Van drivers risk £50 fines for misusing fog lights, warns MoneySuperMarket

Van drivers could face £50 fines for incorrect fog light use, according to MoneySuperMarket, which has highlighted widespread confusion over the Highway Code rules.

A survey by the comparison site found that one in five drivers does not know the legal requirements for fog light use, putting them at risk of penalties without realising it.

Rule 236 of the Highway Code states that fog lights must not be used unless visibility is “seriously reduced”, as they can dazzle other road users and obscure brake lights.

Despite this, MoneySuperMarket’s research shows that one in three drivers believes it is acceptable to use fog lights in normal rain.

Incorrectly switching them on too early, forgetting to turn them off or using them in the wrong weather conditions could lead to a fixed penalty notice.

Sara Newell, van insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Fog lights are designed for extreme conditions, so it’s important to use them only when visibility drops below 100 metres – roughly the length of a football pitch.

“Switching your fog lights on in light rain or clear conditions might seem helpful, but it can dazzle other drivers and increase the risk of an accident.

“It’s also easy to forget they’re on, especially if the weather improves mid-journey. Always double-check your lights before setting off and when conditions change.”