Front fog lights

FOG LIGHTS AND THE LAW: The 1989 RVLR link is here:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_1.htm (click on items 25 and 27).
HOWEVER: with councils and the HA now spending LESS on maintaining white-line markings and CAT-EYE replacement than ever before, I find that on badly maintained, unlit roads, the lack of back-reflection from the worn out lines AND failed road-studs (cats-eyes), means that many drivers, including myself, rely on front-fogs to get a better visual cue and road delineation, in the interests of road-safety. The Highways Agency actually has a requirement under TD206/04 for all studs to be checked at least twice per year, and get replaced more than 10% are not working on any stretch of road. The requirement is HIGHER where there is a double-white-line, and even single failed studs should be replaced. TD.

Devil's Avocado, here it is in case you can't find it, note the bit about seriously reducer visibility----http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1989/Uksi_19...
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 provide
"Reg 27. No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle on which any lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below is used in a manner specified in that item in column 3:
Front fog lamp
(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.
(b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
(c) Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.
Rear fog lamp
(a) Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of a following vehicle.
(b) Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.
(c) Save in the case of an emergency vehicle, used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked."

Devil's Avocado, your comment about the use of fog lights being, completely and utterly allowed under 'driver discretion' is sadly wrong. The legislation quite clearly states that fog lights are only to be used under conditions on restricted visibility, check the relevant Road Traffic Act. Resticted visibility does not mean that the sun has gone down, it is referring to fog & mist. Note the clue, fog lights ---- fog!!! If you don't believe me, I shall dig out the details of the act for you, but as you are so "cool", you should be able to find it yourself, hopefully without the use of your so important fog lights.

I used to be a police officer and have nicked several people for inappropriate use of fog lights. It is an offence. We generally stopped cars and informed them that their fog lights were on and asked them to switch them off. Most drivers did but a few thought they were clever and switched them back on after pulling away. That is when we nicked them. We always gave people a chance first. I don't think they look at all cool but there are those that do and thats their right.
It is possible to leave them on as most cars do not automatically switch them off when you switch your headlights off. I think it is down to manufacturers to design the switches in such a way that you have to physically switch them on every time. This would prove intent on the part of the driver to have them on when not necessary and would open the door to easier prosecution. Cool or not isn't the point here. The point is that they can dazzle and may cause an accident. If they are not on then they can't. Simple isn't it!

My girlfriend was recently pulled over whilst driving my car, she had accidentally activated the front fogs because of the twist mechanism on the lighting arm in a Peugeot 306. The Police Officer got quite authoritative - in the way that they sometimes do - because she is a timid young woman in her twenties. This, quite frankly, aggravated me and luckily I had had recent experience of this law by way of a similar incident my father had told me about. The police officer in question started spouting off in his 'I am the law' manner and I looked over to him and questioned the validity of this £30 Moving Traffic Violation fine. Naturally, he was taken aback, I mean, how dare I question the word of the law?!!? But, fairplay, he got on the radio and didn't give me any attitude.

It turns out that the so-called law in question is actually a direction from the Highway Code and, providing that your lights are correctly aligned and in good working order, is completely and utterly allowed under 'driver discretion'.

@TaffyQuad - you'll note that the URL you posted is no longer available, probably because it was stating a falsehood.

All of your above comments, of course are valid, I dislike idiots who drive around with misaligned fogs blaring in my rear view but please... you've got to admit, they do look cool.

:)

My girlfriend was recently pulled over whilst driving my car, she had accidentally activated the front fogs because of the twist mechanism on the lighting arm in a Peugeot 306. The Police Officer got quite authoritative - in the way that they sometimes do - because she is a timid young woman in her twenties. This, quite frankly, aggravated me and luckily I had had recent experience of this law by way of a similar incident my father had told me about. The police officer in question started spouting off in his 'I am the law' manner and I looked over to him and questioned the validity of this £30 Moving Traffic Violation fine. Naturally, he was taken aback, I mean, how dare I question the word of the law?!!? But, fairplay, he got on the radio and didn't give me any attitude.

It turns out that the so-called law in question is actually a direction from the Highway Code and, providing that your lights are correctly aligned and in good working order, is completely and utterly allowed under 'driver discretion'.

@TaffyQuad - you'll note that the URL you posted is no longer available, probably because it was stating a falsehood.

All of your above comments, of course are valid, I dislike idiots who drive around with misaligned fogs blaring in my rear view but please... you've got to admit, they do look cool.

:)

SIDE LIGHTS - BUILT UP AREAS

With all the fuss about the idiot use of fog lights when visibility is still at 2 miles, I almost forgot to mention that in a built up area with adequate street lighting, it is still legal to use side/ parking lights, as dipped beam is not obligatory in such a situation. To me, to drive in a well lit town using dipped headlights, sometimes sitting in a queue of traffic, seems a bit over the top. What about global warming?

This was common practice some years ago. Who can remember the "Dipped Headlamp" experimental period in Birmingham.

In closing, what about the numbies who sit parked, with their headlights on, which is illegal & annoying. The other day, on a narrow road I had such a numby doing that very thing, facing me on my side of the road (illegal on two counts) & it was not until the last second that I saw he had his door wide open, how I missed it I shall never know.

Regarding the uneccesary use of front fog lights, do these morons realise that they are using more fuel by having them switched on. Alternators do not run on fresh air!!

It's rear fog lights that should be banned, they're usless and a throw back. Unlike front driving lights you have to follow the idiots that use rear foglights, more offten than not in fine weather, with things shining in your face.

I suffer from night blindness, and the lights I really hate are those halogen thingeys - the ones that seem to be different colours. They absolutely dazzle me so I can't see, forcing me to slow down and annoying drivers behind me.

And before everyone says its because I'm an old f**t and I shouldn't be still driving, I have suffered from night blindness ever since I started driving at the age of 17 ... so there !!

I think it is about time the police started to pull over the "cool" front fog light fools and issue fines,

Come smash my fog lights Stonelaughter so I can have you thrown in jail you law breaking fool. Fog lights are completely legal for use in fog or not in fog.