Common error when driving in fog could see you slapped with fine – don’t do it

A COMMON error when driving in fog could see you slapped with a fine.

The UK was hit by freezing fog this morning bringing delays to roads and flight cancellations.

And a yellow warning for snow and ice covers the north of Scotland from 4pm today to 9am tomorrow.

When driving in fog, drivers must use their fog lights when appropriate.

But if you drive out of fog and fail to turn off your lights, you could be in serious trouble.

Fog lights can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights.

It could cause havoc on the roads and see you pulled over by the police if you fail to comply with the rule.

You could then face points on your license and a fine of up to £30 if you use the high visibility lights when cops don't deem it foggy enough.

Drivers were warned to take extra care on the roads due to reduced visibility.

With travel chaos expected, commuters are being warned to take extra time.

Advice issued by the Met and National Highways says to avoid all travel if possible.

However, if you do need to drive anywhere, you should do so slowly and with dipped headlights.

These are the six things you can do to make your journey safer this morning:

• Avoid travel if possible
• Drive very slowly with dipped headlights, full-beam lights reflect off the fog causing a 'white wall' effect
• Keep an eye on your speed, fog can give the illusion of moving in slow motion
• Use fog lights, but remember to turn them off when the visibility improves
• Don't hang on the tail lights of the car in front, rear lights can give a false sense of security
• Watch out for freezing fog which is made of water droplets that freeze on contact with objects such as the pavement and the road. It can quickly form a layer of ice