Foggy? In this case you can use fog lights

More lights on are not always safer in traffic. You can blind your fellow road users. When can you actually use your fog lights?

Fog consists of small water droplets suspended in the air. This limits the view. We know four types of fog: fog (more than 1000 meters visibility), fog (less than 1000 meters visibility), dense fog (less than 200 meters visibility) and very dense fog (less than 50 meters visibility).

Turn on fog lights

When can you use your car’s fog lights? You should only use the fog lights on the front of your car when visibility is severely impaired. This is the case when visibility is approximately less than 200 meters.

You may only use the rear fog light if visibility is less than 50 meters. Fog lights are not required by law. In the Netherlands, a rear fog light has been mandatory for new cars since January 1, 1998. Cars from before 1998 sometimes do not have fog lights.

If they are installed on your car, they must be working. Otherwise your vehicle will not be approved by the TÜV. It is advisable to use them when permitted. This has a direct positive effect on your visibility in traffic and traffic safety.

Good for the unnecessary use of fog lights

If you leave your car’s fog lights on when you don’t have to, you could be fined. Since you can significantly impair the visibility of other road users in this way, the fine is 150 euros. However, you also need to make sure you turn on the lights. This is often not the case with new cars in fog. We explain how this works in the video below.

Keep more distance in fog

Although fog lights provide better visibility, there are still some things that can improve safety when you can’t see your hand in front of your eyes. For example, you can increase or even double the distance to the person in front of you. This creates more scope for timely action. It is also advisable to adjust the speed.