Warning for motorists driving in fog as you could be hit with fines

EXPERTS are warning drivers of a common mistake while driving in fog that could cost them £50.

Every winter in the UK is marked by thick fog, which causes havoc for motorists – who are already having to contend with slippery conditions.

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And most motorists will opt to use their fog lights to help with the lack of visibility.

But it could land them with a £50 fine if done at the wrong time.

Road users are also told not to use full beam lights because the fog reflects the light back, reducing visibility even further.

The Highway Code says: “You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.

“You may also use front or rear fog lights, but you must switch them off when visibility improves.”

And fines of between £30 and £50 could be used to discipline drivers for not having their fog lights on.

The RAC says that if, while driving in fog, your car is involved in an accident and you weren’t using your fog lights, it could invalidate your car insurance.

LIGHT THE WAY

The lights are made to cut through the fog and make it as safe as possible to continue to travel.

However, if you continue to use them while conditions are better, you risk dazzling other drives.

And Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 prohibits the use of front and rear fog lights when visibility is not reduced or when the vehicle is parked.

Drivers should make sure that their windscreen washer reservoir is topped up with screen wash, so they can rinse off any debris while driving.

Also, give all your car windows a thorough cleaning, including the area beneath the windscreen wipers.

It’s possible for dust, tar, tree sap and grime to build up at this time of year, so a regular check is necessary.

Lastly, drivers should always listen at junctions to get as much extra information as possible about any oncoming vehicles.

But bear in mind that thick fog can have the effect of deadening sound and make judging the speed more difficult.