LTA warns 440 for unneccessary use of fog lamps
Don't turn these on in fair weather
By Alvin Chiang
March 11, 2007
IF you have a car with fog lamps, when can you switch them on?
Only when the visibility is poor, such as during a thunderstorm.
Otherwise, you may find yourself in trouble with the Land Transport Authority.
The reason: The glare from these high-intensity lamps can affect other motorists.
In case you didn't know, you can be fined and jailed for wrong use of fog lamps.
Last year, the LTA issued warnings to 440 drivers for using their fog lamps 'unnecessarily in good weather', said LTA spokesman Naleeza Ebrahim.
'The use of front and rear fog lamps during clear weather conditions, be it in the day or at night, can irritate or cause discomfort to other road users.'
Fog lamps are used in poor weather to help drivers see better. They are aimed low so that drivers can see road markings more clearly than with standard headlights.
Most sports models of new cars now come with fog lamps fitted.
The LTA's position is that when weather conditions are clear at night, drivers should rely on their headlights alone.
'Front fog lamps would not further enhance visibility of the road in clear weather conditions,' Ms Naleeza said.
'This is because the area illuminated by fog lamps is at a shorter distance when compared with the light projected from vehicle headlamps.'
As for the rear fog lamps, they can be mistaken for brake lights.
The LTA has allowed the use of fog lamps since 1994 because they can improve visibility in heavy rain and haze.
But it stressed that this did not mean motorists could use them indiscriminately.
Motorists who switch on their fog lamps in fair weather can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to three months. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to $2,000 or a jail term of up to six months.
Some motorists who spoke to The New Paper were unaware of the rule.
Secondary school teacher Y C Lim, 28, said he preferred using fog lamps to headlights in his Toyota Camry in all weather conditions.
'I rarely switch on the headlights unless the weather is very bad,' he said.
'Usually, I just use the fog lamps. They allow motorists to see my car and the roads here are well-lit.'
'I think headlights are very bright and can distract other motorists.'
Mr Lim may be talking specifically about cars fitted with HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights, which are whiter and brighter than usual.
Last year, the LTA told The New Paper that motorists who install such lights must ensure they comply with international standards and are aligned correctly.
Motorists who make illegal modifications to their cars can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to three months.
According to Mr Lester Wong, 35, who owns a motor sports company, some fog lamps are twice as strong as headlights.
'Fog lamps were developed in Europe, where there can be fog. We don't have fog,' he said.
'Here, fog lamps can cause distraction to other road users and may lead to accidents.'
sometimes the road is bright enuf i juz on foggies and small light...big light like overkill liao leh..
