Driving in Blizzard with Fog Lights

[BobinIndy]

I had the same issue in a recent snow storm, couldn't see jack squat. I actually ran with just my parking lights for a hot second, which was actually a bit better, but obviously not a great idea as it made me less visible to others, wasn't legal, etc.... so I only did it briefly to see the difference. The fog lights did help a bit, but was also wanting a front fogs only setting in the moment (pretty sure it'll never happen as I think it's a DOT no-no). I think the yellow fog tint might be the best option.

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[Madsen203]

I’ve always tapped my fog lights to trigger with parking lights so I would just run parking or DLR’s and fog when needed and then could enable headlights which would keep fog lights on as well.

 

[CO-rayman]

I’ve always tapped my fog lights to trigger with parking lights so I would just run parking or DLR’s and fog when needed and then could enable headlights which would keep fog lights on as well.

Thanks, that's a great idea.

As @BobinIndy, I tried the parking lights only and it was just scary in the blizzard because I am sure others couldn't see me.

But, I love this idea of tapping the fog lights with the parking lights. I bet it would be bright enough, especially if I use a yellow bulb or wrap it yellow as @Kuro-Rivian suggested.

Of course, as soon as I do this, Rivian is going to come out with an OTA update to turn on the fog lights independently

 

[opnwide]

Here's @kanundrum 's twraps yellow fogs. Might make some difference to the human eye's perception.?

 

[CO-rayman]

Here's @kanundrum 's twraps yellow fogs. Might make some difference to the human eye's perception.?

Thanks for the post.

In search of the right answer to this problem, I found some support about using a yellow fog light. I know in the olden days, they used to put yellow fog lights on cars. I am not sure why the manufacturers moved away from that.

https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a38451079/yellow-fog-lights/

 

[yizzung]

Yeah, I mean isn't the whole idea behind "fog lights" offering lights that illuminate close to the ground, you know.. below the fog and below your line of sight? Having "fog lights" that only work when the main beams are on is idiotic and the exact opposite of what needs to be done because it actually makes the visibility situation worse.

It's illegal in many states to drive with your fog lights on and your headlights off. https://www.lesschwab.com/article/how-do-i-drive-safely-in-fog.html

 

[NY_Rob]

It's illegal in many states to drive with your fog lights on and your headlights off. https://www.lesschwab.com/article/how-do-i-drive-safely-in-fog.html

Thanks.. from your article...

"What You Should Know about Fog Lights

Fog lights are designed to be used at low speed in fog, heavy mist, snow and other poor-visibility situations. They’re different from daytime running lights. They are an extra pair of lights mounted low on the vehicle, with the thinking that fog doesn’t settle on the road surface but hovers 12 to 18 inches above it. They aim light into this layer of fog-free air. They also point to the right enough that the driver can see the solid, white “fog line” at the road edge as a guide."

 

[CO-rayman]

It's illegal in many states to drive with your fog lights on and your headlights off. https://www.lesschwab.com/article/how-do-i-drive-safely-in-fog.html

Great find @yizzung!

While I appreciate lessschwab's effort in compiling a list per state, I can't find any legal authority (at least in Colorado) that confirms lessschwab's statement that fog lights have to be used with headlights.

Your state may of course be different but I looked into the Colorado rules (using a google search) and the closest section I found says as follows:

"(2) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less than twelve inches nor more than thirty inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that, when the vehicle is not loaded, none of the high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the requirements of this subsection (2) may be used with lower head-lamp beams as specified in section 42-4-216(1)(b)."

Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-42-vehicles-and-traffic/co-rev-st-sect-42-4-212/

That last section mentioned in the law says:

"(1) Except as provided in this article, the head lamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or the auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles, other than motorcycles or low-power scooters, shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and such lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:

...

(b) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred feet ahead;  and on a straight level road under any condition of loading, none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver."

Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-42-vehicles-and-traffic/co-rev-st-sect-42-4-216/


Hence, the fog lamps "may be used" with low beam headlamps. This does not, however, mean they have to be used together, as long as you can illuminate 100 feet on a clear day and you don't blind the oncoming traffic.

This makes sense to me having driven in heavy fog and blizzard conditions over the years with cars that allowed you to run the fog lights independent of the headlights.

Also, regarding glare, it's a non-issue in blizzard or heavy fog since the light won't be blinding any on-coming traffic. You'd be lucky if you could illuminate a 100 feet.

The rules are an interesting read and some sections confirm what @NY_Rob mentioned about the requirements of 12 inches off the ground, etc.

 

[Zoidz]

…
I can’t recall of any modern cars where you can have the fogs on without your headlights on
.….

My 2010 Avalanche and 2016 BMW X3 allow you to turn on the fogs independent of the headlights.

 

[EVnewb]

I’ve always tapped my fog lights to trigger with parking lights so I would just run parking or DLR’s and fog when needed and then could enable headlights which would keep fog lights on as well.

I did the exact same thing in our ‘05 4Runner and it worked great. There are certain situations when using fog lights only is the best way to drive safely. Doubt it’s as simple to do in these smart trucks, but I’m going to try it.

I also covered the R1T fog lights with some yellow tint and that has made a noticeable difference in the fog.

 

[moosehead]

IIRC from other snow driving threads others have pointed out that the front belt line lights between the headlamps may be causing the most reflective challenges in nighttime snow.

It may be worth a blackout or dark tint PPF outing to gauge how much.

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