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When Should You Use the Fog Lights on Your Mazda 3?
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There is a police crackdown on drivers incorrectly using fog lights, so if you want to avoid a fine and demerits, you need to know when your fog lights should and shouldn’t be used. These high intensity, secondary lights can dazzle other drivers, creating a danger on the roads, so here is your guide to the fog lights on your Mazda 3
The Fog Light Basics
Fog lights are different from the main headlights on the Mazda 3 for sale. Perth drivers may notice a set of lights that are lower than the main light cluster on the front and rear. Fog lights are typically set in the bumper or the apron, and they are angled to cut beneath dense fog. Fog lights are placed at the front and rear of the vehicle for inclement weather or reduced visibility, so that not only can you see the road ahead, but drivers can also see your vehicle.
You will know that your fog lights are illuminated if you see a symbol on your dash. You may notice that your regular S shaped headlight beam symbol has a squiggle accompanying it; this is a sign that you have in fact, switched on your fog lights.
When Should Fog Lights Be Used?
Fog lights, as the name suggests are designed for use in fog. Fog lights should be used for illumination when visibility has been impacted by adverse conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, smoke or dust. If you’re unsure about whether fog lights are appropriate, it is a good idea to rely on low beam headlights, as fog lights shouldn’t be used unnecessarily.
The main reason for this is that fog lights can distract or dazzle other road users. Just like your high beam, fog lights can cause temporary blindness in other drivers, creating a dangerous situation. Additionally, every Australian territory and state has laws forbidding the use of fog lights in inappropriate situations. In Western Australia, driving with both headlights and your fog lights operating is a driving offense. Ignorance is not a valid excuse, and you could find yourself with a $100 fine and one demerit point on your licence.
The fines and penalties vary from state to state, with South Australia having the highest penalties at one demerit point and a $238 fine. So, if you drive long distances or interstate, you could find yourself racking up some hefty fines.
If you would like to find out more about the features offered by the new Mazda 3 for sale, Perth drivers should call in and see us. We have an impressive stock of Mazda vehicles, and the Melville Mazda sales staff is on hand to answer any queries you may have about the Mazda 3, price deals and current offers. We would also be delighted to schedule your Mazda 3 test drive.