Automotive lighting#Front fog lamps

Fog lamps are wide beam (hence in Austria often also called wide beam ), located low headlights on motor vehicles that are designed primarily for use in poor visibility due to fog or precipitation.

Function and Applications

Mist consists of tiny droplets of water, which preferably reflect the light toward the light source. The larger the angle between the beam direction of the fog lights and the sight of the driver, the less light is reflected directly by the fog and the better the view of the driver.

Are fog lights used together with the low beam, only results in a wider illumination in the near field. The glare in heavy fog is not reduced. In various vehicle models is used for cornering, the inboard fog lamps for better illumination (simple curve lighting).

Fog lights alone ( or together with the parking lights, but without the simultaneous use of the low beam ) reduce the glare of the driver and thus improve the view. However, their range is smaller than that of the low beam, so this lighting is technically appropriate only in heavy fog. When driving in the dark and heavy fog, it is expedient that the driver of the vehicle lighting constantly adapts to the current situation and, where appropriate alternates between low beam and fog lights.

Legislation

Germany

Fog lamps may be used in Germany in significant obstructions by rain, fog or snow. You may only light up together with the state and / or the low beam. One use of these lights, without a significant visual obstruction is present due to weather, is prohibited. Fog lamps may emit in Germany as the only headlights not only white but also yellow light.

Austria

In Austria may fog lights unless they are built into the front of the vehicle, also be used as daytime running lights. Also, do not just like in Germany are used in combination with state and / or dipped in obstruction of view, but also during the day and in good weather, at night and darkness and curvy road. The only exception in this tunnel dar.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, the use of fog lights is governed by the Road Traffic Act: The fog lights should only be used in fog, blowing snow or heavy rain and at night when driving on winding roads. Fog lights need to create a wide-beam, well described up light; they may be activated only on the side lights, the low beams, the high beams, or a combination of these lights. The top edge of its illuminated surface must not exceed that of the low beams. The unauthorized use of fog lights will be fined with an administrative fine of 40 CHF.

Sweden

In Sweden, fog lamps may be used during the day instead of mandatory daytime running lights. In the dark, they may only be used in fog or strong rainfall. The simultaneous use of dipped headlights and fog lights is expressly prohibited.