I must be getting a bit long in the tooth…its getting darker earlier, and unfortunately, I am one of them that has to work for the man, so rarely get out of the office before the light fades.

One thing I have noticed a lot lately is the number of cars that use their fog lamps illegally. You didn’t know that did you? Using your fog lamps if visibility is clear is illegal. It dazzles and blinds other drivers. Personally, I think people that drive with their fog lamps on when visibility is clear should have a big sticker on their foreheads saying “Look at me! I’m an inconsiderate idiot!” (and no, being dark doesn’t qualify for reduced visibility)

From the LTSA website:

The law says your lights must not dazzle, confuse or distract other road users and sets out how and when you can use some types of vehicle lights.

Front fog lamps
Front fog lamps illuminate the road ahead in foggy conditions, both at night and during the day. They give off a short, wide beam of light that is designed to shine through the fog, lighting up the area directly in front of the vehicle and helping the driver see the sides of the road better.

Fitting requirements

• You may have up to two front fog lamps fitted to your vehicle. If your vehicle already has two front fog lamps fitted as original equipment, you cannot fit a second pair. Fog lamps should be wired so that they can be turned on or off independently of the headlamps.
• Front fog lamps must be white or amber in colour. When purchasing front fog lamps, it is your responsibility to ensure they meet approved standards and are designed for that specific purpose. If in doubt, consult a vehicle lighting retailer.

On the road
Fog lamps should only be used when visibility is severely reduced, eg by snow or fog. It is against the law to use fog lamps in clear conditions (day or night) as they can dazzle other road users.

More at www.nzta.govt.nz

So do the police actually enforce this law? I reckon there is a gold-mine out there for the plod if they actually did.