because they're not legally required.

What Is the Purpose of Fog Lights in a Car?

The primary purpose of fog lights is to enhance visibility when it's compromised by fog, mist, rain, or dust. These lights illuminate the road better under these specific conditions, helping you to see and be seen.

Which Lights Do You Use in Fog?

In foggy conditions, it's advisable to use your main headlights along with your fog lights, especially when visibility falls below 100 meters. Remember, high beams are not suitable in fog as they can reflect off the fog and reduce visibility further.