Q304: Do you have any tips for driving in winter conditions / fog?

It is safest to assume that all the lights on your vehicle must be in working order – if they aren't you may commit an offence. However, there are exemptions in relation to a:

• rear fog lamp on a vehicle which is part of a combination of vehicles, any part of which is not required to be fitted with a rear fog lamp.
• rear fog lamp on a motor vehicle drawing a trailer.
• defective lamp, reflector, dim-dip device or headlamp levelling device on a vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset, if any such lamp, reflector or device became defective during the journey which is in progress or if arrangements have been made to remedy the defect as soon as possible.
• lamp, reflector, dim-dip device, headlamp levelling device or rear marking on a combat vehicle in use on a road between sunrise and sunset.
• front fog lamp or a daytime running lamp on a vehicle which was first registered before 1st March 2018.

Driving in icy and snowy weather
In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck, or your vehicle breaks down.

Before you set off

• you MUST have a full view of the road and traffic ahead, so clear snow and ice from all your windows
• you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
• make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are de misted thoroughly
• remove all snow from your roof and bonnet, to avoid it slipping or being blown over your windscreen, or flying into the path of another car
• remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
• check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snow falls or severe weather are predicted.

When driving in icy or snowy weather:

• drive with care, even if the roads have been treated
• keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads
• take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle
• Watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared
• be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances
• Listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control.
You should:

• drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently
• drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions
• check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.

Driving in fog
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If ‘Fog’ is shown on a sign but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.

When driving in fog you should

• use your lights as required (see below)
• keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security
• be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster
• use your windscreen wipers and demisters
• beware of other drivers not using headlights
• not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you
• check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down
• stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see below) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

Lights mounted on the windscreen wipers are unlawful because lights on vehicles cannot flash, move or dazzle other drivers.

Lights mounted on the screen wash nozzle may be legal if they do not flash, move or dazzle other drivers - this would ultimately be a matter for a court to decide.

It is illegal to have any red lights to the front of the vehicle.

When non-standard lights are fitted to a vehicle it is not always possible to provide a definitive answer as to their legality but in many cases they will be unlawful. However, ultimately, it will be a matter for a court to decide.

If the light can be seen from the rear of the vehicle (which more than likely will be the case with these types of lights) then an offence is committed as the only lights that can be seen from the rear of the vehicle have to be red (subject to certain exceptions, e.g. indicator lights and reverse light). If you are found guilty of this offence you could face a substantial fine.

The situation is the same for neon lights of other colours.

You must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226 of the Highway Code) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.