THE use of fog lights is a constant point of debate among drivers on UK roads. When should they be on, or more importantly, when shouldn’t they be?

And a new survey shows how the debate is well worth having – as most people use them at the wrong time – opening themselves up to a potential £1,000 fine and three penalty points.

The poll of more than 1,700 drivers, by eBay, found that 60% use their fog lights at the incorrect time.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says fog lights should only be switched on when visibility drops below 100 metres.

However, in a further indication of a lack of understanding, 13% of UK drivers surveyed said they would use fog lights when visibility was less than 300 metres – again putting themselves at risk of a hefty fine.

Meanwhile, 15% said they check their fog lights every month with 24% admitting they had never checked them.

And fines can also be issued if the fog lights are faulty.

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Abir Tewari, UK director for parts and 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.”

Of the 1,701 respondents who took part in the survey, 38% said they are nervous about driving in the dark, and 75% of this group said their fears were caused by bright headlights.

A further 22% say they wish they had the option to drive less at night, but don’t have another form of transport.

RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, added: “Unfortunately, for a lot of drivers the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly-bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort.

“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling.

“At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead – so there’s a balance to be struck.”

Is the misuse of fog lights your biggest driver bugbear? Or is it something else? Let us know in the comments below…