Rear Fog Lights

[developer]

The observer of my driving for the IAM course I'm on asked my view (npi) about rear fog lights in heavy rain.

I told him I frowned upon rear fog light use in heavy rain as they dazzled the drivers behind, and made brake lights harder to distinguish.

He said he drove with rear fog lights on in heavy rain because they made drivers who were too close drop back because they were being dazzled.

I was surprised at his view.

We didn't discuss the legal position.

 

[renault12ts]

I think the legal position is fog or heavy rain. To be honest I'd prefer the overuse in heavy rain conditions than the predominant under use in fog.

 

[Doodle]

From the Highway Code:

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

Rule 226 - You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236).

 

[brucemillar]

I though it was all down to visibility. Something like 100 meters ?

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[markjay]

It would seem that the driver has no discretion in the matter, and that rain is not a consideration as such.

If visibility is poor - be it due to fog, rain, smoke or otherwise - use of rear fog light is mandatory.

When visibility is good - wet or dry - use of rear fog lights is not permissable.

At least this is how read the legislation?

 

[tjamesbo]

Hows the course john ? always fancied doing one myself but never got round to it
Whats involved these days? apart from getting rid of bad habits, dont tell me your using the E63
Which bits are hard ? still do the running commentary bit? ....volvo ahead.... be careful

 

[KillerHERTZ]

One of my pet hates, drives me mad! Never have any problem with people having their front ones on

 

[Palfrem]

I would agree with you John.

Makes it difficult to spot brake lights.

 

[developer]

Hows the course john ? always fancied doing one myself but never got round to it
Whats involved these days? apart from getting rid of bad habits, dont tell me your using the E63
Which bits are hard ? still do the running commentary bit? ....volvo ahead.... be careful

It's great Boyd - I've got lazy in so many areas. Yes it's in the 63 .

The commentary is very effective, but I struggle to describe things succinctly enough to keep pace with what he expects me to spot.

Do it - it's proper fun.

 

[BTB 500]

If someone is driving too close behind aren't you meant to take this into account by leaving a bigger gap in front of you (reducing the chance of hard braking)?

Rear fogs will still be dazzling at a perfectly safe distance if the visibility isn't seriously reduced.

 

[Dieselman]

The observer of my driving for the IAM course I'm on asked my view (npi) about rear fog lights in heavy rain.

I told him I frowned upon rear fog light use in heavy rain as they dazzled the drivers behind, and made brake lights harder to distinguish.

He said he drove with rear fog lights on in heavy rain because they made drivers who were too close drop back because they were being dazzled.

I was surprised at his view.

We didn't discuss the legal position.

I have always found AIM drivers to be rather Pious. That statement typifies my previous experience.

 

[nb_racing]

I have always found AIM drivers to be rather Pious. That statement typifies my previous experience.

What or who are AIM drivers?

 

[Dieselman]

What or who are AIM drivers?

The Feckers you should Aim for because they have their fog lights on...

 

[Dieselman]

Maybe it was meant to say IAM.