Visibility & Lights : Understanding Rule 226

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Highway Code Rule 226

📖 Rule 226 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 226 ↗
You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236 ↗).

Law RVLR regs 25 & 27

Text shown in the rule image

Visibility & Lights : Understanding Rule 226

SERIOUSLY REDUCED VISIBILITY

Generally defined as any time a driver cannot see for more than the distance specified above ahead .

MANDATORY HEADLIGHT USE

You MUST switch on your headlights whenever visibility reaches the ' seriously reduced ' threshold .

OPTIONAL FOG LIGHT USE

Drivers may use front or rear fog lights in these conditions , but they are not strictly mandatory like headlights .

DEACTIVATION REQUIREMENT

You MUST switch fog lights off as soon as visibllity improves to avoid dazzling other road users .

CROSS - REFERENCE TO RULE 236

Proper fog light usage and deactivation are further detailed under the guidelines of Rule 236 .

LEGAL FRAMEWORK LAW RVLR REGS 25 & 27

These lighting requirements are enforced by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations ( RVLR ) , specifically regulations 25 and 27 .