Phreddy said:
Thanks for clearing that up RZK. I've been wondering about that, but never got around to checking it out.
Hmmmm - well, like a few others I find that on unilluminated roads (ie- no streetlights) that the fog lamps really help to light up the sides of the road. Certainly helpful when it comes to avoiding errant wildlife! They don't really point upwards, if they did they'd be useless as "fog" lamps anyway!
When I have used them I have gotten the odd flash of beams from cars in the opposite direction - some who simply don't bother to dip their lights at all! As mentioned though, a shot of high beam from my way soon cures that! :yeah: As soon as I get into residential areas though I turn them off, as the roadside is generally well enough lit by the streetlights anyway.
If it's unlawful, why aren't I hearing stories of people being booked for this? I'm not doubting what you say at all RZK - it's just that almost everyone who has fog lamps fitted is using them at night - and many even during the day. Are the wallopers simply turning a blind eye? (so to speak!) Is it possible that when properly adjusted fog lamps don't really shine into oncoming driver's eyes, as do high beams, and therefore the practice is overlooked?
Still, it makes me wonder if I should take the risk - it might be better to not see the 'roo/dog/whatever at the roadside until he's right in front of me. It seems a bit stupid really - if the use of these lights can help drivers identify potential hazards on "country" roads wouldn't this avoid accidents, without affecting other drivers to any great extent?
Still, there's not an abundance of common sense in most of the regulations and laws we see nowadays....
I have no doubt that fog lights asssit in providing you some extra light, but so does a set of driving lights. But that's not the point. The point is, that there are rules regarding their use and the practice of using fog lights when there isn't any fog is illegal. End of story.
As to why Police aren't booking people. I know for a fact they are. But I'd agree with you that people are booked for the offence far too infrequently, as it is clear from the responses on this site alone, that there's a lot of ignorance about the law on this issue.
Or maybe people aren't willing to admit being booked for the offence, but I know people are.
As for properly adjusted foglamps not blinding people. Not possible. The fog light lens projects light forward at approximately 170 degrees in a circular beam. To adjust the light as you suggest (so as to avoid projecting light into oncoming drivers eyes) would in fact mean you would need to rotate the light assembly approximately 90 degrees towards the bitumen due to the lens design, which is defeating the purpose of having the lamp.
Fog lights are 55w or less, designed to cast diffused broadbeam light over a short distance to penetrate fog.
Driving lights are greater than 55w (usually 100w, but can be more) and designed to project a narrow beam of light over a large distance in front of the vehicle and are most effective in crystal clear conditions.
So whilst they both emit light, they are totally different in thier lens design, power outputs as well as thier intended conditions of use, hence the differnt legislation governing their use on pubilc roads.
I'd imagine the other vehicles are flashing you because your fog lights are annoying the crap out of them. I hope the next person you give "
a shot of High Beam" to isn't driving an Unmarked HWP Car!
I can assure if it is, you you'll wish you hadn't done it very quickly and will find yourself being sent on your way with a fistfull of tickets. :cry:
