[Housewife]

New road rules from 12 October 2009

Changes are being made to the Queensland Road Rules to ensure they align with the Australian Road Rules. The changes to the Queensland Road Rules will come into effect from 12 October 2009.

Key changes include:

* fog lights — turn off fog lights in clear weather. If you drive with fog lights on in clear weather you risk being fined A$40
* single centre line — don't U-turn. If you do a U-turn over a single continuous centre line you risk being fined A$180 and three demerit points
* seatbelts — all passengers must wear them. If you drive with a passenger of any age without a seatbelt or child restraint you risk being fined A$300 and three demerit points
* wheeled recreational devices — if you ride one when and where they are not permitted you risk being fined A$40.

[Cliff]

* fog lights — turn off fog lights in clear weather. If you drive with fog lights on in clear weather you risk being fined A$40

Not exactly sure what this means - what are fog lights? I take it that they are different from side lights?

[dusty]

fog lights — turn off fog lights in clear weather.

Why? I don't see how fog lights can dazzle anyone.

[Housewife]

Here's all the info on fog lights I could find:

Question: What are the new fog light rules?
Fog lights must be turned off in clear weather, day or night. Drive with fog lights on in clear weather and you risk being fined $40.
Question: How do I identify fog lights on my vehicle?
Fog lights are usually placed just below the headlights on the front of a vehicle, that is, in the front bumper. Rear fog lights are usually positioned in the existing tail lights or below the tail lights, that is, in the rear bumper.
Question: What is the difference between fog lights and driving lights?
Fog lights are designed to improve illumination of the road in adverse weather conditions and must be fitted not less than 250mm above ground level. Driving lights are additional high beam headlights. Fog lights must be able to be switched off independently to the headlights. The vehicle owner’s handbook (or vehicle manufacturer’s website) should identify where the lights are and where the switch is to operate them. Fog lights are also required to have a tell tale light in the vehicle to indicate when they are switched on. Driving lights only operate while high beam headlights are switched on.
Question: What if I cannot turn my fog lights off?
If you cannot turn off your fog lights then they are not classed as fog lights or alternatively, you have an electrical fault in your vehicle. By definition, the driver must be able to switch a fog light on or off separately from other lights on the vehicle.
Question: How do I know if the visibility is bad enough to warrant the use of fog lights?
The rules do not specify the level of visibility degradation required before using fog lights. However, if you are having trouble seeing other vehicles or objects around you due to the adverse weather conditions (that is, heavy rain or fog), fog lights can be used.

[Cliff]

Thanks for finding that for me. :) I will need to check out my car and see if it has any. I use my driving lights in the fog.