Why do rear fog lights have to be as intense as brake lights?

Question

I can appreciate the need for a higher wattage than normail rear lights but do they really need to be as bright as brake lights?
I find that being blinded behind a car with its fog lights on to be a real hazard.

Please read the question before commenting on my driving style.
Would a 15 watt light not be just as effective?
Also, at 100 yards visibility everyone could be doing between 60 and 70mph [according to the Highway Code stopping distances] so surely there would be no need for fog lights to be on at all?

Answer 1

Try not driveing so close to the car in front

Answer 2

15W would be more effective than a 5W tail lamp, but not as effective as a 21W bulb. Using a lower wattage bulb so that the lamps are less annoying when used incorrectly, but less effective when used correctly just seems wrong - the legislators should not be assuming that fog lamps are used incorrectly more often than they are used correctly.

Also, the industry as a whole (manufacturers, suppliers, legislators) have tried to keep the number of different bulb types to a minimum - this keeps down costs for the manufacturer, the spares shop and the motorist, and means that the motorist can carry one spare bulb for a variety of applications, rather than having to carry a spare for each lamp on the car.

Answer 3

A side lamp is only 5W and is there to show how big the vehicle is, where it is and which way its facing.
Brake lamps are 21W and are obviously there to show you are braking.
Fog lamps are also 21W but there are more focused than brake lamps making them appear brighter. Being more focused gives them a better focal range allowing them to be seen further away in dense fog.
If you are following a car and are being blinded by them you are either too close, or the other car isn't using them as intended.

Answer 4

They need to be bright to be seen through the fog.

I agree, they are a pest.
I think the problem is that lots of drivers turn them on if they cann't see across the atlantic, and forget to turn them off until just before a real fog.

Thing is, if there is somebody behind you, and you can see them, then they can see you. So, turn them off, guys.

Answer 5

I also realise that stuff like this means you have nothing better to do with your time and ask about the lights on your car gosh your worse than a blonde asking for her hair colour to peroxide at the end of the month

What have you got to do with your time exactly..... Sit and debate what lights your car has becuase wait its your first car and you need have everything on it perfectly, try standing in the rain and waiting for a bus! Instead of living in a fanstasy plannet by gosh you dummies would sit and debate about your breaklights if you find the thing a potential hazard go to a garage and seek expert advice I am sure their able to assist you with your query... Dumbass...

Answer 6

if its foggy and you are being blinded by rear fog lights then you are too close. fog lights should only be used when visability is less than 100 yards

Answer 7

Look it up in your owner's manual or on-line owner's manual. You need an answer but you don't say what kind of car it is. They are different you know, cars I mean.

Answer 8

yes they do, in really bad fog if you are not visible you could end up having a nasty accident,

Answer 9

To avoid being hit by vehicles from behind!

Answer 10

Try not driving so close to the vehicle in front and you won't get dazzeled