Have you ever wondered why modern cars drive with their headlights on even during the day? This is not just a fashion trend - it is a safety requirement enshrined in the traffic rules of most countries, including Russia. Daytime running lights (DRL) have become a mandatory element of vehicle equipment, but many drivers still confuse them with dimensions, low beams or fog lights. In this article we will look at what DRLs are, how they work, what types there are, and why their absence can result in a fine.

Since 2010, Russia has had a rule obliging drivers to turn on their lights during the day. low beam headlights or daytime running lights. However, not everyone knows that DRLs are not just “smaller lamps”, but a separate system with clear technical requirements. They must ensure visibility of the car at a distance of at least 400 meters, consume a minimum of energy and be automatically activated when the engine starts. But how to distinguish high-quality DRLs from cheap fakes? And is it possible to install them yourself? The answers are below.

What are daytime running lights and why are they needed?

Daytime running lights (DRL, or DRL - Daytime Running Lights) - These are external lighting devices of a car, designed to improve its visibility during daylight hours. Their main task is to make the car more visible to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents. According to research European Commission for Transport Safety, the use of DRLs reduces the number of frontal collisions by 5–10%.

Unlike low beam headlights that illuminate the road, DRLs not intended for night use. Their brightness and directionality are designed so as not to blind oncoming drivers, but at the same time clearly indicate the contours of the car. For example, in Scandinavian countriesWhere daylight hours are short, DRLs are used all year round - this has reduced the number of accidents by 20% over the past 10 years.

  • 🔹 Main purpose: increasing vehicle visibility during the day.
  • 🔹 Difference from dimensions: The DRLs are brighter (400–800 cd versus 4–10 cd for the dimensions).
  • 🔹 Energy efficiency: consume 5–10 times less energy than low beams.
  • 🔹 Automation: turn on when the engine starts, turn off when the headlights are activated.

It is important to understand that DRLs are not just a “fashion accessory”, but an element passive safety. According to traffic police, in 2023, 15% of traffic fatalities occurred because drivers were late in noticing another vehicle on the road. DRLs help solve this problem, especially in poor visibility conditions (rain, fog, twilight).

📊 Do you use DRLs on your car?
Yes, regular ones
Yes, self-installed
No, I drive with low beams
I don't know what it is

Technical requirements for DRLs according to GOST and traffic rules

In Russia, the requirements for daytime running lights are regulated by two documents: GOST R 41.48-2004 (analogous to the international standard ECE R48) and Traffic regulations (clause 19.5). According to them, DRLs must meet the following parameters:

Parameter Requirement Explanation
Brightness (luminous intensity) 400–800 candelas (cd) Less than 400 cd - poor visibility, more than 800 cd - blinds oncoming people.
Color White or light yellow Blue, red or green lights are prohibited.
Location At a height of 250–1500 mm from the road, no further than 400 mm from the side marker The lights must be symmetrical and not obscured by body parts.
Automatic switching on Must be activated when the engine starts Manual activation is prohibited - this violates traffic regulations.
Shutdown Should turn off when headlights are turned on The exception is if the DRLs are integrated into the headlights and dim when the low beam is activated.

Particular attention should be paid DRL color. Many drivers mistakenly believe that they can use lights of any shade, but in fact GOST strictly regulates only white or light yellow color. For example, blue or purple lights (popular among customized cars) equate to abnormal lighting devices and are punishable by a fine of up to 3,000 rubles (part 3 of article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

⚠️ Attention: If you install DRLs yourself, make sure they are certified GOST R 41.48-2004. Lights without markings E48 (European standard) or PCT (Russian certificate) are considered illegal.

One more nuance - power and beam angle. Cheap Chinese DRLs often have too wide a dispersion angle, which causes them to blind oncoming drivers. According to the standards, the light beam must spread forward at an angle of no more than 20° up and 45° to the sides. You can check this using a special adjustment screen (used at service stations when adjusting headlights).

Types of daytime running lights: what are they and how to choose

There are several types of DRLs on the market, differing in design, light source and installation method. The choice depends on your budget, car model and personal preferences. Let's look at the main types:

  • 💡 Halogen DRLs: the most budget option (from 500 rubles), but they consume a lot of energy and heat up. Suitable for older cars without standard wiring for DRLs.
  • 🔆 Light-emitting diode (LED) DRL: the most popular (RUB 2,000–5,000), energy efficient, durable (up to 50,000 hours of operation). They can be in the form of flexible tapes or compact modules.
  • 🔦 Xenon DRLs: are rarely found due to the high cost (from 10,000 rubles) and the complexity of installation. They produce bright white light, but require ignition units.
  • 🚗 Standard DRLs: built into the vehicle's optics (for example, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Camry or Kia Rio latest generations). Often combined with turn signals or markers.

When choosing DRLs, pay attention to:

  1. Car Compatibility: check the connectors and fastenings. For example, for Lada Vesta suitable for DRLs with connector P21W, and for Hyundai Solar — W5W.
  2. Brightness: optimally 600–700 cd. Lights that are too dim (less than 400 cd) do not perform their function, and lights that are too bright (more than 800 cd) may cause complaints from traffic police inspectors.
  3. Luminous angle: should be directed forward, not to the sides. Check that the lights do not blind pedestrians on the sidewalk.
  4. Availability of certificate: look for markings E48 or PCT on the packaging.

LED DRLs with automatic dimming function when the headlights are turned on (for example, models Philips DayLightGuide or Osram LEDriving DL>) is the best choice for modern cars. They not only comply with GOST, but are also integrated into standard electrics without additional relays.

Check for certificate (E48 or PCT)

Make sure the brightness is between 400-800 cd

Evaluate the angle of the glow (should not blind oncoming people)

Check the connectors with your car model

Check the package (fasteners, instructions, warranty card) -->

How to install DRLs yourself: step-by-step instructions

Installing daytime running lights is a task of average complexity, which even a beginner can handle with a minimum set of tools. The main thing is to follow the connection diagram and not damage the insulation of the wires. Let's consider the process using the example of LED DRLs for a car without standard wiring (for example, VAZ 2110 or Renault Logan first generation).

Required tools and materials:

  • 🔧 Phillips and flat screwdriver.
  • 🔌 Multimeter (to check voltage).
  • 🔥 Soldering iron with solder or terminal connectors.
  • 📐 Double-sided tape or fastening clamps.
  • 🔋 12 V relay (if DRLs do not have a built-in controller).

Step by step instructions:

  1. Selecting an installation location. Optimally - on the bumper or at the bottom of the radiator grille. The distance between the lights must be at least 600 mm (for vehicles more than 1.6 m wide). On Kia Rio or Hyundai Solaris DRLs are often installed in the standard holes for fog lights.
  2. Power connection. The DRLs must be powered by a circuit activated when the engine starts. For example, you can connect to a wire IGN (ignition) or +12V after ignition switch. Do not connect directly to the battery! This will drain the battery.
  3. Relay installation (if necessary). If the DRLs do not have a built-in controller, use a 4-pin relay for automatic on/off. Connection diagram: 
    

    85 relay contact → to ground
    

    Pin 86 → +12V after the ignition switch
    

    Pin 87 → to +12V DRL
    

    Pin 30 → +12V from battery (via 10A fuse)
  4. Mounting lights. Secure the DRLs with double-sided tape or screws. Make sure that they are not covered by the bumper and do not interfere with the opening of the hood.
  5. Checking the work. Start the car and the DRLs should turn on automatically. When you turn on the headlights, they should go out or dim.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the DRLs begin to flash or turn off spontaneously, check:
  • Quality of contacts (oxidation or poor soldering).
  • Voltage in the on-board network (should be 12–14.4 V).
  • DRL compatibility with CAN bus (on modern cars this may require kan-filter).

For vehicles with CAN bus (for example, Volkswagen Passat B6, Skoda Octavia A5) a simple connection diagram will not work. Here you will either need to use DRL with CAN-compatible controller, or install them via CAN gatewayto avoid errors on the dashboard. Otherwise, a message may appear on the screen "External lighting error".

💡

Before installing the DRL, disconnect the battery to avoid short circuit. If you are not confident in your abilities, contact a service station - the average cost of installing DRLs at a service center is 1,500–3,000 rubles.

Fines for the absence or incorrect operation of DRLs

According to Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, driving without daytime running lights (or with faulty ones) during daylight hours is punishable a fine of 500 rubles. However, in practice, traffic police inspectors often classify such a violation differently - as "non-compliance of lighting devices with the requirements of the Basic provisions for vehicle approval" (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code), which is already threatening a warning or a fine of 500–1,000 rubles.

More serious sanctions are provided for:

  • 🚨 Using the wrong color DRL (for example, blue or red lights) - fine 3,000 rubles with confiscation of devices (part 3 of article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses).
  • 🚨 Unauthorized installation of DRLs without a certificate - fine 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) + requirement to eliminate the violation.
  • 🚨 Glare DRLs (incorrect adjustment) - fine 1,000 rubles (Part 3 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).

Interesting fact: in Europe The penalties for not having DRLs are much stricter. For example, in Germany it will cost 20–35 euros, and Finland - up to 100 euros. B Norway The police can stop a car even during the day if the DRLs are not on and issue a fine on the spot.

To avoid fines, watch out for:

  • DRL serviceability (check once a month).
  • Keep the glass of the lights clean (dirt reduces visibility).
  • Proper adjustment (should not blind oncoming people).
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If you are stopped by an inspector for not having your DRLs on, you can avoid a fine by turning on your low beam headlights on the spot. However, this does not cancel the requirement to eliminate the malfunction within 10 days (RF Government Decree No. 1090).

Common problems with DRLs and how to fix them

Even high-quality daytime running lights can fail. Let's look at typical faults and how to fix them:

Problem Possible reason Solution
DRLs won't turn on
  • The fuse has blown.
  • The contacts have oxidized.
  • Relay is faulty.
  • Check the fuse (usually F10 or F20 at 10A).
  • Clean the contacts with sandpaper.
  • Replace the relay (cost ~200 rubles).
DRLs flash or dim
  • Low voltage in the on-board network.
  • Poor ground contact.
  • LED driver failure.
  • Check the voltage with a multimeter (should be 12-14.4 V).
  • Pull the mass onto the body.
  • Replace the DRL power supply.
DRLs do not turn off when headlights are turned on
  • Incorrect connection diagram.
  • The light sensor is faulty (on cars with an automatic system).
  • Reconnect the DRLs via the relay controlled by the headlight circuit.
  • Check the sensor on the windshield (on Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5).
Error on the dashboard (for example, "Check DRL")
  • DRLs are not compatible with the CAN bus.
  • Broken wire or short circuit.
  • Install a CAN filter or DRL with CAN support.
  • Test the wires with a multimeter.

If the DRLs stop working after washing or rain, most likely water got into the connectors or the control unit. In this case:

  1. Remove the DRLs and dry them with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 60°C).
  2. Process contacts WD-40 or special lubricant for electrics.
  3. Check the tightness of the seals (on cheap models they often crack).

Advice for owners of cars with a CAN bus: if, after installing the DRL, an error appears on the dashboard (for example, "External lighting lamp" on Volkswagen Polo), try resetting it through a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327). If the error appears again, you will need to flash the light control unit or install CAN emulator.

How to check DRL with a multimeter?

1. Set the multimeter to voltage measurement mode (20 V).

2. Connect the black probe to ground (car body), the red probe to the positive wire of the DRL.

3. Start the engine. The voltage should be 12–14.4 V.

4. Turn on the headlights - the voltage at the DRLs should disappear (or drop to 0-2 V if the lights dim).

5. If there is no voltage, check the fuse and relay.

DRLs vs low beams vs fog lights: which is better to use during the day

Many drivers still drive during the day low beam headlights or fog lights, considering it an alternative to DRL. However, each option has pros and cons:

Parameter DRL Low beam Fog lights
Energy consumption 3–10 W 55–100 W 35–60 W
Impact on battery Minimum Strong (especially in winter) Average
Visibility during the day Good (400–800 cd) Good, but blinds oncoming people Medium (200–400 cd)
Service life 30,000–50,000 hours (LED) 500–1,000 hours (halogen) 2,000–4,000 hours
Cost of operation Low High (frequent lamp replacement) Average

Why are DRLs better than low beams?

  • 🔋 Save fuel: Low beam increases gasoline consumption by 0.1–0.3 l/100 km due to the load on the generator.
  • 💡 Last longer: LED DRLs last up to 10 years, while halogen low beam lamps last only 1-2 years.
  • 👁️ Don't blind: Properly adjusted DRLs do not blind oncoming drivers, unlike low beams.

Fog lights (PTF) can also be used during the day, but they have two disadvantages:

  1. Their brightness (200–400 cd) is often insufficient for good visibility in the sun.
  2. In some car models (for example, Nissan Qashqai) PTF cannot be turned on separately from the dimensions, which is contrary to traffic regulations.

Conclusion: DRL is the best option for daytime use. The low beams should be turned on only when they are malfunctioning, and the fog lights should be turned on in poor visibility conditions (fog, rain, snow).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about daytime running lights

❓ Do I need to turn on the DRL in fog or rain?

No, in conditions of poor visibility (rain, fog, snowfall) be sure to turn on low beam headlights or fog lights (clause 19.1 of the traffic rules). DRLs are not bright enough in such conditions. In addition, in some vehicles (for example, Ford Focus 3) The DRLs are automatically turned off when the headlights are activated.

❓ Is it possible to use DRL at night?

No, DRL not intended for night use. Their brightness and directionality do not provide sufficient illumination of the road, and in some cases they can blind oncoming drivers. Be sure to turn it on at night low or high beam headlights (clause 19.5 of the traffic rules).

❓ What is the fine for blue or red DRLs?

Using DRLs with lights red, blue or green qualifies as installation "lighting devices, the color and operating mode of which do not comply with the requirements of the Basic Provisions" (Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). Fine - 3,000 rubles with confiscation of devices. The exception is orange lights (allowed only for turn signals).

❓ Is it possible to make a DRL from an LED strip?

Technically possible, but this is a traffic violation. LED strips are not certified as DRLs and do not meet the requirements GOST R 41.48-2004 by brightness, luminous angle and automation. The traffic police inspector may issue a fine. 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) and demand dismantling.

If you want to save money, it is better to buy inexpensive certified DRLs (for example, Narva LED DRL or Hella DayLight>).

❓ Why do the DRLs light up along with the headlights 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 dims when low beam is turned on, but do not turn off completely. This is allowed by traffic rules if the brightness of the lights is reduced to the level of the dimensions (4–10 cd).