I've noticed that more and more cars are getting fitted with cornering lights aka 1 fog light comes on when going round a corner with the indicator on. If it's illegal to have fog lights on during clear visability how can cornering lights be legal? :wonder:

There only Half Legal

There only Half Legal

There?

Where?

This was discussed on the Octavia forum here:

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/165417-are-cornering-lights-uk-legal/

Not seen these before, or maybe have and though the person had a light out! I thought the cornering lights were those that tracked with the steering. If indicating I assume it is slow speed stuff so not really sure what real benefit they give. May have to look at the linked thread.

SWMBO has them on her Ibiza. I think they look silly and I've never noticed any benefit.

As you say they are Cornering lights not Fog Lights.

As you say they are Cornering lights not Fog Lights.

If that was true why do both come on when you flick the front fog light switch? lol

Merc ones are OK, but had a golf following me the other day and found it very distracting. So much so that I disabled ours.

As you say they are Cornering lights not Fog Lights.

No, they use the Fog light. There is 2 bulbs in the fog lamp housing of the Superb, for example. One DRL and One Fog & Corner unit

it is the Fog light that is used for cornering.

Al.

To be pedantic, the Law says it isn't, because in forward motion only one is lit and only when the speed and turning angle is within certain perameters.

Can't see how they would be illegal.. Front fog lights aren't tested on an mot test so it doesn't even matter if one lamp is broken or missing

Can't see how they would be illegal.. Front fog lights aren't tested on an mot test so it doesn't even matter if one lamp is broken or missing

It's not the legality of having just one on, it's the legality of them at all that is the concern here.

take from Norfolk Police's website:

"Fog lights - For vehicles fitted with front fog lights (rear fog lights are also included), it is an offence to illuminate them unless visibility is seriously reduced, which is defined as driving in rain, snow or fog with visibility less than 100 metres. Fog lights cause dazzle to other drivers and can attract a £30 Fixed Penalty Notice."

Al.

Al

They are legal because European legislation was changed a while ago to make them legal. They are not classed as "fog lights" because only one of them is illuminated, and there are prescribed limits in Law on their use.

If you look at the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations you will find chapter and verse.

I've asked elsewhere about the technical/VCDS aspect of this, however:

(If I get the repeated lecture on fog-lights dazzling other road users, I'm going to assume you're not actually reading and understanding the question.....and then laugh......)

Can the front fog-lights be used as auxillary driving lights activated/de-activated by the main-beam?

(this would in effect turn them into multi-function lights: fog-lights, cornering-lights and auxillary driving lights. Is there even coverage for multi-function lights?)

Can the front fog-lights be used as auxillary driving lights activated/de-activated by the main-beam?

(this would in effect turn them into multi-function lights: fog-lights, cornering-lights and auxillary driving lights. Is there even coverage for multi-function lights?)

Read here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/6/made

but I think 4/ Alignment would preclude it.

Read here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/6/made

but I think 4/ Alignment would preclude it.

I don't want / need them to project to the same degree as a set of "bolt-ons" or main-beam themselves; just fill-in the space between the bumper and the back edge of dip. (As they do on cornering/fog use)

2/ does mention:

i) Where a pair of front fog lamps is used in conditions of seriously reduced visibility in place of the obligatory dipped beam headlamps. Maximum distance from side of vehicle: – 400mm

ii) in all other cases: no requirement.

......kinda implies that if you're not using them in the conditions described, you can have them anywhere, not exceeding 1200mm above the road. So you could have a pair mounted in the centre and use them when it's not in seriously reduced visability. :S :S

(don't worry, I'm not heading along "someone else's" path )

Also: Note 11: no requirement for a telltail.

So you could drive along with people flashing you, and never know why!

(Notice how are old friend "approval markings" are in 5/ )

Optional main beam headlights, which is what you are describing is covered under Section 5:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/5/made

Reading that section, I don't think you can!