Is driving without headlights in the fog illegal? It all comes down to visibility – Jalopnik

Some features – such as video games in a Tesla or gesture control in a BMW – are not essential for road safety. Others, like your lamps, are to a large extent. That’s exactly why they are so regulated. For example, white and yellow are the only legal headlight colors in the US. Other features such as turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights and even windshield wipers are also covered by the legislation as they directly affect safety.

So is it illegal to drive in fog without headlights? In short, it all comes down to visibility. Federal law requires cars to be equipped with standardized headlights. Fog lights are not required by law at the federal level, but if they are installed, they must meet federal standards. And individual states impose additional rules. There are 31 states that require headlights when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, while 19 states require headlights when visibility is less than 500 feet.

For example, in Pennsylvania, headlights must be turned on when visibility is reduced to 1,000 feet or less. California has a similar requirement. In Virginia, headlights are required when visibility drops below 500 feet, and in North Carolina the threshold is even lower: 400 feet. In all states, laws require headlights to be required when visibility is poor. Because foggy conditions almost always translate into poor visibility, you are legally required to turn on your headlights.

When visibility is poor, the risk of traffic accidents increases. A study published in Accident analysis and prevention found that novice drivers’ perceptions and reaction times deteriorated significantly while driving in fog, so much so that they ended up in an accident. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you know what to do when visibility is poor. While using your headlights is part of it, it’s not everything.

Slow down first and take your time while driving in the fog. Because your visibility is reduced, you may not always be able to see everyone around you. That’s why listening to traffic is a good idea. If the fog becomes very thick, turn on your hazard lights. You should also use low beams instead of high beams, as high beams can reduce your visibility even further. Rear fog lights are crucial for being visible from behind, but don’t leave them on once it’s clear as they can easily blind other drivers.

Be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from everyone around you. And don’t rely on automatic lights that may not turn on automatically in foggy conditions. Although daytime running lights reduce the risk of accidents by approximately 9%, you should not rely on them even in fog, as they only illuminate the front and are not legally recognized as headlight alternatives.

There are many legal requirements to meet regarding headlights, and visibility is only part of the picture. For example, Virginia and most other states require you to use your headlights when your windshield wipers are in continuous use. This means that when it snows, rains, hails or is foggy, you are legally required to turn them on. All US states require you to keep your headlights on at certain times of the day.

Many also require the use of headlights when driving through specific zones. This means turning on your headlights while driving through tunnels, mountain roads, shaded roads, or through roadworks. Ohio says you should turn on your headlights from dusk to dawn. Failure to do so will be classified as a minor crime. Other states, such as Washington, require headlights to be turned on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Failure to comply with this will be considered a traffic violation.

Either way, depending on the state, you can expect to be fined a few hundred dollars. In California, if you are caught with your headlights off after dark, you can be fined $230 and receive one point on your DMV record. In Nevada, the fine is $205, but you will also get two points added to your DMV record. Worryingly, only half of vehicle headlights tested by IIHS received a good rating, so even if your headlights are on, visibility can still be an issue.