We've all seen it countless times. You're out for a drive and all of a sudden someone comes tearing towards you with their fog lights on.

There's only one problem with the situation - it's not foggy.

In fact it's a crystal clear night where visibility isn't even remotely an issue, but still your fellow motorist has opted to use the dazzling lights.

Maybe they're confused? Maybe they did it by accident? Or maybe they're just desperate to make their Rover Metro look like a lean mean driving machine.

Either way it's annoying and potentially dangerous - but is it illegal?

It turns out it is, and you could end up with a fine.

Rule 226 of the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights.

"You MUST switch them off when visibility improves."

Interestingly fog lights are not a legal requirement on vehicles, meaning you don't have to use fog lights when visibility worsens.

The penalty for using fog lights when you shouldn't is £30. No penalty points are given out though.