Question for Our English Members
Oct 21, 2019 14:23:41 #
We had a lot of heavy fog here today, and that reminded me of driving in England. One thing I remember is the single red fog light on the rear of all the cars. What's the story with that? Is that standard from the factory? Do you have to turn it on manually? Is there a "standard" switch for it on the dash? Is it required by law.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Oct 21, 2019 14:39:49 #
jerryc41 wrote:
We had a lot of heavy fog here today, and that reminded me of driving in England. One thing I remember is the single red fog light on the rear of all the cars. What's the story with that? Is that standard from the factory? Do you have to turn it on manually? Is there a "standard" switch for it on the dash? Is it required by law.
Thanks!
Thanks!
I found this
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/11/made
This reminded me seeing a red light on Formula 1 rear endon a Grand Prix with rain
Oct 21, 2019 15:12:59 #
juan_uy
Loc: Uruguay
I am not English but cars here all come with this anti-fog light. I think all cars I have drove, the driver has to turn it on manually.
It can either be a switch in the console, or be integrated in the lights "stick".
It can either be a switch in the console, or be integrated in the lights "stick".
Oct 21, 2019 15:17:48 #
RogStrix
Loc: UK
in short:
the old standard tail lights couldn't be seen in heavy fog within the safe braking distance, so if the vehicle in front stopped and you couldn't see it, by the time you did and applied your brakes you would hit it.
So they introduced an extra red light with four times the power, originally it would be a 'bolt on' but it's been fitted as standard for many years now. it is a legal requirement throughout Europe.
The Driver operates it.
the driver should turn it off if there is a car close behind so the 'fog light' doesn't dazzle them, sadly too many don't...
the old standard tail lights couldn't be seen in heavy fog within the safe braking distance, so if the vehicle in front stopped and you couldn't see it, by the time you did and applied your brakes you would hit it.
So they introduced an extra red light with four times the power, originally it would be a 'bolt on' but it's been fitted as standard for many years now. it is a legal requirement throughout Europe.
The Driver operates it.
the driver should turn it off if there is a car close behind so the 'fog light' doesn't dazzle them, sadly too many don't...
Oct 22, 2019 04:45:22 #
Harry0
Loc: Gardena, Cal
And like here, you can't see the brake lights of the car in front of the car in front of you.
THIS you can see.
THIS you can see.
Oct 22, 2019 05:57:42 #
John Sh
Loc: Toronto, Australia
It is standard equipment in Aus and should only be used in low visibility. There are also two white lights at the front. Unfortunately many drivers see them as extra headlights and have them on all the time.
Oct 22, 2019 06:09:13 #
I have fog light at the rear and front of my car which came as stranded. I have to turn the on and off...
Oct 22, 2019 06:15:48 #
You turn it on manually (and off) but it should only come on if the headlights are on. It switches off automatically when the headlights are switched off (but I don't know whether this applies to cars / people who leave headlight function on auto. Now they come as part of the car usually two but occasionally one in the rear light cluster. If supplied singly the other side will compensate with the reversing light (budget models only) but most have two of each. In addition to these a third (second) central one will be mounted on the rear window so it can be viewed from behind the car in front. It is an offence to leave them on if visibility doesn't warrant it.
Oct 22, 2019 06:18:06 #
Hi Jerry, UK vehicles have rear fog lights fitted as standard for many years now. Some car have one but most have two, they are built into the rear light cluster or separately lower down in the bumper. These fog lights have to be switched on manually and the switch is located low down to prevent accidental use, you have to remember to switch them off when there is no fog as they are so bright that another road users can be distracted
Oct 22, 2019 07:12:58 #
Some times there is only one and on the other side is the reversing light.... us Brits like to be frugal but we do stretch to a pair of each sometimes.
Oct 22, 2019 07:15:15 #
RogStrix
Loc: UK
John N wrote:
In addition to these a third (second) central one will be mounted on the rear window so it can be viewed from behind the car in front.
err, not seen a fog light so placed, are you thinking of a high level brake light?
Oct 22, 2019 07:17:01 #
allan catt
Loc: gillingham,kent,uk
I have a single light on the rear of my car which has to be switched on manually ,but it can only be activated when the main light switch is on,it is an offence to drive with it on in when visablity is less than 1000mtrs.
Oct 22, 2019 08:04:50 #
exakta56
Loc: Orford,New Hampshire
Aw shucks! These bright lights sure make tailgating hard on the eyes!!!
Oct 22, 2019 08:07:50 #
Oct 22, 2019 08:46:16 #
allan catt
Loc: gillingham,kent,uk
In my earlier quote I said the distance of vision before you can use rear fog light is 1000 mtrs .it is actually 100mtrs. Sorry for that error. Allan.
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