Highway Code ‘100’ rule many drivers may not know

Highway Code '100' rule many drivers may not know

The Highway Code alerts drivers to a '100' rule. And with the UK's unpredictable weather, you need to know this. The official Highway Code states that, under Rule 226, drivers must ensure they switch on the correct lights when visibility is poor.

If you don't follow the rules, it could be a criminal offence. It explains: "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." Directing people to Rule 236, it states that drivers should only use front or rear fog lights when visibility is very poor.

It also warns people against dazzling other drivers. It warns: "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." These rules apply to all drivers.

GOV.UK stresses that "many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. "You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison.

"Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’. "In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence." For more information, you can read about the Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules online via the GOV.UK website.