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Fog/driving lights and DRLs

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The correct uses of your vehicle's lights

Not everybody knows the rules when it comes to using the various lights on modern vehicles. Can I use a fog light when it's not foggy? What's a daytime running light? When can I use high beam? We help clarify what's OK and what's not.

Fog lights vs. Driving lights

Front fog lights and driving lights are often confused. The main difference is in the light pattern. They are separate to the main headlights.

Fog lights

  • Designed to improve visibility of the road directly ahead of the vehicle in fog or hazardous weather conditions where visibility has been reduced. The Australian Road Rules state that they are not to be used at any other time.
  • Front fog lights can emit either a white or yellow light. Rear fog lights must emit a red light.
  • Rear fog lights are installed to make a vehicle more easily visible from the rear in fog, mist or hazardous conditions and should be wired independent of the car's other lights.
  • Fog lights have a low, flat, wide beam that is meant to illuminate the road below the fog or mist.
  • Switch off your fog lights once visibility is clear as they can blind other drivers.

Driving lights

  • Have a powerful beam that projects well down the road and are used to supplement high beam, especially when driving in country areas.
  • Should be wired to only operate when high beam is used.

Headlights

  • Must be switched on when driving between sunset and sunrise
  • When there is not enough daylight to be able to see a person wearing dark clothing at a distance of 100 metres.

High beam

  • Used on any road, even if there are street lights
  • Must be dipped to low beam when a vehicle coming toward you is within 200 metres
  • Must be dipped to low beam when driving 200 metres or less behind another vehicle.

Daytime running lights

  • DRLs are bright, white, forward-facing lights that improve the forward conspicuousness of vehicles in the daytime
  • Usually activated automatically when the engine is running
  • DRLs are the same as the main headlights. They must be aimed correctly so that they do not impede approaching drivers' visibility.

NRMA Motoring & Services commissioned a study of DRLs in 2003 which suggested that they should be standard on all vehicles as they could save lives and prevent injuries by increasing vehicle visibility.

Extreme conditions

  • Heavy rain, fog or snow - put your headlights onto low beam. High beam in fog will reflect the light, making it difficult to see.
  • In hazardous conditions, the law permits you to turn on your hazard lights to help others see you.

More about Fog & Driving lights (PDF 165KB/2 pages)

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