Short answer
The fog light indicator means your front fog lights (green) or rear fog light (amber) are switched on. It is not a warning. Use them only when visibility is genuinely poor, and switch them off once it improves; a rear fog light in clear weather dazzles the drivers behind you.
- Also shown as:
- Front fog light indicator · Rear fog light indicator
- What it looks like:
- A lamp shape with lines crossed by a wavy line: green and facing forward for front fogs, amber and facing back for the rear fog.
Is it safe to keep driving?
Yes. Switch fog lights off in clear conditions — rear fog lights dazzle drivers behind you and are illegal to use in clear weather in some states.
What causes the fog light indicator?
Most common first. Symbols and meanings vary by manufacturer; your owner's manual has the definitive meaning for your model.
- Fog lights switched on. The fog light switch on the stalk or dashboard was turned on, sometimes by accident when adjusting the headlights.
What should you do right now?
- Switch them off once visibility improves.
- Check the headlight switch if you did not mean to turn them on.
What does the fix usually involve?
No repair needed. If the indicator will not go out, the switch or its relay may be faulty.
How much does it cost to fix?
Often nothing — see the causes above. The cost depends on what is actually wrong.
A typical range, not a quote. Actual cost depends on the car, the shop and the fault.
Common questions
What is the difference between front and rear fog lights?
Front fog lights throw a low, wide beam under the fog. A rear fog light is a very bright red light that helps drivers behind see you. Many US cars have only front fogs.
Can I use fog lights in rain?
Front fogs can help in heavy rain or fog at low speed. Rules differ by state, and a rear fog in light rain mostly dazzles the driver behind. Check your state's rules.
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