Research from eBay, the UK’s number one online marketplace for vehicle parts & accessories, has found that almost two-thirds of drivers (60%) are using their fog lights incorrectly.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fog lights should be used when visibility is less than 100m, but more than 13% of Brits said that they use them when visibility drops below 300m, which would lead them to be slapped with an on-the-spot £50 fine.
These research findings come after the clocks changed on October 26, shortening the days and as the weather worsens, making roads more dangerous.
These findings are similar in the US. For example, Florida law states that fog lights may be used in addition to low-beam headlights. However, fog lamps are not meant to replace the use of standard headlights while driving. The use of headlamps is required on all vehicles between sunset to sunrise, anytime the windshield wipers are in use (rain), or in conditions of fog, smoke, or mist.
Because fog lights are only meant to be supplementary and increase visibility of road markings, it is recommended that their use coincide with slower driving speeds. Bear in mind that it is illegal to use fog lights in Florida when there are other vehicles on the road, EXCEPT in foggy conditions.
When it comes to routine maintenance, 15% of UK drivers check their fog lights monthly, while nearly a quarter (24%) admitted to never checking their lights, relying instead on the annual MOT test to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Drivers caught with faulty or non-working vehicle lights can face a fixed penalty of £50 with no points, or up to £1,000 and three penalty points in more serious cases, such as when driving in the dark with no lights on.
The lack of understanding around when to use lights extends to the main headlights, with nearly half (48%) of Brits (the equivalent of 20 million cars on British roads) stating they use their ‘full beam’ headlights when it’s dark, irrespective of whether there are oncoming cars.
Drivers guilty of dazzling other road users by using the wrong light settings, such as full high beam headlights, are at risk of being charged for ‘Driving Without Due Care and Attention’, resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
A fifth of Brits (20%) also said they would be uncomfortable sourcing replacement headlight bulbs. To combat this, motorists can find the right bulbs for their vehicle this winter using eBay’s My Garage function, which prompts customers to input the registration or make and model of their vehicle. Then, only compatible parts and accessories will be displayed, giving customers the confidence to purchase the correct items, regardless of their level of knowledge.
Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: ”As the days get shorter, more motorists will be making journeys in the dark. It is important that all drivers know when to use the appropriate lights on their vehicle and how to keep them maintained.”
According to an DVSA DOI request, which took MOT test data from June 2024 – June 2025, there were 4,550,226 failures recorded because of issues with ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’, with 4,359,481 of those relating specifically ‘lamps’.
The top five most common failures with ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’ were:
- Position lamps – not working: 767,167
- Stop lamp – not working: 489,953
- Headlamp aim – projected beam image is obviously incorrect: 470,058
- Headlamps – not working on dipped beam: 372,036
- Registration plate lamp(s) – inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps: 322,343
A total of 31,488 failures were recorded because of issues relating to front and rear fog lamps, showing that a seemingly small issue can result in a failed MOT.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Yes, guys, that’s right. You are obligated to check the state of your headlights and fog lights at least once a month, plus know how to use them properly. To help drivers ensure they have fully functioning lights on their vehicles ahead of winter, eBay is offering 20% off selected bulb and lighting products as part of its ‘Vehicle Essentials’ promotion, from 27 October until 7 November: https://www.ebay.co.uk/e/motors/4325-vehicle-essentials