British drivers warned of £50 fine if they fail to abide by major safety rule
Motorists could be slapped with a £50 penalty for breaking a simple rule this October.
Drivers could be hit with a £50 fine for breaking a little-known driving rule this Autumn, according to experts.
Fog lights are vital tools which expand motorists' visibility in poor weather conditions.
Flicking the switch may be second nature in misty conditions but road users have been warned incorrectly using the lights could backfire.
According to motoring experts and breakdown specialists at the RAC, drivers are “eligible for a fine” if they misuse the tools.
In particular, dazzling other road users with the bright lights could see penalties awarded in a major blow this October.
Although not expensive, specialists have revealed this is likely to be around the £50 mark in a blow for cash-strapped Britons.
The RAC said: “The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 prohibits the use of front and rear fog lights to dazzle other drivers when visibility is not reduced or when the vehicle is parked.
“Confusingly, using fog lights in drizzle and rain is therefore not allowed. You are even eligible for a fine from the police if caught. Once the fog has lifted, switch off your fog lights.
“There will be symbol on your car’s dashboard or on the fog light button itself: it’s normally an amber indicator for rear fog lights and a green one for front fog lights.”
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Fog lights should only be turned on when visibility has been reduced to under 100m or around 328ft, roughly the length of a football pitch.
It means fog lights cannot be switched on when it is raining if visibility is generally clear.
Rule 236 of the Highway Code reads: “You must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights."
Although motorists will not receive penalty points, fines are still likely in some situations.
Dan Jones, operations manager at DrivingExperience.com, revealed a £50 penalty was likely to be issued.
He commented: “Sometimes it is easy to forget you have put your fog lights on as you can’t see them when driving in lighter conditions.
“Failing to do so could mean that not only could you dazzle an oncoming driver and cause an accident, you could also be hit with a £50 fine due to breaking The Highway Code.”
