Briefing
On 1 November 2026, authorities and the ADAC are highlighting the lighting rules for fog . The key message is: Daytime running lights alone are not enough when visibility is reduced. Anyone driving in fog must switch on the dipped headlights ; the rear fog light is permitted only when visibility is below 50 metres.
The German Road Traffic Regulations require dipped headlights whenever visibility conditions make them necessary. Motorcycles must have their lights on during the day as well. The rear fog light may only be used when visibility is reduced by fog to less than 50 metres. In that case, drivers must also not travel faster than 50 kilometres per hour. The technical switching requirements for rear fog lights are set out in the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations: they must be designed to operate only in conjunction with full-beam or dipped headlights, or fog lights.
The ADAC points out that daytime running lights make the front of a vehicle visible, but generally do not switch on the rear lights. In fog, twilight or rain, this reduces the vehicle’s visibility from behind. Dipped headlights should therefore be switched on manually at an early stage, especially as automatic lighting functions do not always respond reliably in misty conditions.
Fog lights can supplement dipped headlights by illuminating the road and its edges over a wide area. However, they do not replace dipped headlights, the requirement to adjust speed to the conditions, or the need to leave a greater distance. The rear fog light causes significant glare and may be used only in fog and only when visibility is below 50 metres; it must be switched off immediately when visibility improves. Driving with the rear fog light on continuously can endanger other road users and lead to a fine.
In practice: assess visibility objectively (the spacing between roadside delineator posts can serve as a guide), reduce speed, increase the distance between vehicles and switch on dipped headlights. Daytime running lights are no substitute in fog. Using lights correctly significantly increases your safety and that of other road users.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).