Running Fogs With Highs - Dodge Diesel

terb · 03-04-2010, 05:11 PM

I was wondering why the dealer could not tell me what federal DOT law they would be breaking if they enabled my fogs with my highs. I guess its because there is not one. I just got off the phone with this lady and asked her to email me what the law says. Now it may be illegal in some states but I know its not in AZ & NM.

Hello Tom,
In response to your question regarding running the high beams and fog lights simultaneously, there are no Federal regulations that prohibit those functions from being active at the same time. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 (the vehicle lighting standard) only regulates performance specifications for lighting equipment. The state DOTs would regulate use.

Best Regards,

Cassandra Hayden

Safety Compliance Engineer

U.S. Department of Transportation

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance

PH: 202-366-2190

E-mail: cassandra.hayden@dot.gov

duckhunter04 · 03-04-2010, 10:33 PM

I was under the impresion that is was the number of lights on at the same time, not which ones but that is what I was told and don't even know if it was a federal or a state law.

Bark · 03-04-2010, 10:38 PM

terb: Good job researching it. Dealer in Kenai had said the same thing to me. I believed them. Than a couple of years later contacted our Alaska DMV. They said the dealer was full of it so it is not a problem up here either.

BigDogJeepin · 03-05-2010, 01:39 AM

Duckhunter is right. It is the number of lights you use that is the issue. In Iowa, you cannot use more than four "auxiliary lights" (Code 321.420). States usually model their laws after those of other states. I expect most states are similar. Manufacturers must follow federal laws when making your truck, but you won't find anyone who would enforce this particular law that Cassandra spoke of, on the streets of Yourtown, USA, Just the state law regarding number of auxiliary lights.

hotrod929 · 03-05-2010, 11:20 AM

so is this an option that can be turned on at the dealer to run the fogs with the high beams?

HotRod

Lost Lake · 03-05-2010, 12:18 PM

In Wisconsin we can have a maximum of four forward facing lights.

Bark · 03-05-2010, 06:53 PM

hotrod929: I got confused the last time I got involved in that discusion. Here is one of the threads on the subject. http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/d...ight=fog+light

duckhunter04 · 03-05-2010, 06:59 PM

I know on my 05' that they say (I don't really know who they are now you mention it) that the use of high, low and fogs would/could overtask the electical system. That is why they have components like the Brite Box and a couple others they sell. They use the controls but get power directly from the battery so they don't put the amps though the wiring. I am still thinkng about purchasing one myself. I know when I lived in Kodiak Alaska I wish I would have for the winter driving!!

03-04-2010, 10:33 PM	#2
duckhunter04 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 4 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	I was under the impresion that is was the number of lights on at the same time, not which ones but that is what I was told and don't even know if it was a federal or a state law. __________________ 2005 Mineral Gray 2500 QC towing a 2008 Keystone Sprinter 311BHS (8400# dry) AFE air filter, MBRP Catback, guages overhead (EGT, Trans, Boost), FS2500 bypass filter.

03-04-2010, 10:38 PM	#3
Bark DTR's Volcano Monitor, Toilet Smuggler, Taser tester, Meteorite enumerator, Quill counter, Match hoarder, Panic Dance Choreographer, Bet losing shrew murderer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kenai Alaska Posts: 893 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	terb: Good job researching it. Dealer in Kenai had said the same thing to me. I believed them. Than a couple of years later contacted our Alaska DMV. They said the dealer was full of it so it is not a problem up here either. __________________ Stock 2003 Ram 2500, Green, Full size q cab, HO, six speed 3.73 gears. Always towing an Arctic Fox 22GQ. -----------Remember, Only fifty percent of us are above average, and average ain't very good.----------

03-05-2010, 01:39 AM	#4
BigDogJeepin Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 192 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Duckhunter is right. It is the number of lights you use that is the issue. In Iowa, you cannot use more than four "auxiliary lights" (Code 321.420). States usually model their laws after those of other states. I expect most states are similar. Manufacturers must follow federal laws when making your truck, but you won't find anyone who would enforce this particular law that Cassandra spoke of, on the streets of Yourtown, USA, Just the state law regarding number of auxiliary lights. __________________ Lost in divorce: 2006 Laramie CTD 120K miles. K&N conical filter in stock box, perforated with holes 4" Donaldson M085171, Kitty MIA Transgo with usual billet parts Goerend TC, Haisley flex plate, Billet Input Shaft Smarty Sr. SW7, Quadzilla Boost Fooler 0-60 5.1 sec

03-05-2010, 11:20 AM	#5
hotrod929 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 271 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	so is this an option that can be turned on at the dealer to run the fogs with the high beams? HotRod __________________ Combat Tested MP 2006 2500 MEGA 4x4 G56...Linex Rockers, Thuren 3" Front Lift w/ Overland Shocks, Fuel Octanes, Cooper STT 35x12.5x17 SOLD 2001 2500 QC/LB 4x4 47re...Strait Piped, FASS HPFP pump. SOLD 2006 2500 QC/LB 4x4 48re....WW Intake, Silverline 5" TB, Thuren 2.5" Front Lift w/ Bilstein 5100s, Autometer Gauges, KMC XD Revolvers, MT ATZ 305/60/18s, AirDog 150 30psi, Billet Georend, SMARTY REVO

03-05-2010, 12:18 PM	#6
Lost Lake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lost Lake, Wis Posts: 1,681 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	In Wisconsin we can have a maximum of four forward facing lights. __________________ 2006 - 3500 Mega Billet Goerend Trans Smarty Jr, 35" Nitto Trails on 18's Leveled, Bags 150,000 miles

03-05-2010, 06:53 PM	#7
Bark DTR's Volcano Monitor, Toilet Smuggler, Taser tester, Meteorite enumerator, Quill counter, Match hoarder, Panic Dance Choreographer, Bet losing shrew murderer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kenai Alaska Posts: 893 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	hotrod929: I got confused the last time I got involved in that discusion. Here is one of the threads on the subject. http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/d...ight=fog+light

03-05-2010, 06:59 PM	#8
duckhunter04 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 4 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	I know on my 05' that they say (I don't really know who they are now you mention it) that the use of high, low and fogs would/could overtask the electical system. That is why they have components like the Brite Box and a couple others they sell. They use the controls but get power directly from the battery so they don't put the amps though the wiring. I am still thinkng about purchasing one myself. I know when I lived in Kodiak Alaska I wish I would have for the winter driving!!

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