Sage-Tips

Are rear fog lights legal in US?

Typically, the rear fog light is a bright red light that is the same brightness as your brake lights. In Europe, two rear fog lights are common, but in the United States, this is not currently allowed.

Why do Europeans use rear fog lights?

While not common in the U.S., rear fog lights are mandatory in Europe. The job of the rear fog lamp is to reveal the position of your vehicle when driving in the fog, snow or other conditions that limit visibility. Your normal taillights are fairly dim, so they are not as likely be seen in foggy weather.

Why do European cars only have one reverse light?

European law says that there must be one reverse light and one rear fog light. Car companies either have to give 2*2 reverse and fog light. So to save the cost car companies have one reverse light and one rear fog light which fullfills the law also. In asia there is no such law thats why they have two reverse lights.

Do cars in Germany have to have fog lights?

In fact, vehicles registered in Germany are required to have at least one rear fog light. It is generally found on the driver’s side rear of the car, although some cars may have it in the middle (it’s usually the bright red one). This light is particularly blinding when used improperly inside city limits.

Are rear fog lights mandatory?

Do all cars have fog lights? Rear fog lights are a legal requirement on all cars. Front fog lights are only fitted to certain models, usually as an aesthetic add-on for higher spec cars. All new cars have DRL, daytime running lights that are also intended to do help the car be seen on the road.

Why are vehicles fitted with rear fog light?

Explanation: Rear fog lights make it easier to spot a vehicle ahead in foggy conditions. Avoid the temptation to use other vehicles’ lights as a guide, as they may give you a false sense of security.

Are fog lights required in the US?

In a statement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said, “Fog lamps are considered supplemental equipment, which means there are no applicable federal requirements for these lamps other than they must not impair the effectiveness of the required lighting equipment.”

Why car back light is red?

No matter what, red light will travel the farthest than any other coloured light. Braking is an emergency situation than accelerating your vehicle or any other situation. Hence, red colour is used for brake lights.

Is one reverse light legal?

By law a reversing light is classed as an optional light and not an obligatory light, therefore there is no requirment to have oner at all. However it goes on to state that if you do have an optional light fitted then it must comply with regulations which merely state, 1.

How many reversing lights does a BMW have?

BMWs have the 2 reverse lights, go and check there is a globe in the second one and all, if the first on fails I believe the second one will start working until the first one is fix. You will also get a message in idrive letting you know.

Is it illegal to put fog lights on?

Rule 226 of the Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. Interestingly fog lights are not a legal requirement on vehicles, meaning you don’t have to use fog lights when visibility worsens.

Do all cars come with fog lights?

In Europe all cars comes with rear fog light, therefore this switch is mandatory. In the US fog lights are not mandatory, but the majority of US customers are keen to have front fog lights as an option.

Are front fog lights compulsory in Europe?

In other words, in Europe the front fog lamps are an option but not the rear fog light which is compulsory. In Europe if a customer wants a front fog light, the dealer just changes switch-2 for switch-1 and installs the front fog lamps kit. Switch-1 will activate the front and the rear fog lights/lamps.

What is the purpose of the rear fog light?

It’s mandatory in Europe, and it’s a bright red light — precisely as bright as your brake lights — that reveals the position of your vehicle. This is so your car can be seen in dense fog; normal (fairly dim) taillights couldn’t be spotted in such conditions, so the rear fog light is designed to be brighter and to make your car more visible.

Are rear fog lamps required in the US?

Rear fog lamps are required in Europe but not in the United States, though most European manufacturers include them on cars sold in the United States. And drivers sometimes leave the rear units on even when the skies are clear, just as they do with the front units, which other motorists can find distracting.