How to Turn On Fog Lights｜BLIAUTO Automotive Lighting & Safe Driving Guide

When driving in foggy weather or on roads with reduced visibility, fog lights can significantly enhance driving safety. They can penetrate fog, snow haze, and other low-visibility conditions, helping drivers see the road more clearly while making the vehicle more visible to others. However, many drivers are unfamiliar with how to operate their fog lights and may fumble in critical moments. Today, BLIAUTO will walk you through the functions of fog lights, how to turn them on, and key usage tips.

1. Functions and Types of Fog Lights

Fog lights are mainly divided into front fog lights and rear fog lights, each serving different purposes:

Front fog lights: Usually mounted on both sides of the front bumper. They produce a wide, low beam that reduces glare from light reflecting off fog, illuminating the road surface at close range.

Rear fog lights: Located at the rear of the vehicle. They are brighter and usually red, designed to alert drivers behind you to maintain a safe distance.

Fog lights are not simply “brighter headlights” — they are lighting tools specifically optimized for low-visibility driving conditions.

2. How to Turn On Fog Lights (Examples for Different Vehicles)

Different car brands and models use different fog light controls, but the main types are:

1. Rotary Switch Control

Common in German cars (e.g., Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz).

How to operate: From the off position, pull the light control knob outward once to turn on the front fog lights, and pull it out again to turn on the rear fog lights.

2. Integrated Light Stalk Control

Common in Japanese cars and some domestic Chinese models.

How to operate: With the low beam headlights switched on, push or pull the stalk to activate the fog lights.

3. Independent Button Control

Found in some SUVs and off-road vehicles.

How to operate: Press the “Front Fog” or “Rear Fog” button directly. The corresponding fog light indicator will appear on the dashboard.

Tip: Most vehicles require low beam headlights to be switched on before fog lights can be activated — a safety feature by design.

3. Recognizing Fog Light Symbols on the Dashboard

Front fog light symbol: Green lamp icon with three curved lines to the left.

Rear fog light symbol: Yellow or red lamp icon with three curved lines to the right.

By checking the dashboard indicators, you can confirm whether the fog lights are on.

4. Proper Situations for Fog Light Use

Fog lights are not for all conditions — they are best used in:

Heavy fog, downpours, or sandstorms: Improves your visibility to others.

Roads with visibility below 200 meters: Especially important on highways or mountain roads.

Do not misuse fog lights: Using them in clear weather or in urban areas at night can cause glare for oncoming drivers or those ahead of you, creating safety hazards and possibly leading to fines.

5. Safety Tips for Using Fog Lights

Turn on only when needed: Follow the principle of “on in low visibility, off when visibility is clear.”

Use with other lights: Front fog lights are often paired with low beams; rear fog lights should only be used in extremely poor visibility.

Avoid prolonged rear fog light use: Excessive brightness can distract or mislead drivers behind you.

Check fog lights regularly: Ensure bulbs are not worn out and the lens is clean and undamaged.

6. Conclusion

Though small, fog lights can give drivers valuable reaction time and reduce accident risk in severe weather. Knowing how to operate them correctly is not just an essential driving skill — it’s also a responsibility to protect yourself and others.

BLIAUTO reminds you: Fog lights are not “decorative lights” — they are safety tools for critical moments. Learn to operate them properly, and you’ll drive with more confidence in fog, rain, and mist.