Fog lights are essential for safe driving in poor weather, yet many drivers are unfamiliar with the fog light symbol and how to use it properly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what fog lights do, how to recognize the dashboard symbols, how to operate them, and when to use them safely. We’ll also cover brand-specific variations, troubleshooting symbol flickering, and how to upgrade your fog lights for better visibility.

What Do Fog Lights Do?

The real job of fog lights is to give you a clearer view when visibility drops dramatically. They cut through fog, rain, snow, or even dust by projecting a low, wide beam that sticks to the road. This design prevents the kind of light scatter and glare that standard headlights can create in these conditions. When you switch on your fog lights, you're giving yourself a better view of lane lines, debris, or vehicles that may be just ahead—even if everything else is hidden in a thick, gray blur.

What Are the Fog Light Symbols on a Car?

Fog light symbols on your dashboard show when the front or rear fog lights are turned on. These lights help improve visibility in poor weather like fog, heavy rain, or snow.

The front fog light symbol is a green icon that looks like a headlamp with diagonal lines pointing left, crossed by a wavy line. It means your front fog lights are on, casting a wide, low beam to light up the road directly ahead.

For the rear fog light, the icon is similar, but the beam direction points right, and the symbol often lights up in red or amber.

You’ll typically find these symbols in two places. One is on the dashboard, where a green or red light will glow when your fog lights are on. The other is on the control itself—either a stalk near your steering wheel or a dial near the headlight switch. Some vehicles hide this control in less obvious places, so it's always worth checking your manual if you're unsure where to find it.

Where Are Fog Lights Located?

The placement of fog lights is part of what makes them effective. Front fog lights are mounted low on your car’s front bumper, close to the ground. This low angle helps the beam spread across the road surface without reflecting off airborne moisture.

Rear fog lights, on the other hand, are bright red and usually built into the taillight assembly or just below it. Their job is to help other drivers see you when visibility is nearly gone, preventing rear-end collisions in dangerous weather.

When Should You Use Fog Lights?

Fog lights are meant for poor visibility—when regular headlights don’t cut it. That includes heavy fog, driving rain, snow, or even thick dust in rural areas. If you can’t see the road ahead clearly or if other vehicles are hard to spot, it’s a good time to turn them on.

However, fog lights shouldn’t be used all the time. In clear weather or even in light rain, they can be more of a hazard than a help. Because fog lights are low and bright, they can dazzle or distract oncoming drivers. In many places, using them unnecessarily can actually result in a fine. So remember: only use fog lights when you truly need them, and turn them off when visibility improves.

How to Turn on Fog Lights

Activating your fog lights is usually simple once you know where the controls are. In most cars, fog lights won’t work unless your headlights are already on, so start there. Then look for a switch or button—often located on the headlight dial, dashboard, or steering column stalk—that features the fog light symbol.

Turning the dial or pressing the button will activate either the front or rear fog lights, depending on your vehicle. You should see the matching symbol light up on your dashboard when the lights are on. If nothing happens, double-check that your headlights are on first, as many systems won’t let you activate fog lights independently.

Why Does the Fog Light Symbol Flicker?

If the fog light symbol on your dashboard is flickering or flashing, that’s usually a sign something’s wrong. It could be a loose wire, a failing bulb, or even moisture inside the fog light housing. Sometimes, it’s an issue with the electrical system itself, especially in older vehicles. If you notice the symbol turning on and off for no clear reason, it’s a good idea to inspect the lights manually and have a mechanic look at the wiring or fuses.

Fog Light Burned Out? Upgrade to Brighter LED Fog Lights

If your fog light has gone out or just isn’t as bright as it used to be, this might be the perfect time to upgrade. Traditional halogen bulbs wear out faster and produce less focused light compared to modern LEDs. LED fog lights offer brighter, clearer illumination and typically last much longer. They're also more energy-efficient and resistant to weather damage, which is crucial when you're driving through tough conditions.

For high-quality LED fog lights that are easy to install and built to last, check out SEALIGHT. Their wide selection fits most vehicle types, and their products are trusted by drivers who care about both performance and safety. If you want to improve your visibility and upgrade your car’s style, SEALIGHT makes the process quick and reliable.