Front Fog Lights & Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

In inclement weather where fog is present, front fog lamps can help you to see the road ahead and show other drivers where you are. Similarly, Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) have been proven to cut accident rates in nations where they are compulsory. Mandatory on all new cars after 2011 it is the owner’s responsibility to make sure DRLs are maintained in good working order.

Our range of European standard approved fog lights includes rear fog lights and LED fog lights too, giving you one of the greatest choices of fog lights from online car part retailers.

What You Need To Know About Fog Lights And Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

Fog lights are to help all drivers when there is reduced visibility. These can either be in the front of the vehicle or the rear. It is not a legal requirement for fog lights to be used when driving in fog, however it is highly recommended so other drivers can see your vehicle. However, it is illegal to use fog lights in normal driving conditions. This can result in a fixed penalty notice, which is a £30 fine but no penalty points.

A link for The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/contents/made

What is the difference between fog light and daytime running light (DRL)?
Fog lights are bright lights used on a vehicle in foggy or bad weather conditions with reduced visibility. It warns other drivers of one’s presence. Daytime lamp also known as a daytime running lamp on the front of the vehicle. It will emit either a white, yellow or amber light to improve conspicuity of the vehicle during the day. These are a new feature in newer vehicles and will remain on when the vehicle is being driven. The difference is that fog lights must only be used during bad weather conditions where visibility is poor and daytime running lights allow the vehicles visibility for others during daylight. Which has become a legal requirement.

Front Fog Lights & DRL Term Buying Guide

Here is an explanation of the terms used to help you choose the correct Front Fog Lights and Daytime Running Lights for your car.

Drivers Side Right Hand Side Unit UK
Passenger Side Left Hand Side Unit UK
O/S Off Side  Drivers Side Right Hand Side
N/S Near Side  Passenger Side Left Hand Side
Fog Light A bright light on a motor vehicle, used in foggy conditions to improve road visibility or warn other drivers of one's presence.
Daytime Lamp A daytime running lamp (DRL, also daytime running light) is an automotive lighting and bicycle lighting device on the front of a road going motor vehicle or bicycle, automatically switched on when the vehicle is moving forward, emitting white, yellow, or amber light to increase the conspicuity of the vehicle during daylight conditions.
Bulb Holder This holds the bulbs and is then fixed in to your fog light

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fog lamps for a car?
Fog lights have a shape resembling a narrow bar. Their beam is flat and wide. Positioned low on the car they are usually situated near the front bumper. They are designed to improve drivers’ visibility, allowing drivers to avoid any obstacles in the road that might not be noticeable otherwise in poor conditions, e.g. branches, small animals etc. Fog lights are also useful where there are significant amounts of dust and snow on the road.

When should front fog lights be used?
If your car has front fog lights (it is not a legal requirement to have front fog lamps), they should be used only when the fog is extremely thick. They provide a slight advantage in visibility, throwing out a low, wide beam to help you see the edges of the road. They can be used in the same way as rear fog lights.

What does DRL light mean?
DRL is an abbreviation of Daytime-Running Light

What do daytime running lights do?
Daytime running lights (DRL) are purpose-made, low-wattage lights that can be fitted to a vehicle and used during the day to improve the visibility of a vehicle to other drivers as well as pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

How do you install DRLs?
We recommend that all Lighting is installed by a fully qualified auto electrician to ensure our parts are fitted safely and correctly.

What does the law say about DRLs?
Daytime Running Lights Law says that vehicle manufacturers must fit DRLs to all new types of passenger car and light goods vehicle (car derived vans) type approved to European vehicle requirements from February 20111

Legalities

From February 2011 it is a legal requirement for new vehicles to have day time running lights fitted. If your vehicle is from before this date, you are not required to have the daytime running lights.