In this toolbox we devote attention to driving in fog. In this toolbox we give you tips that can help avoid chain collisions and skidding accidents. This way we arrive safely at work and return home without a scratch, albeit later than usual.
To better understand the following tips, it is good to know what fog really is, how it emerges and not to underestimate the risks of driving in fog.
What is fog and how does it emerge?
When to turn on fog lights and when not?
When to turn on fog lights and when not? Legally, it is mandatory for every car to have fog lights. Despite the fact that fog lights are mandatory, there also are specific rules as to when you are allowed to turn them on. By far not everyone abides by these rules and a car’s fog lights often are also turned on in case of bad weather. So, when are you allowed to turn them on and when is this not allowed?
When to use fog lights
Having fog lights at the rear of the car is mandatory. They are optional at the front, but most cars are nevertheless still equipped with them. But when should the fog lights be used? When should you turn on the fog lights in front and when should you turn them on at the rear of the car? Dutch legislation is very clear on this topic.
When to turn on the rear fog lights
The rear fog lights may only be turned on when visibility is less than 50 metres. In practice this means that at a normal distance behind the preceding car, the rear of this car is no longer visible. If you can still see the car in front, then you do not yet have to turn on the rear fog lights. The cars behind you can still see you sufficiently clearly.
When to turn on the front fog lights
You are allowed to use the front fog lights when visibility is less than 200 metres. Outside the built-up area you can use the hectometre markers as a point of reference. These markers are spaced 100 metres apart. Inside the built-up area you can use the distance between the lampposts as a point of reference. These lampposts are generally spaced 50 metres apart.
When not to turn on the fog lights
When to turn on the fog lights is difficult to assess for many road users. The front fog lights may be turned on when visibility is less than 200 metres, but they are often turned on for show, because that fits a car’s style. In addition, many people turn on the car’s fog lights when there is severe rain or a snow storm. In all of these situations, the use of fog lights is not permitted and you could be fined.
How to turn on the fog lights
Now that you know when to turn on the fog lights, there is still one more question: how do you turn them on? Because fog lights seldom need to be turned on, the buttons may not be easy to find for everyone.
The front fog lights are designated by a symbol of a lamp that shines downward with a vertical squiggle line through it. This symbol is lit up in green.
The rear fog light is designated by a symbol of a lamp that shines horizontally also with a vertical squiggle line through it. This symbol is lit up in orange or red, however. Another difference is that the symbol for the front fog lights points to the left and the other symbol points to the right.