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**Navigating the Rain: Choosing the Right Lights for Safe Driving**

Driving safety in the rain isn’t just about slowing down—it also involves using the right lights to enhance visibility and ensure you’re seen by other road users. Knowing which lights to activate during a downpour can mean the difference between an accident and a smooth journey. Here’s everything drivers need to know about managing their headlights in rainy conditions.

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### **Why Proper Lighting Matters in the Rain**
Rain reduces visibility in multiple ways: reduced daylight, water spray on windows, and glare from wet surfaces. Using the right headlights ensures:
– Improved visibility of the road and obstacles.
– Enhanced visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic.
– Compliance with legal requirements (failure to obey can lead to fines).

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### **Which Lights Should You Activate During Rain?**

#### **1. *Feux de croisement (Dipped Headlights): The Primary Choice**
– **When to use them:** Always turn them **on at night** or in low-light conditions.
– **Daytime use?** Even during the day in heavy rain, activate them if visibility drops below 100 meters.
– **Why?** These lights provide optimal visibility (up to 30 meters) without blinding other drivers. They’re more powerful than daytime running lights (phares de jour), which are too dim for rain.

#### **2. *Phares de brouillard avant (Front Fog Lights): For Extreme Conditions**
– **When to use them:** When visibility falls drastically, e.g., during heavy downpours, fog, or intense spray.
– **How:** They should complement dipped headlights, not replace them.
– **Why?** Their low-angle beam cuts through precipitation and spray better than regular headlights.
⚠️ **Note:** Only **front fog lights** are allowed; rear fog lights are unnecessary in rain and can blind others behind you.

#### **3. *Avoid the “Feux de route” (High-Beam)**
– **Why:** Their strong beam creates glare on wet roads, making it harder to see and potentially blinding oncoming drivers. Stick to dipped headlights unless driving alone on isolated roads. Even then, avoid them in heavy rain.

#### **4. *Position/Daytime Lights are Not Enough**
– **Limitation:** “Feux de position” (parking lights) only provide minimal visibility (up to 15–20 meters). Use them *only* in daylight with excellent visibility.

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### **Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do When It Rains**
1. **Night or Poor Light:**
– Always turn on **dipped headlights (feux de croisement)**.
– Add **front fog lights** if visibility drops below 100 meters.
– Avoid high beams—use only if no other traffic is present, and revert to dips when others approach.

2. **Daytime Rain:**
– If rain is heavy and the road is foggy, switch to dipped headlights or add fog lights.

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### **Common Mistakes to Avoid**
– **Using only daytime running lights in heavy rain**: These don’t provide enough visibility.
– **Ignoring fog lights when needed**: They’re crucial in very poor visibility.
– **Blindness hazard**: Using high beams in rain creates dangerous glare.

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### **Legal and Safety Tips**
– **Legal compliance** in France requires headlights (feux de croisement, position, or daytime lights) whenever visibility is impaired.
– **Penalties**: Fines apply for incorrect use of lights, especially blinding others.
– **Additional precautions**: Ensure wipers are in working order, reduce speed, and double your braking distance.

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### **Key Takeaways**
– **Primary rule**: **Feux de croisement are your go-to**, even in daytime if visibility is low.
– **Front fog lights are your backup** when conditions worsen (e.g., heavy downpours or thick fog).
– **Never neglect the basics**: Clean headlights, check bulbs before driving in bad weather.

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### **FAQ**
**Q: Can I drive with only daytime lights in the rain?**
No. Daytime running lights are insufficient for heavy rain—they lack the power needed to see the road clearly. Always upgrade to dipped headlights or fog lights as needed.

**Q: When do I use rear fog lights?**
Never *mandatory*, but front fog lights can help. Rear fog lights (feux de brouillard arrière) are typically optional unless visibility is extremely poor (e.g., dense fog).

**Q: Can I use headlights in daylight?**
Yes, if visibility is poor. Better safe than sorry!

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Rain doesn’t just mean wet roads—it’s a call to stay alert and equipped. By mastering the correct use of headlights in wet conditions, you’ll not only adhere to the *code de la route* but also protect yourself and others on the road. Drive safely!

*Sources*: Codedelaroute.io, Mister-Auto, Lepermislibre, and Ornikar.

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**Stay informed, stay safe—aucun accident n’est anodin!**