Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with a hefty fine for failing to follow "little-known" Highway Code rules this autumn.
The warning surrounds fog lights, which must be used properly during the autumn months when visibility begins to decrease on UK roads.
Experts have detailed that drivers could be fined £50 for improper use of the vehicle lights while travelling on UK roads.
Research shows that 20 per cent of drivers are unfamiliar with Highway Code rules regarding fog light use, with many found to be in breach of the legal measures.
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Rule 236 of the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves."
One in three drivers believes it is acceptable to turn on fog lights in "normal" rain. Rule 226 of the Highway Code also dictates that drivers should not leave lights on any longer than necessary.
It states: "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."
In the UK, fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced to the point where drivers cannot see approximately 100 metres in front of them.
Rule 236 of the Highway Code warns drivers that they must only use fog lights when visibility is reduced
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The emergency-only rules for fog lights are due to the strong beam, which could dazzle other road users.
Drivers who forget to turn them off or use them in the wrong weather could see themselves issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice.
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: "Fog lights are designed for extreme conditions, so it's important to use them only when visibility drops below 100 metres - roughly the length of a football pitch.
"Switching your fog lights on in light rain or clear conditions might seem helpful, but it can dazzle other drivers and increase the risk of an accident."
Drivers can be fined for leaving their fog lights on longer than necessary
|GETTY
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On top of being prohibited in the Highway Code, incorrect use of fog lights also breaches the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.
Ms Hempstead added: "It's also easy to forget they're on, especially if the weather improves mid-journey. Always double-check your lights before setting off and when conditions change."
To avoid being hit with penalties, the expert suggested drivers turn off fog lights as soon as conditions improve.
The RAC stated that during the autumn and winter season, "it is key to ensure your car is in the best running state to tackle the conditions before it".
Drivers must follow specific road rules when driving in fog
| PAThis includes making sure to check that the lights are working before setting off, as well as becoming familiar with how to operate the front and rear fog lights before setting off, and not confusing them with the vehicle's "full beam" setting.
The RAC said: "If your car is fitted with automatic lights activated by low light levels, remember to check the lights are on, as they may not be automatically activated in foggy conditions.
"Similarly, drivers whose vehicles have daytime running lights should ensure rear lights are switched on as most vehicles with this feature only illuminate the front lights."
The insurer also suggested that when driving in thick fog, drivers should check their mirrors before they slow down and then use their brakes so vehicles behind will be warned by the brake lights that they are slowing down.