Every driver must be clearly aware of the boundaries between daytime and night driving, since road safety and compliance with the law directly depend on this. According to the current traffic rules, there is a special term that strictly regulates the need to use external lighting devices of a car. Misunderstanding or ignoring this time period often causes accidents and fines.
Dark time of day - this is the period of time from the end of evening twilight to the beginning of morning twilight. It is important not to confuse this time period with limited visibility, which can also occur during the day due to weather conditions. The driver needs to know the exact definition in order to correctly apply traffic regulations regarding the inclusion of headlights and side lights.
In this article we will examine in detail the legal aspects, technical requirements for lighting and the consequences of violations. You will learn how to determine the beginning of this period without special instruments and why automatic car systems may not work correctly during the transition period. Compliance with these rules is the key to your safety and the safety of your driver’s license.
Definition and legal aspects according to traffic rules
Clause 1.2 of the current Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation provides a clear definition of the period of interest to us. Dark time of day - this is the period of time from the end of evening twilight to the beginning of morning twilight. This definition is the basis for the application of a number of standards governing the use of lighting devices.
The legal significance of this concept is enormous, since it is during this period that the requirements for the mandatory inclusion of low or high beam headlights, as well as fog lights in conditions of poor visibility, come into force. Ignoring these requirements is interpreted by traffic police inspectors as a violation of the rules for using external lighting devices.
It is worth noting that the legislator does not tie this concept to a specific watch on the dial, since the time of sunset and dawn varies depending on the geographic latitude and time of year. In Murmansk in winter it can get dark as early as 11 am, while in Sochi the daylight hours are much longer. Therefore, the driver is obliged to assess the road illumination himself.
Use calendar apps with sunrise and sunset times for your specific city to know in advance when you need to turn on the lights.
There is a common misconception that having street lighting relieves you of the obligation to turn on your headlights. However, the law says the opposite: if it occurs dark time of day, the headlights should be on no matter how bright the lights on the sidewalk are. Lighting in populated areas is often uneven and can create a false sense of security.
Distinction from limited visibility and twilight
Many drivers confuse darkness with limited visibility, which leads to errors in driving. Limited visibility is a condition in which the driver is unable to clearly distinguish road terrain or an object within the range of the headlights. This can happen due to fog, rain, snow or even smoke.
The key difference lies in the nature of the phenomenon. Dark time of day is caused by the natural lack of sunlight (astronomical factor), while limited visibility is caused by weather or physical obstacles (meteorological factor). During the day, during a heavy rainfall, there may be light, but visibility will be limited, requiring your headlights to be turned on.
⚠️ Attention: Twilight is a transitional period. In the traffic rules there is no concept of “twilight” as a separate mode, therefore, as soon as you understand that natural light is not enough for safe movement, you need to turn on the lights without waiting for complete darkness.
Correct assessment of the situation on the road requires the driver to be attentive. If you see that oncoming cars have already turned on their headlights, this is a sure signal to action. It's also worth remembering that the human eye takes longer to adapt to darkness than it seems, and keeping the lights on not only helps you see, but also helps you be visible to pedestrians wearing dark clothing.
Rules for using lighting devices
Clause 19.1 of the traffic rules clearly regulates which devices should be turned on at different times. B dark time of day On a moving vehicle, high or low beam headlights, reversing lights (when moving backwards) and side lights (in conditions of poor visibility or when stopping) must be turned on. The use of daytime running lights (DRLs) only is prohibited during this period.
Daytime running lights are designed to be bright during the day, but at night they can blind oncoming drivers and, more importantly, do not provide illumination of the license plate and rear dimensions of the vehicle. Therefore, automatic DRL mode does not replace the need to switch to low beam.
- 🚗 Low beam - the main source of road lighting in populated areas and during oncoming traffic.
- 🌫️ Fog lights — can be used independently or in conjunction with low beams at night with limited visibility.
- 🚫 High beam - obligatory on unlit sections of roads outside populated areas, if it does not interfere with other road users.
Modern cars are often equipped with light sensors that automatically turn on the headlights. However, responsibility for the technical condition and correct operation of the systems lies with the driver.
☑️ Checking lights before night
Technical requirements and headlight settings
Safety at night directly depends on the serviceability of the vehicle's lighting equipment. According to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union, the light beam must be correctly adjusted. Low-mode headlights directed too high will blind oncoming drivers, creating an emergency situation.
Optics contamination is another critical issue. Dirt on headlights can reduce their effectiveness by up to 90%. If your vehicle is equipped with headlights with a light distribution class DC, DR, DC/R, they must be equipped with washers and automatic tilt angle correction. The absence of a working washer on such headlights is a malfunction for which operation is prohibited.
| Device type | Purpose | Requirements in the dark |
|---|---|---|
| Low beam | Lighting the road ahead | Required |
| High beam | Lighting over long distances | Mandatory outside populated areas |
| Side lights | Vehicle width designation | Mandatory when stopping/parking |
| DRL | Vehicle designation during the day | Not enough (need a neighbor) |
Headlight adjustment should be done on special stands. Visual adjustment “by eye” often leads to errors. If you notice that oncoming drivers constantly flash their headlights at you, your car's headlights may be aimed too high.
Why are the LEDs blinking?
Modern LED and xenon lamps have a shorter light degradation life, but they are critical to overheating. If the headlight fogs up, the lens may become cloudy, causing light to scatter and glare into oncoming traffic, even when adjusted correctly.
Fines for violating lighting rules
Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices entails administrative liability. According to Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, this violation is subject to a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. Although the amount seems small, consistent violations may indicate a negligent driver.
However, if the vehicle’s headlights or lights do not light up at night, the inspector may interpret this as a malfunction for which operation is prohibited (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses). In this case, you may not only be fined, but also prohibited from further movement until the problem is fixed, which will entail the cost of a tow truck or on-site repairs.
Cases where the driver uses non-standard light sources are especially severely punished. Installing xenon in headlights intended for halogen lamps or lamps that do not correspond to the type of vehicle entails deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of six months to one year with confiscation of the items.
⚠️ Attention: Deprivation of rights threatens not for the fact of turning on abnormal lights, but for driving a vehicle on which lighting devices are installed that do not meet the requirements of the Basic Regulations for Vehicle Admission.
Tips for safe driving at night
Driving in dark time of day requires increased concentration. The driver's reaction time decreases at night, and distance estimates become less accurate. Experts recommend reducing driving speed, especially on unlit sections of roads, so that the stopping distance does not exceed the distance illuminated by headlights.
Avoid looking directly at the headlights of oncoming vehicles. The luminous flux, even low beam, can cause short-term blinding. It is better to look at the right side of the road or markings, controlling the position of the oncoming car with peripheral vision. A clean windshield is a must, as dirt and stains create glare that significantly impairs visibility.
- 👀 Rest — before a night trip, be sure to get enough sleep, fatigue sets in faster at night.
- 🧼 Cleanliness — wipe the glass inside and out, the film of grease enhances the glare effect.
- 👓 Glasses — use glasses with anti-reflective coating if you wear optics, or special driving glasses.
It is also worth mentioning the operating mode of the rear view mirrors. Most cars have an anti-glare (day/night) mode that changes the angle of the mirror or darkens it so that the light from behind is not reflected into the driver's eyes. Don't forget to switch this mode.
The main rule of the night road: your speed should allow you to stop within sight of the road illuminated by your headlights.
What should I do if I am blinded by an oncoming car?
If you are blinded, reduce your speed immediately without making sudden movements with the steering wheel. Try not to look at the light source, but shift your gaze to the right, to the side of the road or markings. If visibility is completely lost, the safest thing to do is to stop smoothly, turn on the hazard lights, and wait until your eyes adapt or the car passes.
Do you need to turn on the lights in tunnels?
Yes, according to traffic regulations, when driving through a tunnel, you must turn on low beam headlights, regardless of the time of day or the presence of lighting in the tunnel. This rule is the same for all road users.
Is it possible to park in the dark without lights?
You can park on illuminated sections of roads or in places where parking is permitted, indicated by signs. However, if you stop on the side of an unlit road outside a populated area, you must turn on your side lights. In conditions of insufficient visibility or at night in unlit areas, parking without the lights on is prohibited and dangerous.