Drivers are being warned about a little-known winter rule that could hit them with a $166 fine and 3 points on their license — all for forgetting one basic safety check.
In Florida, it’s illegal to drive in foggy conditions without your headlights on.
This is part of the state’s visibility laws, and officers say many drivers break it without even realizing.
According to Florida Statute 316.217(1)(B), headlights must be used during any rain, fog, or smoke.
Failing to turn them on can get you a moving violation, the $166 fine, 3 license points, and possibly extra court fees.
To help drivers remember, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles uses the slogan:
👉 “When visibility is low, drive slow.”
They also remind everyone to use low beams in fog. High beams may seem helpful — but they actually reflect off fog, smoke, or rain and make visibility worse.
Officials also advise cleaning headlights and windshields regularly to reduce glare and improve visibility.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office issued a special warning for those who rely on automatic headlights:
👉 Always double-check they’re actually on.
Fog can be too bright for sensors to activate, meaning your lights might stay off without you knowing.
Earlier this year, during heavy winter fog, law enforcement announced they would be stopping and educating drivers after spotting many traveling with no headlights in dangerous conditions.
Their message was blunt:
“Driving without headlights in the fog? That’s a glowing violation.”
And as winter weather returns, drivers are also being reminded to follow the “7/7 rule” to know exactly when to install winter tires.
