19.9. Is it permitted for a driver to drive at night with only the fog lights on, without the low beam or high beam headlights?
UAЧи дозволено водієві в темний час доби рухатися з протитуманними фарами, увімкненими без ближнього або дальнього світла?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety at night and the proper use of external lighting devices. At night (from sunset to sunrise), visibility decreases, the driver's visual perception worsens, and the risk of noticing an obstacle late or misjudging distance increases. Therefore, the traffic rules establish clear requirements regarding which lights must be on while driving.
The question tests knowledge of Section 19 of the Traffic Rules regarding the use of lighting devices, particularly points 19.1 and 19.5. According to 19.1, at night while driving, it is mandatory to have either low beam or high beam headlights on. Point 19.5 clarifies the role of fog lights: in conditions of poor visibility, they may be used, but at night on unlit road sections, they are only allowed together with low or high beam headlights, that is, as additional lighting, not as the sole source of illumination.
That is why the option stating that driving with only fog lights is prohibited complies with the rules: fog lights have a low and narrow beam and do not provide sufficient road illumination in the dark, and therefore cannot replace the main headlights. The alternative option is incorrect because it contradicts the obligation to turn on low or high beam headlights while driving at night, which is often tested in the theoretical exam as a basic rule of safe driving.
Clause 19.5
Fog lights may be used in conditions of insufficient visibility either separately or together with low or high beam headlights, but at night on unlit road sections — only together with low or high beam headlights.
Brief application: at night, fog lights cannot be the only lights turned on — they are allowed only in addition to low/high beam headlights.
Clause 19.1
At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the degree of road illumination, a moving vehicle must have its low or high beam headlights turned on.
Brief application: when driving at night, the driver is obliged to turn on the low or high beam headlights.
Clause 1.10 (term "Night time")
Night time — the part of the day from sunset to sunrise.
Brief application: the question concerns precisely this time interval, when the requirements of Section 19 regarding mandatory headlight use apply.
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient visibility")
Insufficient visibility — road visibility in the direction of travel less than 300 m in twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc.
Brief application: it is in such conditions that fog lights may be used, but at night they do not replace low/high beam headlights.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that at night while driving, low or high beam headlights must be turned on, and fog lights at this time may only be used together with them.
The hours of darkness in the Traffic Rules are defined as the time from sunset to sunrise. During this period, road and object visibility is significantly reduced, and the driver perceives the situation worse than during the day. That is why the Traffic Rules require that when driving at night, the vehicle must be equipped with the main headlights to illuminate the road.
Clause 19.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explains the procedure for using fog lights. In conditions of insufficient visibility, they are allowed to be switched on either separately or together with the low or high beam headlights. However, at night on unlit road sections, fog lights may operate only together with the low or high beam headlights, that is, as additional, not as the main lighting.
The logic of the rule is simple: fog lights have a narrow and lower light beam, which helps in fog or similar conditions, but does not provide sufficient road illumination at night. For example, if they are switched on without the low or high beam, the driver sees much worse, and other road users may notice the vehicle later or incorrectly estimate its distance and speed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since at night fog lights cannot be used instead of low or high beam headlights and must be switched on only together with them.