NOT following this one simple rule could land Brits with a £30 fine.
Drivers often overlook this simple act in cars that could slap them with hefty penalties – here is how to avoid it.
GettyThe fog lights of a car turned on[/caption]
GettyThe twist knob for fog lights settings in a car[/caption]
TikTok/@drivingtestsuccessA driving instructor revealed how to turn on dipped headlights[/caption]
TikTok/@drivingtestsuccessThe expert twisted the knob to change the headlights to low-beam[/caption]
The “twist of the wrist”, or turning on your fog lights by rotating the light switch, could attract a string of punishments if done when not needed.
Under normal conditions, fog lights can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights.
And the rear fog lights could mislead other drivers as they are brighter than standard brake lights – meaning motorists may not be able to tell when you’re slowing down or stopping.
This could cause havoc on the roads – and see you pulled over by the police if you fail to comply with the rule.
Rule 236 of the Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights.
“You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.”
It also says you should only rely on your fog lights when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less – which is around the equivalent of a football pitch.
And now, a motor expert has revealed how to avoid paying the unnecessary fine.
The expert, who goes by Drivingtestsuccess on TikTok, showed how drivers can switch to dipped headlights when driving in normal weather conditions.
In the clip, the motorhead first turns on the ignition of the car and shows the knob switch that controls the light setting of the car.
They then twist the knob to the third setting which changes the car’s headlights to a low-beam or dipped position.
As drivers often ignore their fog lights and keep them on, this tip will help them check and turn off the high-beam lights, saving them from a string of punishments.
It comes after drivers were warned of a simple act of kindness that could land them with a £1000 fine.
Brits could be slapped with hefty fines and three penalty points if they thank motorists with their hazard lights while driving.
The hazard switch is one of the most important buttons on the dashboard and is an important signal to other drivers.
They should be used to alert about danger, alert about a breakdown, and signal a heavy motorway queue.
However, they should not be used to say thank you to another driver, used when turning, and used for parking.
Tim Alcock, from Lease Van, said: “It’s common practise to say thank you to other drivers by flashing your lights but it’s in fact a serious breach of the Highway Code.
“While it’s a nice gesture to say thank you, using hazard lights excessively may lead to confusion among other drivers who believe there is a danger up ahead causing them to slam on their brake pedal.
The Highway Code says drivers must not use hazard lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.