Fine & Jail for Misuse of Fog Lamps

Do you reach for the fog lamp switch when you jump into your car, regardless of the weather? If so, be careful. You could be risking a $1,000 fine or jail of up to three months.

Last year, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) issued warnings to 440 drivers for switching on their fog lamps unnecessarily. This is up from 251 in 2005.

Front fog lamps, which are located beneath the vehicle's headlamps, cast low beams of light that help the driver to make out the immediate foreground and lane markings in conditions of low visibility, heavy downpour or haze.

Rear fog lamps, on the other hand, give cars behind an indication of a vehicle's distance.

The LTA has warned that using fog lamps indiscriminately is an offence because its glare can cause discomfort to other road users.

"Front fog lamps will not enhance visibility in clear weather conditions. This is because the area illuminated by fog lamps covers a shorter distance compared to the light projected from vehicle headlamps," LTA spokesman Naleeza Ebrahim said.

Switching on rear fog lamps unnecessarily may also confuse the motorists who are driving behind as the intense red light may be mistaken for brake lights, she added.

Besides appropriate usage, motorists also seem unclear about the type of lamps they can install.

Last year, the LTA fined 167 motorists for fitting illegal fog lamps and spot lamps. Spot lamps, which are smaller, more-focused light beams fitted near the licence plate, are not allowed in Singapore.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to $2,000 or jailed for a maximum of six months.

Since 1994, when the annual haze from Indonesia caused reduced visibility, the LTA has allowed the installation of fog lamps on vehicles, provided they meet safety standards.

Fog lamps that are not approved should be covered at all times.

For more information on fog lamps, log on to www.lta.gov.sg