LTA warns 440 for unneccessary use of fog lamps
Don't turn these on in fair weather
By Alvin Chiang
March 11, 2007
IF you have a car with fog lamps, when can you switch them
on?
Only when the visibility is poor, such as during a
thunderstorm.
Otherwise, you may find yourself in trouble with the Land Transport
Authority.
The reason: The glare from these high-intensity lamps can affect
other motorists.
In case you didn't know, you can be fined and jailed for wrong use
of fog lamps.
Last year, the LTA issued warnings to 440 drivers for using their
fog lamps 'unnecessarily in good weather', said LTA spokesman
Naleeza Ebrahim.
'The use of front and rear fog lamps during clear weather
conditions, be it in the day or at night, can irritate or cause
discomfort to other road users.'
Fog lamps are used in poor weather to help drivers see better. They
are aimed low so that drivers can see road markings more clearly
than with standard headlights.
Most sports models of new cars now come with fog lamps
fitted.
The LTA's position is that when weather conditions are clear at
night, drivers should rely on their headlights alone.
'Front fog lamps would not further enhance visibility of the road
in clear weather conditions,' Ms Naleeza said.
'This is because the area illuminated by fog lamps is at a shorter
distance when compared with the light projected from vehicle
headlamps.'
As for the rear fog lamps, they can be mistaken for brake
lights.
The LTA has allowed the use of fog lamps since 1994 because they
can improve visibility in heavy rain and haze.
But it stressed that this did not mean motorists could use them
indiscriminately.
Motorists who switch on their fog lamps in fair weather can be
fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to three months. Repeat offenders
face a fine of up to $2,000 or a jail term of up to six
months.
Some motorists who spoke to The New Paper were unaware of the
rule.
Secondary school teacher Y C Lim, 28, said he preferred using fog
lamps to headlights in his Toyota Camry in all weather
conditions.
'I rarely switch on the headlights unless the weather is very bad,'
he said.
'Usually, I just use the fog lamps. They allow motorists to see my
car and the roads here are well-lit.'
'I think headlights are very bright and can distract other
motorists.'
Mr Lim may be talking specifically about cars fitted with HID (High
Intensity Discharge) headlights, which are whiter and brighter than
usual.
Last year, the LTA told The New Paper that motorists who install
such lights must ensure they comply with international standards
and are aligned correctly.
Motorists who make illegal modifications to their cars can be fined
up to $1,000 or jailed up to three months.
According to Mr Lester Wong, 35, who owns a motor sports company,
some fog lamps are twice as strong as headlights.
'Fog lamps were developed in Europe, where there can be fog. We
don't have fog,' he said.
'Here, fog lamps can cause distraction to other road users and may
lead to accidents.'
