Motor Expo 2026

Another type that is often used incorrectly is fog lights. New car models often come with headlights under the bumper installed from the factory, or they are special equipment that requires extra money to buy. Some people buy and install them themselves 

Fog lights are designed to be used only when there is fog. Therefore, the position of these lights must be as low as possible from our eye level to prevent glare from the fog from entering our eyes. When using fog lights excessively, users probably don't know that their car's fog lights cause a lot of trouble to others because the brightness is extremely distracting to fellow road users (if you don't believe it, try sitting in a friend's car and have another car turn on its fog lights). Therefore, if there is no fog, don't turn them on. Some people get a new car with red plates from the showroom and never turn them off, or don't even know where the on-off switch is!!??

• Caution: Using fog lights

The legal use of fog lights according to Ministerial Regulation No. 15 (B.E. 2536) issued under the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 stipulates that fog lights can be used only when the vehicle is driving in conditions with fog, smoke, or dust that obstruct visibility and may cause danger while driving, and there must be no vehicle in front or approaching within the range of the light or within 150 meters. Only white or yellow light bulbs with a power of no more than 55 watts per bulb can be used. If fog lights are not used according to the specified type, characteristics, and conditions, a fine not exceeding 500 baht will be imposed under the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522, Section 148. 

• ‎Fog lights are forbidden! Do not turn on excessively. Use only in the following necessary cases...

1. When ascending high mountains or peaks, especially during winter, both in the morning and at night, because at high altitudes, fog is more prevalent than usual.

2. At night after the rain has stopped or the road is still wet, fog lights will help improve driving visibility because normal headlights are almost completely reflected by the water.

3. In all cases where fog or smoke occurs on the road, obscuring visibility to less than 50 meters.

However, fog lights should be turned off immediately when an oncoming vehicle is within a visible distance where its headlights can be clearly seen. Even cars with automatic headlight systems will turn off fog lights, retaining only normal lights when the sensor detects reflected light from the opposite direction.

Using fog lights correctly will provide benefits and help increase safety when driving on the road, and improve the driver's visibility. Conversely, turning on fog lights unnecessarily, impolitely, and incorrectly, will not only disturb the eyesight and cause annoyance to other drivers  who share the road, but also increase the chance of accidents more easily than usual.

Knowing this, any car user who still keeps fog lights on all the time [perhaps due to lack of knowledge!] should go back and check today whether their car is using fog lights incorrectly?

Compiled from autoinfo.co.th / Which situations ? Should use...fog lights…

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