Can I get a ticket for fog lights on at night when it is not rainy or foggy?

[Interleukin6]

My 2022 LTD LT didn't come with fog lights, which I want to install with Gen5DIY harness, but I also read driving with fog lights on at night (of course with headlights) when it is not foggy or rainy is illegal in MA. However, I have seen many cars/trucks in MA are running with fog lights on no matter what kind of weather out there. I want to install the fog lights which turns on/off with headlights automatically at night by using Gen5DIY harness. I don't want to install a switched control button that I can control them on and off. Am I asking for trouble? 

Edited December 24, 2022 by Interleukin6

[HeySkippyDog]

Lmao, no. Why would that be a ticketable offense? They don't point up into other driver's eyes.

[diyer2]

If you're worried add a switch, problem solved.

[Phantom 4D]

Just check state laws for lighting. Shouldn't be a problem as long as they are aimed correctly. Those off road lights are a different case. Typically not allowed for on road use. Though some of these folks here run them day and night. 

[f8l vnm]

As long as you don’t have the annoying super bright look at me blind you fog lights.  Your ok 

[Wiggums]

No, that's why a lot of people keep theirs on to let them know how "cool" they are.

[KARNUT]

Interesting. My vehicles of different brands have a switch that allows the fogs to come on with the headlights. Once pushed they will come on with the headlight. Most vehicles I see on the road have both on. I’ve never seen the fogs outshine the low beams and cause any problems. As far as it being a ticking offense, that’s news to me.

[diyer2]

IMO fogs provide light on a lower level than headlights, they light up the road side more also. Lower distribution of the light beam is what works for driving in fog. I find it hard to believe they would blind oncoming drivers.

[Davew277]

6 hours ago, Wiggums said:

No, that's why a lot of people keep theirs on to let them know how "cool" they are.

Because they are "cool?" Seriously?

Mine are always on because I never touch the headlight switch. The headlights come on automatically when they need to, they are off when they are not needed and the fog lights come on with the "low beam" headlights. If the wipers turn on because of rain, the headlights come on. (I have automatic wipers too, so I never use that switch either). If I turn on my high beam headlights, then the fog lights turn off. Otherwise they are always on.

I have driven from Florida to Washington and never been pulled over for my fog lights. If it's illegal then that's news to me. I've probably not been through that state with fog lights on.

[Wiggums]

7 hours ago, Davew277 said:

Because they are "cool?" Seriously?

Mine are always on because I never touch the headlight switch. The headlights come on automatically when they need to, they are off when they are not needed and the fog lights come on with the "low beam" headlights. If the wipers turn on because of rain, the headlights come on. (I have automatic wipers too, so I never use that switch either). If I turn on my high beam headlights, then the fog lights turn off. Otherwise they are always on.

I have driven from Florida to Washington and never been pulled over for my fog lights. If it's illegal then that's news to me. I've probably not been through that state with fog lights on.

 

I said no, having fog lights on is not illegal. However, I do know it is illegal in Germany to keep them on when it's not needed. I used to live there. Fog lights turn off for a reason when you turn off your car and you have to turn it back on. Headlights, on the other hand, don't need to be turned on again when you start it.

 

If there is no fog, it truly is pointless to have them on. The fog lights illuminate the area closer to you because of the lowered driving speed due to fog.

[smit303]

My fog lights light up the sides and ditches better than just the low beams. I would not call it "pointless" to to have them on without foggy conditions.

[fondupot]

Honestly, its going to depend on the state, and the mood of the police officer, and how obnoxious the fog lights brightness is.

[L87Powered]

Fog lights help you see better at night.  Can't understand why they would be illegal anywhere.

[oldmann]

On 12/24/2022 at 9:47 AM, Interleukin6 said:

My 2022 LTD LT didn't come with fog lights, which I want to install with Gen5DIY harness, but I also read driving with fog lights on at night (of course with headlights) when it is not foggy or rainy is illegal in MA. However, I have seen many cars/trucks in MA are running with fog lights on no matter what kind of weather out there. I want to install the fog lights which turns on/off with headlights automatically at night by using Gen5DIY harness. I don't want to install a switched control button that I can control them on and off. Am I asking for trouble? 

You'll really have to check you state and local laws/ordinances/vehicle code and consult an attorney to get the best answer.  

[Davew277]

16 hours ago, Wiggums said:

 

I said no, having fog lights on is not illegal. However, I do know it is illegal in Germany to keep them on when it's not needed. I used to live there. Fog lights turn off for a reason when you turn off your car and you have to turn it back on. Headlights, on the other hand, don't need to be turned on again when you start it.

 

If there is no fog, it truly is pointless to have them on. The fog lights illuminate the area closer to you because of the lowered driving speed due to fog.

 

My fog lights come on when I start my vehicle. My vehicle remembers if they were on or off when the vehicle was turned off. So I have never touched the fog light button other than the first time I turned them on. Maybe yours turn off because your vehicle is configured for Europe where it is apparently illegal to drive with fog lights when there is no fog, as you stated. So according to your logic, there must be a reason that they stay on for me, correct?

Whether or not they are pointless when not foggy is relative. Just because you do not see a point to using them when there is no fog does not mean that there is no use for them other than in foggy conditions.