Fog Light Logic

[Bidz]

I was gifted a pair of fog lights by a friend last year. They're currently wired to their own discrete circuit, which takes power straight from a fuse.

What is the condition in which they should be able to be turned on? My assumption would be with dipped beam - so the feed for the lights should come from the dipped beam circuit, so the fog light switch and circuit receives no power when high beam is selected?

Thanks in advance

[bmcecosse]

The whole point of so-called 'fog' lights is that they are aimed low, and have a very flat beam that doesn't reflect back in the fog.... So having them on with headlamps completely defeats the purpose.... They can only be used in Fog or Falling Snow.... Since we get very little fog these days (compared to the good old SMOG days) they will see little use....... Polish them up and keep them in a display cabinet......

[Bidz]

The whole point of so-called 'fog' lights is that they are aimed low, and have a very flat beam that doesn't reflect back in the fog.... So having them on with headlamps completely defeats the purpose.... They can only be used in Fog or Falling Snow.... Since we get very little fog these days (compared to the good old SMOG days) they will see little use....... Polish them up and keep them in a display cabinet......

So with pilot lights then, BMC? Thanks

[mike.perry]

With modern headlights with their sharp cut off beam pattern there is no need for fog lights. I have a pair of fog lights on my Series MM which are wired to the main beam circuit and give a better spread of light when night driving on rural roads

[Bidz]

I have a pair of fog lights on my Series MM which are wired to the main beam circuit and give a better spread of light when night driving on rural roads

If this is legal, it is what I shall do. I quite like the look of them.

[simmitc]

FOG lights are mounted low, and should extinguish when main beam is selected. DRIVING lamps are higher, and should be extinguished when dip beam is selected. There are precise rules about distance from side of vehicle, height from ground, and beam patterns. None of these lamps is required, but if fitted, must operate correctly. Of course, how important the distinction is depends upon the view taken by your MOT tester, and any Traffic Officer who may inspect the vehicle. Most will just smile...

[mike.perry]

My fog lights are set for maximum spread of light and are wired to operate on main beam.

[alexmcguffie]

Also don't forget that your foglights should turn on automatically if a headlight bulb blows... ;)