During this period, the probability of encountering areas with dense fog is very high. This phenomenon can reduce visibility to less than 50 meters, so drivers should reduce speed and be extra careful on the road. But to see better when it’s foggy outside, should the high beam or low beam be turned on, in the case of those who don’t have headlights?
To have better visibility when it is foggy outside, it is recommended to turn on the fog lights. It is also mandatory to turn on the rear fog lamp.
However, not all cars have projectors, so drivers only have the “positions”, low beam and high beam at their disposal.
Are fog lights mandatory?
Only the fog light is mandatory on all cars. Projectors, which are mounted on the front or on the hood or ceiling, are optional.
The fog lamps activate independently of the dipped beam. So when a driver turns on the dipped beam, they don’t activate the fog lights as well.
The fog lights are operated from a switch, separate from the main headlight controls. It can activate the rear fog lamp individually or, if the car is equipped with front fog lamps, both lighting systems.
Fog lights have been designed for use in difficult road conditions when visibility is low. They have the role of making the car more visible in traffic, from a greater distance.
The Highway Code does not provide for penalties for drivers who do not turn on the front fog lights when visibility is reduced. But, turning on the taillight is mandatory in such a situation, regardless of whether it is day or night.
Specifically, fog lights and fog lights should only be used when there is heavy fog, heavy snow or heavy rain. The moment the fog has lifted or the snow or rain has stopped, you must turn off these special lights.
When it’s foggy, should the high beam or low beam be on?
If the car is not equipped with fog lamps, then drivers have a choice between three types of intensity.
“Positions” or in newer cars Daytime Running Light (DRL) are mandatory when driving on a public road. However, they do not actually illuminate the road, but only serve to make the vehicle a little more visible to other drivers. So, this intensity is not recommended when it is foggy outside.
Low beam is recommended during the day and mandatory at night. This provides illumination over a distance of at least 100m, but generally “beats” up to 200m. But when there is dense fog, it will not exceed 20-30 meters.
However, if you turn on the main beam when it is foggy, visibility will not be better. On the contrary, it will be reduced due to the water particles that will “light up” in the headlights.
Therefore, when it is foggy and the car is not equipped with projectors, the dipped beam must be turned on and, in no case, the high beam.
Source: www.promotor.ro
