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!