Fog Lights Regular headlights can reflect off the fog, snow, or dust particles in the air, causing glare and confusing the eyes of drivers so that they cannot see the road adequately. Fog lights, as their name suggests, were developed for use in dangerously thick fog. They can also be used for other conditions in which visibility is severely limited. Fog lights are completely separate units from standard headlights.
Fog Light Beams Fog lights have a unique beam shape. Their beams are flat and wide, and they are positioned low on the car, usually near the front bumper. The shape of the fog light beams usually resembles a narrow bar. They are meant to cut through the fog and light up the surface of the road so that drivers can see well enough to stay on the road and within their lane. In addition to fog and mist, fog lights are also useful where there are significant amounts of dust and snow on the road, either drifting in through the air or being churned up from the surface of the road. Without fog lights, drivers might not see obstacles such as tree branches, wild animals, or debris in time to avoid them.
Restrictions on Fog Lights Fog lights are so strong that most regions outlaw their use except in cases of thick fog or other severe weather. If they are used under normal conditions, other drivers can be blinded by their brightness or distracted by their light pattern. If this happens, the result could be a minor fender-bender or a serious accident. As soon as the fog clears or the mist dissipates, drivers should turn off their fog lights so as not to disturb or distract other drivers. Drivers who use their fog lights when visibility is normal or only slightly reduced could be pulled over by an officer. They may even face a fine if the officer deems the use of the fog lights inappropriate given the weather conditions.