Rear Fog Lights: When Did They Become Legally Mandatory?

Rear fog lights are required by law in the EU and some other countries, but they are not mandatory in the US. While some US cars have them, they are not widely used and drivers from other countries with different regulations may misuse them when driving in the US.

Rear fog lights are legal in the US but not mandatory

Rear fog lights are legal in the US but are not mandatory. While some US-spec European cars have them as standard, they are not common.

In some European countries, rear fog lights are required by law, and many European cars sold in North America have them. However, BMW disables them in the US.

In the US, rear fog lights are not mandatory per the Department of Transportation (DOT), so most carmakers exclude the option. It is likely that they confuse drivers into thinking that they have a faulty brake light that is permanently on, as they are so uncommon in the US.

While some people argue that rear fog lights should be made mandatory in the US, others disagree, believing that Americans would misuse them, and that they are unnecessary.

They are required in the EU and other countries

While rear fog lights are not mandatory in the US, they are required in the EU and other countries. In the EU, a driver-controlled switch makes an extra, bright (almost brake light bright) light illuminate at the rear. This is especially useful in fog and whiteout snow conditions.

Many European cars sold in North America have rear fog lights, but they are not always active. For example, BMW disables them. However, some car enthusiasts have found ways to code their cars to activate the rear fog lights.

In the US, there is a concern that if rear fog lights were made mandatory, the US would create its own fog light standard that would make it more difficult for non-US automakers to compete. There is also a concern that Americans would misuse rear fog lights, either by leaving them on when they are not needed or by not turning them on when they are.

Some countries that require rear fog lights include:

• European countries
• Australia

They are bright, almost as bright as brake lights

Rear fog lights are not mandatory in the US, but they are legal. They are required in the EU and some other countries.

Rear fog lights are bright, almost as bright as brake lights. They are designed to provide short-range light, mounted low and aimed downwards to illuminate the road below the fog. This makes them useful in foggy, rainy, or snowy conditions. However, they can be blinding to other drivers if used inappropriately or in clear weather.

In the US, there is a concern that drivers will misuse rear fog lights, either by leaving them on when they are not needed or failing to turn them on when necessary. This is a similar issue with regular headlights, where many drivers either forget to turn them on when it's dark or fail to turn them off during the day. Some European drivers in the US may also inadvertently leave their rear fog lights on, as they are used to having them on their cars.

There is also a concern that making rear fog lights mandatory would confuse most US drivers, who are unaccustomed to seeing them. They may mistake a permanently lit rear fog light for a faulty brake light. Additionally, rear fog lights are not common in the US, as car manufacturers often exclude them to cut costs and maintain the competitiveness of US car models.

Despite these concerns, some people argue that rear fog lights should be mandatory in the US, especially since many European cars sold in North America already have them. This would enhance road safety, particularly in low-visibility conditions. However, others counter that Americans would find a way to misuse the lights and blind other drivers, and that mandatory rear fog lights would only add to the confusion of those who already struggle with basic vehicle functions like turning on headlights.

They are useful in fog and heavy snow

Rear fog lights are especially useful in fog and heavy snow. They are designed to provide short-range light, mounted low and aimed towards the roadway to illuminate the road below the fog. This makes them very effective in low-visibility conditions, such as heavy fog or snow, by lighting up the road in front of the car without projecting the light too far forward, which would create a brightly illuminated white wall of fog.

In the United States, rear fog lights are legal but not mandatory, and some European cars sold in North America have them as standard. However, BMW disables them in the US. In some European countries, they are required by law, and many European cars have them.

While some people find rear fog lights disruptive and blinding when used inappropriately, they can be extremely useful in low-visibility conditions. They can help improve safety by increasing visibility and allowing drivers to see the lane they are in and the road in front of them.

In the United States, there is a concern that mandating rear fog lights would confuse drivers, who might leave them on permanently or mistake them for faulty brake lights. There is also a concern that the additional cost of including rear fog lights might hurt the competitiveness of US carmakers. However, some people argue that they should be mandatory, especially in areas with frequent fog or heavy snow, to improve safety.

They are not common in the US

Rear fog lights are not common in the US for several reasons. Firstly, they are not mandatory, and while they are legal, car manufacturers often choose to exclude them as they are not required. This is partly due to cost concerns, as well as the belief that American drivers might misuse them, leaving them on in clear weather and causing confusion or even safety issues.

In fact, some US car manufacturers, such as BMW, actively disable rear fog lights on their European models sold in the US. This is because many American drivers are unaware of their purpose and may leave them on permanently, blinding other drivers, or use them incorrectly, causing accidents.

Some people argue that the US government should require rear fog lights, especially as they are standard on many European cars sold in the US. However, others counter that American drivers can barely be trusted to turn on regular headlights, and would likely misuse rear fog lights, leaving them on and blinding other drivers. There is also a concern that drivers would mount their own rear fog lights, which could be unsafe.

Another reason for the lack of rear fog lights in the US is the belief that American drivers cannot be trusted to only use them when required. This is in contrast to Europe, where there is a culture of discipline around their use. The additional cost of implementing an "idiot-proof" activation system is seen as a burden on car manufacturers, potentially hurting their competitiveness.

Finally, there is the issue of US safety standards, which differ from international standards. This means that automakers must design vehicles specifically for the US market, and the additional cost and risk of implementing rear fog lights are seen as a deterrent.

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