Fog lights on with high beams?

[Mike N]

Based on what you've said here the Aspire Auto Brite Box Anytime is worth a look. I added info in this thread on how I utilize it. It will give you full control of your fogs and isn't difficult to install. Here is a link. https://www.aspireautoaccessories.c...4runner-2025-2026?_pos=5&_sid=8e675272a&_ss=r
Happy trails!

Sorry I just realized I already shared info on this with you. Guess I should look more carefully on who I'm replying to.

Sponsored

 

[josiahg52]

There' a reason the operator control is taken away, people aren't smart enough to use them properly. Fogs and high beams are for two different jobs.

Yes, fog lights and high beams serve two different purposes. I've acknowledged that repeatedly. What I disagree with is your assumption that those purposes are necessarily mutually exclusive.

I'm not advocating using high beams in dense fog, and I haven't suggested that more light is automatically better. I'm saying there are conditions where foreground and distance illumination can complement each other.

As for people not being smart enough to operate their own lighting, that's a philosophical argument for removing operator discretion, not a technical demonstration that the combination is inherently detrimental.

 

[josiahg52]

I mean, operators/owners/drivers already do stupid things. You can't stop this and there's nothing inherently stupid about operating high beams and fog lights simultaneously. Whether it's beneficial, detrimental, or largely inconsequential depends on the conditions and the lights themselves.

"These lights perform different functions to anyone operating them together is using them incorrectly." Is a demonstrably weak argument for the hard interlock to exist.

 

[Nodak]

as stated above, having fogs on while using low/high beams does have its benefits. they help fill in the areas that the low/high beams miss when driving at night.

i have used them for this purpose myself when there was the ability to use them regardless of headlight setting.

but the way toyota has implemented them now, you can no longer use them when highs are on.

on my 2014, it was a nice filler closer to the vehicle when using high beams that you lose when you only have low beams and fogs.

its especially useful for those back roads where the drop off is more pronounced and you dont have a shoulder to compensate so you can see that in your periphery easier

 

[bbbradley]

Yes, fog lights and high beams serve two different purposes. I've acknowledged that repeatedly. What I disagree with is your assumption that those purposes are necessarily mutually exclusive.

Agree on that, much like left foot braking and the Scandinavian Flick are useful techniques in the right circumstances. The problem is too few know when to use them and when not to, hence the hard lock on cars today.

 

[Mike N]

Realizing the initial topic of this thread, IMP there is no real benefit to turning on fog lights with high beams. It's more about personal preference and having the ability to do so if/when desired.
Regarding safety, if you live in a northern climate like I do, besides being able to energize fog lights alone for visibility in foggy weather (no oncoming traffic), I can share from experience that fog lights without headlights help greatly with visibility in heavy snow squalls.
Admittedly though there is maybe some vanity involved on my part. I do like the daytime look with all amber lighting.
This said I'll now stop posting to this thread.

 

[127.0.0.1]

there 100% is a benefit to high beams and fogs on....in my case yellow fogs

On dusty roads or trails and following...in the dark...often there is a dusty swirly
layer about bumper height. High beams go over this murk, white fogs brighten
the dust and it's a PITA, but yellow fogs cut through it and you can see the
front and ditches a ton better. I am not gonna go get a britebox but it would
be nice for this dusty road example to have highs and fogs at same time

and no I'm not high beaming someone directly in front of me, they are out of beam range
but dust doesn't settle immediately it hangs out a while

 

[Mike N]

I know I said I wouldn't post again but am compelled to say a few more things. First, thank you for the input. I haven't experience those conditions your points are well taken.
I've said it before in other threads that I participate in this forum because I enjoy it, so I can share, get information, consider the POV's of others, and learn. I'm not a social media guy if this at all qualifies but gotta say, this is cool for sure.

 

[Twisted]

Not the solution many of you will like but I did it with an SPOD BantamX.

Everything works exactly as OEM. If I want my fogs to stay on with high beams I simply turn them on via the touch screen. My lightbar also turns on and off with my high beams.

 

[Dr_Al]

Lets be honest. It's not about what provides the best light. It's about how oncoming drivers see your vehicle. Some people just want their vehicle to be lit up. Cars with undercarriage lighting doesn't do a thing for actual driving.

The answer is that Toyota doesn't care what you think looks better. They care about safety and sooner or later somebody will turn both lights on and have an accident. That, of course, will start a lawsuit. So Toyota (and L I would guess almost every brand) makes it so you can't have both fog lights and high beams on at the same time.

It's been this way for decades. It's not going to change. In the past you could trick the system by making it think the parking brake was on or modifying a relay. But as computers got more powerful and plentiful it's not as easy.

 

[josiahg52]

Lets be honest. It's not about what provides the best light. It's about how oncoming drivers see your vehicle. Some people just want their vehicle to be lit up. Cars with undercarriage lighting doesn't do a thing for actual driving.

The answer is that Toyota doesn't care what you think looks better. They care about safety and sooner or later somebody will turn both lights on and have an accident. That, of course, will start a lawsuit. So Toyota (and L I would guess almost every brand) makes it so you can't have both fog lights and high beams on at the same time.

It's been this way for decades. It's not going to change. In the past you could trick the system by making it think the parking brake was on or modifying a relay. But as computers got more powerful and plentiful it's not as easy.

Fog lights are functional lighting equipment, not decorative accessories comparable to underbody lighting.

I also don't see how operating properly aimed factory fog lights alongside high beams automatically creates an unacceptable condition for other drivers. If there's a specific optical or safety concern, let's identify it rather than assume one exists.

Arguing that the combination must be unsafe because Toyota disables it, and that Toyota disables it because it's unsafe, is circular reasoning.

Likewise, pointing out that manufacturers have used this interlock for decades doesn't establish that it's necessary, safer, or legally required. Longevity of a design practice is not evidence of its necessity.

I'm not arguing that simultaneous operation is appropriate under every condition. I'm arguing that the restriction itself deserves a technical justification beyond speculation about driver behavior, manufacturer liability, or tradition.

Sponsored