Daytime running lights on a car: what are they, traffic rules and GOST, difference from low beam

Disputes about what exactly are considered daytime running lights (DRLs) by car have not subsided for many years. Some drivers are sure that it is enough to turn on the headlights, others believe that low beam is required, and still others install special LED modules. Meanwhile, Traffic rules (traffic rules) and GOST R 41.48-2004 clearly regulate which lighting devices can be used during the daytime. In this article, we will understand what DRLs are from a legal and technical point of view, how they differ from other light sources, and what fines are faced for their incorrect use.

It is important to understand that daytime running lights - this is not just “any light from the front”, but devices that meet strict requirements for brightness, color, location and angle of illumination. For example, fog lights (PTF) are not DRLs by default - they can only be used as an alternative in the absence of standard running lights. But low beam headlights, despite the common misconception, does not equate to DRL, although traffic rules are allowed as a temporary replacement.

If you are planning to install DRLs yourself or just want to understand the nuances, this article will help you avoid mistakes. We will analyze the current standards for 2026, compare different types of lighting devices and give practical recommendations for selection and operation.

1. Definition of daytime running lights according to GOST and traffic regulations

According to GOST R 41.48-2004 (analogous to the international standard ECE R48), daytime running lights (DRL) - These are external lighting devices designed to improve the visibility of a vehicle from the front during daylight hours. Their key characteristics:

• 🔹 Color: white only (shades from warm to cool are allowed, but without color filters).
• 🔹 Brightness: 400 to 800 candelas (cd) - 2 to 4 times brighter than parking lights.
• 🔹 Location: at a height of 25–150 cm from the ground, no further than 40 cm from the side plane of the car.
• 🔹 Luminous angle: horizontal ±20°, vertical ±10° (so as not to blind oncoming drivers).
• 🔹 Automatic switching on: should light up when the engine starts and go out when the low/fog lights are turned on.

B Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (clause 19.5) it is said that during the daytime all moving vehicles must have either DRL, or low beam headlights, or fog lights (if DRL is not included in the design). At the same time side lights are not mentioned alternatively, their brightness is not enough for daytime visibility.

⚠️ Attention: If your car has DRLs installed from the factory, but are disabled (for example, through the on-board computer menu), this is equivalent to their absence. In this case, you will have to use low beam or PTF.

2. How do DRLs differ from low beams, headlights and fog lights?

Many drivers confuse daytime running lights with other lighting devices. Let's look at the key differences in the table:

Device	Brightness (candelas)	Color	Is it allowed to be used as a DRL according to traffic regulations?	Energy consumption
DRL	400–800	White	✅ Yes (subject to GOST compliance)	Low (LED: 5–15 W)
Low beam	1000–2000	White/yellow	✅ Yes (as an alternative)	High (halogen: 55–65 W × 2)
Fog lights (PTF)	600–1200	White/yellow	✅ Yes (only if there is no DRL)	Medium (35–55 W × 2)
Side lights	4–20	Red (rear)/white (front)	❌ No (too dim)	Low (5 W × 2)

The main advantage of DRLs over low beams is saving fuel and lamp life. For example, halogen low beam headlights consume ~110 W, while LED DRLs consume only 10–20 W. This reduces the load on the generator and battery, especially important for cars with a weak electrical system (for example, VAZ 2107 or Daewoo Nexia).

However, DRLs also have disadvantages:

• 🚗 They don’t illuminate the road (they only make the car more noticeable).
• 💡 They require correct settings, otherwise they will blind oncoming drivers.
• 🔧 Old cars (before 2010) often lack standard connectors for connection.

3. Staff vs. universal DRLs: what to choose and how to install

There are two types of daytime running lights:

1. Standard (factory) - built into the headlights or bumper at the production stage (for example, on Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Solaris). Usually controlled via BCM (Body Control Module) and turn on automatically.
2. Universal (additional) — installed separately (for example, models Philips DayLight 8, HELLA LEDayFlex, Osram LEDriving FL-300). Requires connection to the on-board network.

If your car was manufactured after 2010, it most likely already has standard DRLs (check instruction manual). On older machines (eg. VAZ 2110, Ford Focus 1) you will have to install universal modules. When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🔦 Certification: there must be a sign ECE R87 or GOST R.
• 🔌 Connection method: via relay, CAN bus or directly to the battery.
• 📏 Dimensions: compact models (for example, Morimoto XB LED) is easier to fit into the bumper.

⚠️ Attention: It is prohibited to connect DRLs directly to the parking lights or brake lights! This violates GOST R 51709-2001 and may cause a short circuit. The correct option is to connect via ignition relay or CAN adapter (for modern cars).

To install universal DRLs yourself, you will need:

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a car service. The average cost of installing DRLs in Moscow is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (excluding the price of the lights themselves).

4. Fines for improper use of DRLs in 2026

Violations related to daytime running lights are regulated Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, Article 12.20. Let's look at the most common cases and the amounts of fines:

Violation	Fine (rub.)	Can it be avoided?
No DRL/low beam/PTF during the day	500	✅ Yes (warning for first violation)
Using headlights instead of DRLs	500	❌ No (dimensions are not an alternative)
DRLs of wrong color (blue, green)	3 000	❌ No (confiscation of devices is possible)
Glare DRLs (incorrect setting)	500–1 000	✅ Yes (just adjust the angle)

The most controversial point - using fog lights instead of DRLs. According to the traffic rules, this is allowed, but only if by car no standard DRLs. If they are present, but disabled, and you are driving with PTF, the inspector may issue a fine for failure to use the lighting devices provided for by the design.

Common mistake - installation Chinese DRLs without certification. For example, modules with AliExpress for 300 rubles they often do not correspond GOST R 41.48-2004 by brightness or angle of luminescence. In this case, the inspector has the right to draw up a protocol on Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (“installation of lighting fixtures that do not meet the requirements”). Fine - 3,000 rubles with confiscation of lights.

5. Myths and misconceptions about daytime running lights

There are many myths surrounding DRLs, which often lead to fines or accidents. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🚫 Myth 1: "The dimensions are sufficient for daytime driving."

  Reality: The side lights are only 4-20 candelas bright, making them virtually invisible in sunlight. This is a traffic violation (fine 500 rubles).

• 🚫 Myth 2: "DRL can be made from LED strip."

  Reality: The tape does not comply with GOST in terms of brightness and scattering angle. The inspector will equate this to uncertified devices (fine 3,000 rubles).

• 🚫 Myth 3: "DRLs are only needed outside the city."

  Reality: Traffic regulations require DRLs to be turned on everywhere, including city roads. The only exception is in tunnels (low beam is required there).

• 🚫 Myth 4: “If the DRLs are on, you don’t have to turn on the low beams in the tunnel.”

  Reality: In the tunnels, according to clause 19.1 of the traffic rules, low beams or fog lights are required. DRLs do not illuminate the road enough.

Another common misconception is that DRLs improve road lighting. In fact, their only function is to make the car more visible to other road users. Designed for lighting low/high beam or fog lights.

Why have DRLs been mandatory in Europe since 2011?

In the EU, studies have shown that the use of DRLs reduces the number of accidents involving pedestrians and motorcyclists by 10–15%. In addition, this reduces fuel consumption (compared to low beam) and extends the life of the lamps. In Russia, a similar rule has been in force since 2010, but the control is weaker.

6. How to check and adjust DRLs yourself

If you have installed DRLs or noticed that the standard lights are not shining correctly, they need to be checked and adjusted. To do this you will need:

1. A level area (for example, near the wall of a garage).
2. Roulette or ruler.
3. Screwdriver (for adjusting fasteners).
4. Level (you can use the application on your smartphone).

Adjustment procedure:

1. Park the car at a distance 5 meters from the wall.
2. Place marks on the wall at the level of the center of the DRL (usually 60–90 cm from the ground).
3. Turn on the lights and check that the light spots are symmetrical and do not rise above the marks.
4. If necessary, adjust the DRL angle using the mounting screws (usually located on the side or bottom of the module).

The optimal tilt angle of the DRL is 0.5–1.5° down. If the lights shine upward, they will blind oncoming drivers; if they are too low, they will not be visible from a distance.

⚠️ Attention: On some vehicles (for example, Kia Rio, Renault Duster) DRLs are adjusted together with the headlight. In this case, self-adjustment may disrupt the low/high beam adjustment. It is better to contact the service with adjustment stand.

7. Top 5 mistakes when choosing and installing DRLs

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with daytime running lights. Here are the most critical ones:

• 🔴 Buying DRL without a certificate — risk of a fine of 3,000 rubles. and confiscation.
• 🔴 Installation in the wrong place - for example, on the radiator grille (disturbs the angle of the glow).
• 🔴 Connection to dimensions - leads to circuit overload and short circuit.
• 🔴 Ignoring automatic shutdown — The DRLs should go out when the low beam is turned on.
• 🔴 Using DRL at night — they do not illuminate the road and can dazzle (at night you need low/high beams).

A common problem is DRL flickering. This happens due to:

• 🔋 Unstable voltage in the on-board network (check the generator and battery).
• 🔌 Incorrect connection (for example, through the alarm instead of the ignition).
• 💡 Cheap Chinese modules with a bad driver.

If the DRLs are flashing, try connecting them via voltage stabilizer or replace with a model with built-in surge protection (for example, Philips X-tremeUltinon).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about daytime running lights

❓ Is it necessary to turn on the DRL in the city during the day?

✅ Yes, definitely. According to clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, during the day, a moving vehicle must have DRLs, low beams or fog lights on. This rule applies both in the city and outside it. The exception is only if the car is parked (not moving).

❓ Is it possible to use LED strip instead of DRL?

❌ No. LED strip does not meet requirements GOST R 41.48-2004 by brightness, scattering angle and certification. The traffic police inspector will equate it to uncertified lighting devices (fine 3,000 rubles + confiscation).

❓ Why do the DRLs light up along with the low beam on some cars?

🔧 This is a design feature. On some models (for example, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series) DRLs are integrated into the headlights and do not turn off when the low beam is turned on. It is not a violation if the brightness of the DRLs is automatically reduced (to avoid glare).

❓ Is it possible to drive with one working DRL if the second one is burned out?

❌ No. According to paragraph 3.6 of the List of traffic rules faults, operation of the vehicle is prohibited if the number, type or color of external lighting devices does not correspond to the design. Fine - 500 rubles. or warning.

❓ How to check if my DRLs comply with GOST?

🔍 Look at the markings on the DRL body. Should be:

• Sign ECE R87 (international standard) or GOST R.
• Arrow with letter E and a number (for example, E22 - Dutch certificate).
• Voltage indication (12V or 24V).

If there is no marking, these are “left” lights, their use is illegal.