Does an imported vehicle need a rear fog light?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
For many cars first used on or after 1 April 1980, yes: the MOT manual checks one rear fog lamp fitted to the centre or offside.
Official position
The MOT inspection manual says the one rear fog lamp must be fitted to the centre or offside of vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1980. It also lists vehicle types and lighting configurations where fog lamps are not needed, so the exact answer depends on the vehicle.
What to do
Check the vehicle first-use date and vehicle category.
Confirm whether the rear fog lamp is on the centre or UK offside, not the wrong side for UK use.
Test the switch, tell-tale and lamp operation before the MOT or approval inspection.
Use a proper conversion rather than a temporary or poorly wired lamp.
Common mistakes
- Fitting a rear fog light on the nearside only.
- Assuming US or Japanese rear lighting already meets the UK MOT standard.
- Forgetting that fog-lamp requirements differ for some vehicle types.
Related help
Official sources
Next step
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