Question

Difficulty: MediumDriving in Fog and Reduced Visibility

When driving through daylight fog that reduces visibility below 500 feet, operating a vehicle with only its parking lights turned on is a legally acceptable alternative to using low-beam headlights.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is false. It is illegal and unsafe to operate a vehicle with only parking lights turned on while driving in fog or other reduced-visibility conditions.
The correct answer reflects standard traffic safety law: driving with only parking lights turned on is illegal when weather conditions like fog impair visibility. Drivers must use low-beam headlights.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the intended function of vehicle parking lights versus low-beam headlights.
Parking lights are designed exclusively to mark a stationary, parked vehicle, not to provide forward illumination or sufficient contrast for a moving vehicle.
Low-beam headlights emit the proper beam pattern and intensity required for other drivers to spot a moving vehicle in fog.
2
Evaluate state and statutory DMV rules regarding light usage in fog.
Motor vehicle codes explicitly prohibit driving with only parking lights illuminated whenever weather conditions require headlight usage.
Therefore, low-beam headlights must be activated in foggy conditions to maintain legal compliance and road safety.

Key Concept

Prohibition of driving with parking lights only in reduced visibility conditions
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