Introduction

Ever noticed a strange icon glowing on your dashboard and wondered what it means? One of the most common is the fog lights symbol. Whether it’s the front fog lights symbol or the rear fog lights symbol, knowing how to recognise and use them is essential for safe driving in poor visibility.

In this guide, we’ll break down what each fog light symbol looks like, when to use fog lights, and the key differences between front and rear fog lights.

What Is the Fog Lights Symbol in a Car?

The fog lights symbol in a car is a dashboard warning light that indicates when your front or rear fog lights are switched on. Fog lights are designed to cut through dense fog, mist, snow, or heavy rain, providing better visibility for both you and other drivers.

There are two main fog light symbols you should know:

• Front Fog Lights Symbol – A lamp pointing left with slanting horizontal lines and a wavy line through them.

• Rear Fog Lights Symbol – A lamp pointing right with slanting horizontal lines and a vertical wavy line.

Front Fog Lights Symbol Explained

The front fog lights symbol looks like a lamp with beams pointing diagonally downward to the left, crossed by a wavy line.

• Colour on dashboard: Usually green.

• Purpose: Helps illuminate the road directly in front of your vehicle in foggy or misty conditions.

• When to use: Only in seriously reduced visibility, typically when you can’t see more than 100 metres ahead.

Rear Fog Lights Symbol Explained

The rear fog lights symbol looks almost the same as the front symbol but faces the opposite way, with the beams pointing right and a vertical wavy line.

• Colour on dashboard: Usually amber or orange.

• Purpose: Makes your car more visible to drivers behind you in foggy conditions.

• When to use: Switch them on in fog or thick mist but switch them off once visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.

When Should You Use Fog Lights?

Using fog lights correctly is just as important as knowing what the symbol means. According to the UK Highway Code:

1. Switch them on when visibility is less than 100 metres due to fog, heavy rain, or snow.

2. Switch them off once visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.

3. Never use them unnecessarily — this can result in a fixed penalty fine.

Common Mistakes with Fog Lights

• Leaving them on in clear weather – Can blind other drivers.

• Confusing them with headlights – Fog lights are lower and more powerful for close range.

• Using only front fog lights in thick fog – Rear fogs are essential for being seen.

FAQs About Fog Lights Symbols

1. What does the fog lights  look like?
The front symbol points left with beams and a wavy line, while the rear points right with a vertical line.

2. Are fog lights the same as dipped headlights?
No, dipped headlights are for general night driving, while fog lights are for extreme low-visibility conditions.

3. Can I drive with fog lights on at night without fog?
No, using them without need is illegal and could result in a fine.

4. Do all cars have both front and rear fog lights?
Most modern cars have rear fog lights as standard, but not all are fitted with front fog lights.

5. Why is my rear fog light symbol amber and my front one green?
This colour coding helps drivers quickly identify which lights are on—green for front, amber for rear.

Read also: Red Exclamation Mark on Dashboard: What It Really Means

Conclusion

The fog lights symbol in your car isn’t just a random dashboard light—it’s a vital safety feature that can make all the difference in poor visibility. Remember:

• Use the front lights symbol for lighting the road ahead.

• Use the rear fog lights symbol to ensure drivers behind can see you.

• Always switch them off once visibility improves.

By understanding these symbols, you’ll not only drive more safely but also avoid unnecessary fines.