Is your vehicle fitted with fog lamps? Do you know when to
switch them on?
Fog lamps can only be used during heavy downpours or in hazy
conditions. During adverse weather conditions, fog lamps can
improve the visibility of the road and other vehicles for drivers.
That is why, since 1994, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has
allowed the installation of fog lamps on vehicles so long as such
lamps comply with the requisite safety standards and are installed
properly.
However, the use of front and rear fog lamps during clear weather
conditions, be it in the day or night, can irritate or cause
discomfort to other road users.
When weather conditions are clear at night, switching on the
vehicle headlamps would be sufficient to enable the driver to see
ahead. Front fog lamps would not further enhance visibility of the
road in clear weather conditions. 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, switching them on unnecessarily may confuse motorists
driving behind you as the intense red light may be mistaken as
brake lights.
Using your vehicle's fog lamps indiscriminately is an offence. So
let's be considerate towards other road users and use fog lamps
responsibly!
