Fog Lamps (1/2 long, inc. statutes)

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <199611081542.KAA09706@Summa4.COM> marriott@Summa4.COM writes:

> 24602.  (a) Any vehicle may be equipped with not more than two red
> fog taillamps mounted on the rear which may be lighted, in addition
> to the required taillamps, only when atmospheric conditions, such as
> fog, rain, snow, smoke, or dust, reduce the daytime or nighttime
> visibility of other vehicles to less than 500 feet.
>    (b) Such lamps shall be installed as follows:
>    (1) When two lamps are installed, one shall be mounted at the left
> side and one at the right side at the same level and as close as
> practical to the sides.  When one lamp is installed, it shall be as
> close as practical to the left side.

There has been considerable debate about these lights in Europe.  The problem 
is the human eye's linear response to logarithmic effects.  These rear fog 
lights are much brighter than normal rear lights, and have the effect of 
reducing the visual contrast between the "non-braking" and "braking" states of 
the vehicle.  That's why they were completely banned in some countries 
(Holland?) and also why the Germans permit only one - so that the brake light 
on the _other_ side of the car retains its shock value.

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club