Thoughts on amber or white lighting for fog lights?

[Montana]

I don't use fog lights. Have found they just don't do a thing so am glad ford excluded them.

lol wut?



Well, I live in a constantly foggy area and fog lights make a massive difference.

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[Dad]

I don't use fog lights. Have found they just don't do a thing so am glad ford excluded them.

Just because you don't "use them" does not mean they are useless. Difference in road lighting between using fogs and not using fogs is well-documented and easily observable first hand. I see no drawback having more properly aligned light on a darkened road. I say this with respect for your opinion.

 

[Dad]

I used to use yellow but I like to keep fog lights on all the time for more side view (deer sightings) and obstacles. Switched to white a long time back because police would flash me if I had yellow lights on in more populated areas or on busier highways. Not worth the hassle of getting pulled over or a ticket. Switched to white lights and no longer an issue. I think yellow lights actually bother oncoming traffic more than white light. Fog lights do greatly help seeing in front and on the sides...I use them with high and low beams....really help with high beams since they produce less light directly down in front and on the sides of the vehicle.

Thank you for your opinions. I had not considered how law enforcement would react to amber lighting. Since I live in suburban area (read crowded) this would be a tipover into opting for the white.

 

[TxMike64]

Thank you for your opinions. I had not considered how law enforcement would react to amber lighting. Since I live in suburban area (read crowded) this would be a tipover into opting for the white.

As long as the color is true selective yellow, or amber, and not too blue; and the beams are aimed correctly; there is no risk of drawing law enforcement ire. I would say most of this unwanted attention is caused by people using these cheap amazon/ebay lights that are flood/spot and don't have the proper cutoff that fog lights do have, and are too high of wattage. Some states do have laws about only using fog lights in foggy conditions - regardless of color.

I've used yellow fogs for YEARS (since the 90s) and have not drawn attention from law enforcement (for my lights, anyways...)

 

[Junk]

Just because you don't "use them" does not mean they are useless. Difference in road lighting between using fogs and not using fogs is well-documented and easily observable first hand. I see no drawback having more properly aligned light on a darkened road. I say this with respect for your opinion.

No at all and I respect what you're saying. Could have just been those situations so now I'm going to take out the son's car, since he has them, next time it's foggy and check em out. Thanks

 

[SLJ]

White lights are not fog lights. All they do is reflect the light from snow. rain. and fog back into you. Most people buy white for looks or to brighten up the road in front and just to the side of them. They don't really work in actual fog.
My amber fogs are being delivered tomorrow. Weekend project if it's warm enough.

 

[Automan21]

Amber aimed properly, yes.

 

[Dad]

No at all and I respect what you're saying. Could have just been those situations so now I'm going to take out the son's car, since he has them, next time it's foggy and check em out. Thanks

No need to wait for the fog. Take it out on a fairly empty road and compare the difference. I'm betting you'll like the extra illumination of the sides. To be clear, I see many folks with their fogs on in suburbia where the roads are lit up pretty well and I don't see the need except for looks.

 

[The Real Maverick]

I'm seeing like 60% of cars with them on full time. Usually white. Which by definition are not fog lights.

I have always had yellow fog lights on a separate; manual switch. Used rarely. Only when needed. Should not be used for decoration IMHO.

In a true blizzard, it's WAY nicer to have the low mounted yellows on, and headlamps off (parking lamps
on of course) mainly in rural areas.

If you want lights with purpose, go yellow.

If you want year-round lights; go white.

 

[Montana]

Thank you for your opinions. I had not considered how law enforcement would react to amber lighting. Since I live in suburban area (read crowded) this would be a tipover into opting for the white.

Honestly their issue just sounds like improper aiming, and yea, if you don't need the fogs on during that kind of weather, they shouldn't be on. The spread is wider even though the cutoff is lower, which can cause glare into oncoming traffic. But it shouldn't matter if they are amber or white as both are legal. Sounds like they either just had some picky police on fishing expeditions or improperly aimed fog lights.

I think people are getting hung up on the refraction issues here. The spread is still the same for fog lights. They do help on both colors. There is no denying that. The yellow is easier on the eyes and the spectrum does shine through fog and debris a little better. That's all. If it's purely purpose driven, you should probably chose the science of yellow lights, but if you don't want that differentiation between your headlights and your fogs, then go with white. Both are still helpful. Neither should be used for normal driving especially considering oncoming traffic. Either way, unless you turn off your headlights the difference between the colors will be minimal on the amount of light shining forward.

 

[Dad]

Honestly their issue just sounds like improper aiming, and yea, if you don't need the fogs on during that kind of weather, they shouldn't be on. The spread is wider even though the cutoff is lower, which can cause glare into oncoming traffic. But it shouldn't matter if they are amber or white as both are legal. Sounds like they either just had some picky police on fishing expeditions or improperly aimed fog lights.

I think people are getting hung up on the refraction issues here. The spread is still the same for fog lights. They do help on both colors. There is no denying that. The yellow is easier on the eyes and the spectrum does shine through fog and debris a little better. That's all. If it's purely purpose driven, you should probably chose the science of yellow lights, but if you don't want that differentiation between your headlights and your fogs, then go with white. Both are still helpful. Neither should be used for normal driving especially considering oncoming traffic. Either way, unless you turn off your headlights the difference between the colors will be minimal on the amount of light shining forward.

Excellent commentary. Thank you for your insights.

 

[LSchicago]

As long as the color is true selective yellow, or amber, and not too blue; and the beams are aimed correctly; there is no risk of drawing law enforcement ire. I would say most of this unwanted attention is caused by people using these cheap amazon/ebay lights that are flood/spot and don't have the proper cutoff that fog lights do have, and are too high of wattage. Some states do have laws about only using fog lights in foggy conditions - regardless of color.

I've used yellow fogs for YEARS (since the 90s) and have not drawn attention from law enforcement (for my lights, anyways...)

Yes, Yellow and Amber lights (One extra pair) are 100% legal. Officer might be flashing him because of improper aiming. Most people do not take the time to aim them after install.

 

[Dad]

I can tell you that with my other vehicle I noticed a difference when switching from 6k white to 3k yellow for my fog lights. With the 6k it glares back at you a little in fog and snow. With the 3k you see the road a lot better in bad weather without the glare messing with your eyes.

I'm a bit late with a reply, but I do appreciate your input. Thanks. When I get them, I'll get the amber based on your experience.

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