RAC urges drivers to stop making 1 fog light mistake or risk £1k fine in December

As we approach Christmas, there are all sorts of things people have to do, and one of them includes brushing up on their driving knowledge. In the winter months, driving conditions change due to the dark, wet and often foggier weather, which means motorists need to keep on top of a few things.

The RAC (Royal Automobile Club) recently issued winter driving advice about the use of fog lights in cars and how using them incorrectly can land drivers with a pretty hefty fine. However, there's a simple thing you can do to avoid it, and all it involves is ensuring you don't make a simple mistake when you're out on the road.

It's not the only handy piece of advice the RAC has issued lately either. Previously, it detailed how people can prevent condensation in their cars by using a simple trick.

In a clip shared on Instagram, the RAC explained: "You're probably using your fog lights wrong, and it could cost you £1,000. According to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), you should only switch your fog lights on when visibility drops below 100 metres.

"That's about the length of a football pitch. If you can see further than that, your fog lights should be off, but research by eBay has found that 60% of drivers use their fog lights at the wrong time, and some even turn them on when visibility is well over 300 metres."

The advice continued: "If you get caught, you can face up to a £1,000 fine, and three points on your licence. And, if that's not enough, almost a half of drivers admit that they use their full beam headlights when it gets dark, regardless of oncoming traffic, and other road users.

"Drivers not using their headlights properly is exactly why the RAC say that headlight glare is one of the biggest nighttime driving concerns, with one in four drivers telling us that they drive less at night due to other vehicles' headlights being too bright."

When to use fog lights

Like the expert explained, drivers should use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. This means you cannot see more than 100 metres ahead.

They should only be used in thick fog, and you should stop using them as soon as visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers. Always use headlights with your fog lights, not high beams, when visibility is poor.

Fog lights are not a replacement for your headlights. Headlights should be used together with fog lights when visibility is considerably reduced.

What happens when you use fog lights incorrectly?

Little you may know, when you use your fog lights incorrectly, you could face up to a £1,000 fine in the UK. You can also get points added to your licence.

Common mistakes include flashing headlights to warn others, using full beams when oncoming traffic is present or having a faulty bulb or alignment that dazzles other drivers. Not to mention, your bulb should also be fitted correctly.

If a fog light bulb is incorrect for the fitting, you have misaligned headlights or tinted headlights, these things can also result in an MOT failure or a fine. Flashing your headlights to signal other drivers for non-safety reasons is also a violation of the Highway Code, which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

One driver responded to the video, stating: "The amount of wrongful usage of fog lights here on the Isle of Wight is absolutely crazy!" Another added: "You're not supposed to use them until it's necessary."

A third also replied: "I knew it was 100m visibility, but [it's] hard to judge the distance. Saying it's a football pitch is really helpful."