It is very rare for the conditions to be met that justify the use of rear fog's, however when they are I want as much rear visibility to other road users as possible and would prefer to double my chances of been seen by having two working rear fog lights.

.............

The dealer is also able to do it with their diagnostic's

Depends where you live as to how

Rare it is. I live in Dover and I wouldn't say it is 'very rare' to have thick fog rolling in off the channel. I've also regularly driven to a particular part of welsh wales where fog always seems to fill a valley. Ok so these are two particular places, but I assume that the UK is littered with coastal or hilly areas where heavy fog is a not uncommon occurrence. I agree that when it does come in, it's important to be seen though - and I would prefer two brake lights for volume of light and to cover me in case one blows.

As for the dealers - on my last car the dealer was very helpful in changing codes (for free too) and sorted out my alarm beeps, anti hijack, etc but told me that the other rear fog on my 56 plate wasn't wired up. Therefore it depends on getting one which is:

a) helpful

knows what can and can't be activated

I live in the vale of York which is renowned for it's fog, however it is recommended that rear fog lights are only used when visibility is reduced to less than 100 meters, which (for me at least) is a very rare occurance.

The problem I find is that even with the slightest hint of mist then on go the rear fogs with quite a few people.

Nothing worse than following someone who turns the rear fogs on because it is raining!

I have, in the past, met someone who put them on when his wife was driving, and a woman who used them "because it was dark outside"., mind you I've also met a policeman who said the front fogs should only be used in the rain too. (Personaly I would have thought the clue was in the name. Secondly, because I know there are nit-pickers out there, the front fogs were relayed to come on and off with the 100w main-beam on the mighty, mighty, 1973 Morris Marina 1.3.........complete with candles for headlights - how did people see at night in those days?)

I think their use should be a compulsary question on the theory test.

Driving in adverse weather conditions (226-237)

This Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.

226

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236).

236

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.

And from the RVLR

Restrictions on the use of lamps other than those to which regulation 24 refers
27.  No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road any vehicle on which any lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon of a type specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below is used in a manner specified in that item in column 3.

TABLE
(1) (2) (3)
Item No. Type of lamp, hazard warning signal device or warning beacon Manner of use prohibited
1 Headlamp
(a)Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.

(b)Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

2 Front fog lamp
(a)Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to other persons using the road.

(b)Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.

(c)Used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

3 Rear fog lamp
(a)Used so as to cause undue dazzle or discomfort to the driver of a following vehicle.

(b)Used so as to be lit at any time other than in conditions of seriously reduced visibility.

(c)Save in the case of an emergency vehicle, used so as to be lit when a vehicle is parked.

Is this still the case? Sorry to drag up old thread.

Depends where you live as to how

Rare it is. I live in Dover and I wouldn't say it is 'very rare' to have thick fog rolling in off the channel.

I second this for Dover, especially driving up to Capel.......thicker than pea soup some mornings