How do I turn the fog lights on?

Fog lights are designed to improve visibility in fog, heavy rain, or snow. In most vehicles you turn them on with a dedicated control after your headlights are on. The exact method depends on your make and model, but common setups include a switch or dial on the instrument panel, a button on the steering column, or a control within the touchscreen.

Quick start guide

Use this quick, step-by-step approach to switch on fog lights in most cars. You’ll typically need the headlights on, then activate the fog lights with a dedicated control.

1. Make sure the main lights are on (headlights or parking lights, depending on your vehicle).


2. Find the fog light control: a separate button with a fog lamp icon, a ring around the headlight switch, or a stalk control on the steering column.


3. Activate the fog lights by pressing the button, turning the dial to the fog setting, or pulling/pushing the stalk to the fog position.


4. Look for the dashboard indicator to confirm the fog lights are on (usually a green lamp icon with a fog symbol).


5. If your car has separate front and rear fog lights, ensure you’ve activated the front fogs and only use rear fog lights when conditions require, per local laws.

If the lights do not come on after these steps, check that the headlights are in the correct position, inspect fuses, or consult the owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. Some vehicles require the engine to be running or the lights to be in a particular mode for fog lights to operate.

Where fog light controls commonly live

Dashboard-mounted switch or dial

Many cars place a dedicated fog light control near the main headlight dial. You typically rotate the dial to the fog position or press a separate fog button once the headlights are on. In some models, you must pull the headlight stalk toward you to engage the front fogs.

Steering-column stalk controls

In several vehicles, fog lights are activated via the left or multifunction stalk. With headlights on, you may need to pull the stalk toward you to the first detent or rotate an end-hub to the fog position. A corresponding indicator on the instrument cluster should illuminate.

Infotainment or digital controls

Some newer cars control fog lights through the touchscreen or steering wheel buttons. Navigate to Settings or Lighting and select Fog Lights, or use the on-screen toggle while the headlights are in the correct mode.

Tips and cautions for safe use

Fog lights are useful in reduced-visibility conditions but can dazzle other drivers if used improperly. Here are practical guidelines:

• Only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced by fog, rain, snow, or dust; do not use them in clear, dry conditions.


• Ensure the main headlights are on before activating fog lights in most models.


• Avoid leaving fog lights on when not needed to conserve battery and avoid glare for other drivers.


• Check your local laws, as some places restrict the use of fog lights under certain conditions.

For some vehicles, front fog lights and rear fog lights have separate controls or indicators. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual for arrangement specifics and any model-specific safety notes.

Troubleshooting common issues

If fog lights won’t come on, run through these checks in order.

• Verify the main lights are on and in the required position for fog light activation.


• Confirm you are using the correct control method for your vehicle (switch, stalk, or touchscreen).


• Inspect the relevant fuses and relays for the fog light circuit.


• Check for burnt-out bulbs or faulty connections in the fog light wiring.


• Be aware of any vehicle-specific restrictions, such as auto headlight modes that prevent fog lights from engaging.

If issues persist after these checks, a qualified technician can diagnose electrical faults, bulb failures, or control module problems specific to your car.

Summary

Turning on fog lights involves a dedicated control that is typically usable only when the vehicle’s main lights are active. The exact method varies by make and model: a dash button, a dial near the headlight control, a stalk control, or a touchscreen toggle. Use fog lights in low-visibility conditions and follow local regulations. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions and safety guidance.

How do I turn my fog lights on?

To turn on your fog lights, first turn your headlights to the low beam or "on" position, then find the separate fog light switch or button, usually on the dashboard or steering wheel stalk, and activate it by turning the dial or pressing the button to the "on" position. A symbol for the fog lights will illuminate on your dashboard when they are on. 
This video demonstrates how to turn on fog lights on a typical car: 54sHelpful DIYYouTube · Sep 19, 2025
Step 1: Turn on your headlights 

• Fog lights will not activate unless your regular headlights are on. 
• Use the main headlight control, typically a dial or switch next to the steering wheel, to turn them on. 
• Your fog lights won't turn on if you are using high beams. 

Step 2: Find and activate the fog light switch 

• Look for a separate switch or button, often located on the same stalk as the headlight control or on the dashboard. 
• The fog light symbol looks like a headlight with three horizontal lines and a wavy line going through them, with the wavy line pointing either left (for front fog lights) or right (for rear fog lights). 
• If it's a dial: Turn the dial to the position that matches the fog light symbol. 
• If it's a button: Press the button to engage the lights. You may need to push it in or pull it out, depending on the model. Some switches may require a pull or twist to activate. 

You can watch this video to see an example of the fog light button on a steering wheel stalk: 58sHelpful DIYYouTube · Feb 4, 2024
Step 3: Confirm the fog lights are on

• Check your dashboard for the corresponding fog light icon to ensure they are illuminated. 

How do I know if fog lights are on?

You can tell if your fog lights are on by checking for a symbol on your dashboard, which illuminates when they are active. The symbol looks like a half-oval with a wavy vertical line, and the direction of the line (left for front, right for rear) indicates which fog lights are on. You can also physically see the light from the fog lights, which are usually located lower on the front bumper for front fog lights. 
This video demonstrates how to check if your fog lights are on: 57sHelpful DIYYouTube · Sep 19, 2025
On the dashboard

• Look for the symbol: The most reliable way to know if they are on is to look for a specific symbol on your dashboard. This is similar to how the regular headlight symbol works. 
• Understand the symbol: The symbol is a lamp with a wavy line and dashes. 
  • Front fog lights: The wavy line is to the left of the lamp graphic. 
  • Rear fog lights: The wavy line is to the right of the lamp graphic. 
• Check the color: The indicator light on the dashboard for the rear fog lights is often amber, while the one for front fog lights is typically green. 

Physically check the lights

• Front fog lights: Look at the front of your car, typically near the bumper. If the lights are on, you will see a low, wide beam of white or yellow light coming from them. 
• Rear fog lights: Look at the back of your car. If the rear fog lights are on, you will see a bright red light, in addition to your brake lights. 

Important considerations

• Headlights must be on: Most modern cars require your regular headlights to be on before you can turn on your fog lights. If your headlights are off, the fog light icon will not appear on the dashboard even if the switch is in the "on" position. 
• They are separate from high beams: Fog lights will not turn on if you have your high beams activated. 
• Consult your owner's manual: The exact operation and dashboard symbols can vary by car model, so always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate information. 

You can also watch this video to see the location of the fog light symbol on your dashboard: 58sA&M School of MotoringYouTube · May 13, 2025

Do fog lights come on automatically?

No, fog lights do not come on automatically in most cars; they must be manually turned on with a separate switch after the headlights are already on. While many vehicles have an automatic headlight setting for low-light conditions, this feature typically only turns on the headlights and does not activate the fog lights. 
You can watch this video to learn how to make fog lights come on automatically at night: 44sTruck Ownership: 101YouTube · Sep 30, 2019
Why fog lights aren't automatic

• Separate switches: Fog lights have their own switch, which must be engaged independently of the automatic headlight setting. 
• Manual activation: The automatic setting is designed for general low light, but fog lights are meant for use in specific, very low-visibility conditions like fog, heavy rain, or snow, which require manual activation by the driver. 
• Vehicle-dependent features: Some vehicles have features like "cornering lights" that turn on with turn signals during turns, and these are different from standard fog lights. 

How to get automatic fog lights

• Manual modification: Some drivers choose to modify their vehicle's wiring so that the fog lights turn on automatically whenever the headlights do.
• Aftermarket kits: There are aftermarket kits available that can be installed to add this functionality to a vehicle's electrical system. 

This video demonstrates how to install an aftermarket kit to enable automatic fog lights: 57sBoost AutoYouTube · Jun 25, 2019

Which button is my fog light?

In older vehicles, it is common to find the fog light buttons on your indicator stick, to the left of your steering wheel. In newer vehicles, fog lights are generally controlled via a knob on the panel directly under an air conditioning vent. Using these buttons, you can turn on your fog lights.