Daytime running lights (DRLs) vs side lights: 7 key differences every driver should know

Introduction: why do they confuse DRLs and dimensions, and what does this mean on the road?

Have you ever found yourself thinking that you don't fully understand the difference between... daytime running lights (DRL) and side lights? If yes, you are not alone. According to traffic police statistics, every fifth driver in Russia incorrectly uses lighting devices, risking getting a fine or, worse, becoming involved in an accident. Meanwhile, these two types of lighting have fundamentally different purposes, brightness standards and even legal status.

Since 2010, Russia has had a mandatory requirement to drive with DRLs or low beam headlights on during the day. But many drivers, out of habit or ignorance, turn them on instead side lights - and this is a grave mistake. The dimensions not only do not meet daytime visibility standards, but may also increase the risk of an accident by 18% according to a study by NIIAT. In this article, we will look at how exactly DRLs differ from their dimensions, what fines are imposed for improper use, and how to choose the best option for your car.

1. Purpose: why DRLs save lives, but dimensions do not

Main function daytime running lights (DRL) — make the car visible on the road during daylight hours. According to research Scandinavian Council of Transport Ministers, the use of DRLs reduces the number of frontal collisions by 12–15%, and collisions with pedestrians by 8%. The fact is that the human eye perceives moving light sources better than static objects. DRLs work precisely on this principle: their brightness and color temperature (usually 4000–6000K) optimized for daytime vision.

But side lights (they are also called “sidelights” or “parking lights”) are intended for something completely different:

• 🔴 Designation of a car at night — when the car is parked on the side of the road or standing in traffic with the engine turned off.
• 🔴 Additional alarm - for example, when stopping in an emergency (together with a warning triangle).
• 🔴 Indication of vehicle dimensions - especially important for trucks and trailers, where the dimensions visually blend with the body.

Key difference: DRL actively warn other traffic participants about your presence, and the dimensions only passively denote car. Using headlights instead of DRLs during the day is like driving with the tail lights on: you simply won’t be seen against the backdrop of sunlight.

2. Specifications: brightness, color and location

To understand why dimensions do not replace DRLs, it is enough to compare their technical parameters. In Russia, both types of lights are regulated GOST R 41.48-2004 (for DRL) and GOST R 41.7-99 (for dimensions), but the requirements for them are radically different.

Parameter	Daytime running lights (DRL)	Side lights
Brightness (luminous flux)	400–800 candelas (minimum)	4–125 candelas (depending on type)
Color temperature	4000–6000 Kelvin (white/bluish)	2500–3500 Kelvin (warm yellow/orange)
Location	Front, at a height of 250–1500 mm from the ground, no further than 400 mm from the side clearance	Front and rear, at heights 350–1500 mm (front) and 350–2100 mm (rear)
Viewing angle	±20° horizontal, ±10° vertical	±80° horizontal, ±15° vertical (front)
Automatic shutdown	Should turn off when you turn on the low/high beams	Can work constantly (for example, in the “parking lights” mode)

Pay attention to the brightness: DRL in 30–200 times brighter than size! This is no coincidence - during the day, sunlight “clogs” dim sources, and the dimensions are simply lost against its background. For example, in the experiment ADAC (German Automobile Club) it was proven that a car with its lights turned on is visible at a distance of just 200–300 meters during the day, while with DRL this distance increases to 800–1000 meters.

3. Legal nuances: what the traffic rules say and what fines they face

According to clause 19.5 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, during daylight hours on all moving vehicles must be turned on or daytime running lights, or low beam headlights, or fog lights. Side lights in this listing none! This means that their use instead of DRLs is equivalent to non-use of lighting devices at all.

The penalty for this violation is specified in Part 1 Art. 12.20 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

• ⚠️ Warning or fine 500 rubles - upon the first violation (if the inspector is in a good mood).
• ⚠️ Fine 1000 rubles — in case of a repeated violation or if the inspector records a refusal to turn on the DRL/low beam.

But that's not all. If you get into an accident with the DRLs turned off (or with the lights turned on instead), you may be found guilty yours - even if the other driver is technically at fault. Judicial practice shows that in such cases, insurance companies often refuse to pay under CASCO, citing clause 2.3.1 of traffic rules (the driver’s responsibility to ensure the serviceability and correct use of lighting devices).

What to do if the inspector demands a fine for dimensions instead of DRL?

If you were stopped for using clearance lights instead of DRLs, ask the inspector to show the specific article of violation in the protocol. Often inspectors threaten with fines “for everything,” but by law they are required to indicate the exact wording. If the protocol simply says “violation of clause 19.5”, appeal it - this clause does not prohibit dimensions, but only does not include them in the list of lighting devices permitted during the day. In court, such an appeal is won in 70% of cases (data from Autocode).

4. When dimensions can be used during the day (and why this is an exception)

There are only three situations when the side lights allowed use during daylight hours instead of DRL or low beam:

1. Movement in a column — if you are traveling in an organized convoy (for example, in a funeral procession or motorcade), where the inclusion of dimensions is stipulated by the regulations of the event.
2. Emergency stop - when the car is forced to stop on the roadway (for example, due to a breakdown), and you turn on the lights along with the hazard warning lights.
3. Special weather conditions - when driving in tunnels or during a sharp deterioration in visibility (for example, in thick fog), when the dimensions are supplemented by the main lighting devices.

In all other cases, daytime dimensions not only useless, but also dangerous. For example, in Japan and South Korea for this violation a fine of the equivalent 3000–5000 rubles, and in Germany They can even tow the car if the driver refuses to turn on the DRLs.

✅ Turn on the ignition - the DRLs should light up automatically (if not, check the settings or fuses).

✅ Approach the car from the front at a distance of 10 meters - the lights should be clearly visible in daylight.

✅ Turn on the low beam - the DRLs should go out (if not, the control unit needs to be adjusted or replaced).

✅ Check the angle of the glow: from the side (at an angle of 20°) the lights should be visible, but not blind oncoming drivers.-->

5. How to distinguish DRLs from dimensions in practice: visual signs

If you are not sure which lights are on on your car, use these instructions:

Signs of DRL:

• 💡 Bright white or bluish light — dimensions are usually yellow or orange.
• 💡 Located closer to the center of the bumper — Dimensions are often at the edges (next to the headlights).
• 💡 Turns on automatically when the engine starts — the lights usually need to be turned on manually (or they only light up when the ignition is on).
• 💡 Do not light up with the low beam — if the DRLs go out when you turn on the headlights, this is normal; dimensions remain illuminated.

Signs of dimensions:

• 🔶 Dim yellow/orange light — it is barely visible during the day.
• 🔶 They burn both front and back — DRL only at the front.
• 🔶 Can remain on when the engine is off ("parking lights" mode).
• 🔶 Often combined with direction indicators — in this case the entire block blinks.

If your car was released after 2010, most likely, it has standard DRLs (even on budget models like Lada Granta or Renault Logan). On older cars 2005 There are usually no DRLs - in this case, during the day you need to drive with low beams or install certified modules.

6. Myths and misconceptions: what’s really wrong with DRLs and dimensions

There are many myths surrounding lighting devices. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: "The dimensions are bright enough for daytime driving"

⚠️ Attention! The human eye perceives brightness logarithmically: if the DRLs are 100 times brighter than the dimensions, this does not mean that they are “100 times more visible.” In practice, the difference in visibility reaches 400–500% — this is why in Europe, since 2011, daytime driving has been prohibited by law.

Myth 2: "DRLs drain the battery"

Modern LED DRLs consume 2–5 W energy (vs. 50–60 W for incandescent lamp sizes). Even if you leave them on for 10 hours, the battery will be discharged by no more than 5-10%. For comparison: one engine start in winter “consumes” more energy than a week’s operation of DRLs.

Myth 3: “DRLs blind oncoming drivers”

High-quality DRLs have clear optics and shine at an angle ±10° up/down, so they don't dazzle. Only cheap Chinese modules without certification or incorrectly installed lights (for example, too high or at the wrong angle) cause glare.

Myth 4: “If I have xenon/LED headlights, DRLs are not needed”

⚠️ Attention! Even the brightest low beam headlights (3000–4000 lumens) are inferior to DRLs in terms of visibility during the day. The point is contrast: DRLs stand out against the background of the surrounding environment, while the low beam “dissolves” in the general light flow. That is why in Scandinavia (where daylight hours last up to 20 hours) DRLs are required even on cars with xenon.

7. How to choose DRLs: criteria and best models of 2026

If your car is not equipped with standard DRLs, you can install them yourself. Here's what to look for when choosing:

Selection criteria:

• ✅ Certification according to GOST R 41.48-2004 — without it, the inspector may fine you for “non-standard lighting devices.”
• ✅ Brightness of at least 400 candelas - less is simply not visible during the day.
• ✅ Color temperature 4000–6000K — avoid “blue” lights (>6000K), they are blinding and prohibited.
• ✅ Beam angle ±20° - too wide a light is blinding, too narrow - it is not visible from the side.
• ✅ Automatic shutdown when headlights are turned on - otherwise you will have to turn it off manually every time.

Top 5 DRL models in 2026:

Model	Type	Brightness (cd)	Price (RUB)	Features
Philips DayLight LED	LED modules	600	3 200	Certified for Russia, dispersion angle 22°, service life 10 years
Osram LEDriving DL	LED	500	2 800	Compact size, suitable for bumper installation, IP67
HELLA LEDayFlex	Flexible tapes	450	4 500	Can be bent to fit the shape of a bumper, 12 LEDs per module
Bosch LED Daytime	Modules with lenses	700	3 900	Aluminum radiator, IP68 moisture protection
MTF Light Pro-Line	Budget	400	1 200	Suitable for temporary installation, secured with double-sided tape

Installing DRL takes 1–2 hours and does not require special skills. The main thing is to connect them correctly to the ignition circuit (so that the lights turn on automatically) and adjust the angle of inclination. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a car service - errors in the connection can lead to a short circuit or triggering CAN buses (on modern cars).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about DRLs and dimensions

Can I use fog lights instead of DRLs during the day?

Yes, according to clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, fog lights (FTL) are allowed to be used instead of DRLs. However, there are nuances:

• PTF must be included front only (rear PTFs cannot be used during the day).
• The brightness of the PTF should be no lower 200 candelas — many standard “fog lights” do not correspond to this.
• In some regions (for example, in Moscow), inspectors may interpret PTF as “blinding lights” and fine Part 3 Art. 12.20 Code of Administrative Offenses (fine 5,000 rubles).

Conclusion: it is better to use PTF only in fog or rain, and switch to DRL during the day.

Is it true that DRLs increase fuel consumption?

No, it's a myth. Modern LED DRLs consume 2–5 W, which corresponds to 0.0003–0.0007 l/100 km additional expense. For comparison: an air conditioner increases consumption by 0.5–1.5 l/100 km, and an open window at a speed of 100 km/h - at 0.2–0.4 l/100 km. The difference is so insignificant that it cannot be recorded even by the on-board computer.

What happens if you drive without DRLs and without low beams during the day?

This is a violation clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, for which there is a fine 500 rubles (or warning). However, in practice, inspectors often qualify this as “non-compliance of the vehicle with safety requirements” (Part 1 Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses), which is already threatening 500–1000 rubles. In both cases, the fine can be paid with a 50% discount within 20 days.

Important: if you are involved in an accident with the DRLs turned off, the insurance company may reduce the MTPL payment by 20–30%, citing your fault for creating the emergency.

Can DRLs be installed on a motorcycle or moped?

Yes, but with reservations:

• For motorcycles DRL are required since 2016 (Order of the Ministry of Transport No. 286).
• Install DRLs on mopeds and scooters (up to 50 cm³) not necessary, but recommended.
• The brightness of DRLs for motorcycles should be no less than 200 candelas (versus 400 for cars).
• It is prohibited to install DRLs on the steering wheel or other moving parts - only on stationary body elements.

The best models for motorcycles: Denali D2 (1000 candelas), R&G Micro (compact, for sports bikes), AdMore Lighting (with turn signal function).

Is it true that DRLs are banned in some countries?

Yes, but there are only a few such countries. For example:

• Japan — DRLs are allowed, but only if they are built into the headlight (separate modules are prohibited).
• Australia — DRLs are mandatory only for commercial vehicles.
• Some US states (for example, Arizona) - DRLs are allowed, but only if they are certified to the standard FMVSS 108.

In Europe and Russia, DRLs are mandatory for all vehicles (except bicycles and horse-drawn vehicles).