Okay so the title says it all, it was dark it was raining it was foggy. I thought I'd give that silly little fog light a try. Never made sense to me exactly. People say that there shouldn't be two of them because it would confuse somebody for brake lights etcetera. I'm a big fan of the idea of having one on both sides just as a normal light display for the AMG lights that I'm going to upgrade to. Is there such a thing? So that the top clear strip going across both pieces of plastic housing for the tail lights is illuminated? I think it would be a cool upgrade and then the bottom part being the brake lights would illuminate whenever you pump the brakes etc.
Anyhow I was almost to the grocery store and suddenly I get flashed from behind with blue and red lights and I immediately pulled over into the pharmacy. The cop said she pulled me over because I have a light out and I begin to laugh quietly and explain to her that is something called a fog light and it's silly and it's European lol. She did not seem very amused and seemed to doubt me. I then demonstrated as I clicked the light off and she looked at it and came back to the driver's side and proceeded to write a citation which I will definitely take to court with paperwork and pictures demonstrating what a fog light is on these mercedes. Has anybody ever had this problem? It seems like the cop thought I was being pretentious and snotty. But I was nothing but polite keep in mind I do live in texas. Anyways wish me luck in court and please share your experiences if you have any

 

It is my understanding that the fog light is meant to illuminate the side of the car that is opposite the curb when parked. That's why there's a choice of left and right. A car approaching you from the rear in heavy fog might not know which side of your car they are seeing. Giving you a ticket when both tail lights worked was a little cheesy though.

 

Typical idiot cop. Then they wonder why a majority of US voters would get rid of Qualified immunity (when they learn what it is).

Just remember, cops dont become tyrants. Want to be tyrants become cops.

 

One tail light out has been the go to reason for pulling cars over forever. Then if they smell alcohol or weed you've got a real problem. I don't know about going before a judge. "You're telling me that you can turn one tail light on at a time and that's somehow safer than having both on?"

 

The cop gave you a ticket for a rear fog light that is DOT and TUV approved...that tells me the cop has never lived overseas and has trouble thinking that maybe other ways are not bad and might even be better. Or she was being an ******* or using plausible deniability (I didn't know it was a fog light) to pull you over. No matter what, it was a dick move to write you a ticket.

If the DOT did not approve it, that rear fog light feature would be disabled in the USA. A rear fog light seemed strange to me until I realized how many times I used it in the region of Germany in which I lived (Rheinland-Pfalz) due to the heavy fogs that would gather in the valleys. I use it here in South Texas several times a year; might only be for a few miles yet provides a margin of safety. It's a great idea.

Single pull of the headlight knob to activate front fog lights, additional pull of the headlight knob to activate rear fog light (and you only want one). The parking lamps' selection are counter-clockwise (or anti-clockwise for our British cousins) on the headlight switch. Either left or right parking lights can be selected depending upon which side of the road on which you are parked.

Research some documentation on DOT and TUV approvals and bring in a copy of the page in the owner's manual explaining it. Heck, if the DOT approval is on the tail light lens take a photo of that. No matter what, that police officer just wasted your valuable time. FWIW, I'm retired and have "**** You" money so I would be tempted to return the favor of wasted time to the officer in traffic court.

And I agree with pjw1967; I once had a State Trooper tell me he looks for any reason to pull over a car so he can check the occupants for warrants, drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc. I was pulled over for no front plate. And there were the cops on Hwy 59 north of Houston decades ago that would pull over cars, pop the tail light with a billy club, give a ticket, and dare the youngster to say anything.

Now I'm going to think happy thoughts and go to my happy place. Merry Christmas y'all!

 

There are threads that show how to wire passenger side on W210's for fog lights to have dual. My former Volvo 944 had rear fog light option on drivers side. Passenger side was hot and all you had to do was punch out plastic tab to install bulb. Lots of fun when tailgaters were on my backside and I'd hit the fogs, they thought I was braking, but I mashed to go pedal.

 

bbirdwell, I too got pulled over by TX State Trooper on 105 east of 45 for not having my front plate attached. My CPO '14 GL450 never had the plate attached. I had the bracket and plate in the car. The trooper gave me warning ticket. I headed directly to MB Woodlands to have the plate put on since the warning ticket put me in the system. If I got stopped again for no plate I surely would have gotten a ticket. I've had my new 2024 GLC since July. I have not installed the front plate though I'm conflicted as I have a unique US Merchant Marine vanity plate. We'll see.....

 

Doesn't help the driver but your passengers might not be aware that according to Texas Penal Code 38.02 they aren't required to provide ID unless they're being charged with or detained for an actual crime. And even the driver isn't required to answer questions, just provide your license, registration and insurance, sign the ticket and show up to court because there's a 50/50 chance those lazy bums won't.

Have a nice day!

 

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Can you show me a link to these threads ? Or can you tell me what to search under the w210 forums ?
I have seen a few upgrades of the lights being illuminated on the trunk straight across and I just did the upgrade on my 98 w210 tonight with the more modern tail lights and I love the way it looks. The new light housing came with some beautiful and much brighter lights than before however it never made much sense to me why they're not just lit up straight across onto the trunk lid which to me would make it it look more uniform. I've seen a few pictures of some online and they look great although I know a lot of people will argue that it is not designed for that kind of upgrade. Here is a picture of what I would like to make them look like sense everyone around me already thinks I have a light out any way LOL.

 

Why? I would have SERIOUSLY told the cop to pound sand (hell, just last week during a parade I told a cop to mind his own "f-ing business" when he asked where I thought I was going (on MY OWN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY). The police in the United States SERIOUSLY need to be put back into check.

Remember, when seconds count, police are minutes away (and then, have NO OBLIGATION TO PROTECT YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON).

 

I dont even give them a 50% chance of it. PLUS - in many states the most dangerous armed gang of street thugs can "Testilie" from their car - while a citizen (rightfully) needs to be in the court room.

 

I have looked and cannot find the orginal post I saw on this. Will continue to look and ping you when I find it.

 

That’s a good reminder for drivers, because rear fog lights can easily draw attention if they’re used at the wrong time. Many people don’t realize how small details like lighting can lead to a stop. Situations like this make it helpful to understand how local enforcement handles traffic issues, and resources such as Lexington County Lookup can give useful insight. Staying informed definitely helps avoid unnecessary trouble on the road.

 

That’s an interesting point about how something as simple as a rear fog light can draw police attention if it’s misunderstood. Small vehicle details often have bigger legal implications than people realize, especially during routine checks. I once came across some helpful local legal insights while browsing Durham Court Lookup which explained how minor traffic issues can sometimes escalate. It’s a good reminder to stay informed and make sure everything on the car is used correctly to avoid unnecessary trouble.