Home Travel news Driving during winter How to drive in fog & when to use your fog lights

How to drive in fog & when to use your fog lights

Driving in Fog 

Fog can descend very quickly. Your visibility can halve in the blink of an eye. If you feel your visibility is compromised and it's not safe to continue, find a place you can safely pull in and park. If you do, keep your hazard lights on but turn off your headlights, as they may confuse other drivers who think you are still moving. 

cars driving in fog at night

Check the weather

Check the Met Office for weather updates before you head off. If the forecast is for thick fog or mist, consider whether your journey is necessary. Fog can clear up relatively quickly, so it may be prudent to postpone your journey until conditions improve.

How to drive in fog 

If you find yourself driving in foggy conditions, it is important to be extra careful. Reduce your speed and maintain a larger distance between your vehicle and the car in front. You should also leave more space when turning or changing lanes. Check your mirrors as you enter the fog. 

When to use fog lights

Fog lights are designed to limit the glare that comes from typical headlights and are safe to use in low visibility. Only use low beam headlights, as the light from high beams can become diffused in thick fog, reducing visibility further. 

You must only use your fog lights when your visibility is severely reduced, using them at other times can dazzle drivers and obscure your brake lights. 

Why is it dangerous to leave rear fog lights on? 

It is important to only use your rear fog lights when visibility is 100 metres or less (around the length of a football pitch). This is because drivers behind you may not be able to tell if you are braking. 

Get up to date information 

Make sure you check the Met Office for the latest weather and our traffic info map for up-to-date information about the trunk road network.