Car side lights: when to turn on according to traffic regulations and how to avoid a fine

Side lights are not just a car design element, but an essential safety tool on the road. Their correct use helps other drivers notice your car in time in the dark, fog or poor visibility. However, many drivers are still confused about when to turn on the headlights and when to turn on the low beam headlights or fog lights. Mistakes here are fraught not only with fines, but also with the creation of emergency situations.

In this article we will analyze all the nuances of using side lights according to the current rules of 2026: from basic traffic rules requirements to little-known exceptions. You will learn how the dimensions differ from daytime running lights, when they can be used instead of headlights, and when this is strictly prohibited. And also - how to correctly combine dimensions with other lighting devices so as not to blind oncoming drivers and not run into sanctions from the traffic police.

What are side lights and why are they needed?

Side lights (or dimensions) are small light devices located at the corners of the car: front (white) and rear (red). Their main task is indicate the dimensions of the vehicle in conditions of insufficient visibility so that other road users can assess its dimensions and distance. Unlike headlights, headlights do not illuminate the road, but only signal the presence of a car.

By design, side lights are:

• 🔹 LED - energy efficient, durable, often installed on modern models (Toyota Camry, Hyundai Solaris);
• 🔹 Halogen - classic incandescent lamps, cheaper to repair, but consume more energy;
• 🔹 Xenon - are rarely used for dimensions, but are found in tuned cars.

It is important to understand that the dimensions do not replace daytime running lights (DRLs) or low beams. Their light is too dim to make a vehicle visible during the day, but bright enough to confuse other drivers if used incorrectly at night.

When to turn on the side lights according to traffic rules 2026

The basic rules for using side lights are set out in clause 19.3 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. According to him, the dimensions must be included in the following cases:

1. 🌃 In the dark - from the end of evening twilight to the beginning of morning. This applies to both driving and parking on unlit sections of the road;
2. 🌫️ In case of insufficient visibility - when fog, rain, snow or dust reduces visibility of the road 300 meters;
3. 🚗 In the tunnels — regardless of the level of illumination;
4. 🔧 When towing — on a towed vehicle, the lights must always be turned on.

However, there is an important clarification: if the car parked on a lighted street (for example, under a lamp), the dimensions can be do not include. But this rule only works for parking, not for driving!

Dimensions vs low beam vs DRL: what to turn on day and night

Many drivers confuse side lights with daytime running lights (DRL) or low beam headlights. Let's figure out when to use what:

Terms	Side lights	DRL	Low beam
Driving during the day (good visibility)	❌ Prohibited	✅ Required	✅ Allowed
Movement in the dark	❌ Only with headlights	❌ Prohibited	✅ Required
Parking at night on an unlit road	✅ Required	❌ Prohibited	❌ Prohibited
Driving in fog (visibility < 300 m)	✅ Required	❌ Prohibited	✅ Required

Key rule: Dimensions are never used separately from headlights while driving. If you are driving at night, you need to turn it on and dimensions, and low/high beam. DRL, in turn, prohibited use instead of markers or headlights at night - their brightness is not enough for safety.

⚠️ Attention! On some vehicles (for example, Renault Duster until 2018) the dimensions are automatically included along with the DRLs. This violates traffic regulations, since during the day only the DRLs should work, and the headlights should be turned off. Check this function in the on-board computer settings.

Fines for incorrect use of clearances in 2026

Violations of the rules for using side lights are classified according to Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The amount of the fine depends on the nature of the offense:

• 💰 500 rubles — if the dimensions are not turned on in the dark or when visibility is insufficient (Part 1 Art. 12.20);
• 💰 1,000 rubles — if the dimensions are used instead of low beam headlights at night (for example, driving only with the dimensions);
• 💰 1,500 rubles - if the dimensions are faulty (the lamps do not light or the switch is broken).

Traffic police inspectors especially often stop drivers who are driving at dusk. only on dimensions, forgetting to turn on the headlights. This is regarded as "inconsistency of lighting devices with traffic conditions" and is punishable by a fine 1,000 rubles.

An interesting nuance: if your lights do not light up due to a burnt-out lamp, but you did not know this (for example, the lamp burned out while driving), the fine can be challenged. To do this, you will need to provide evidence that a malfunction has occurred. unintentionally (for example, a receipt from a car service with the date of repair after stops by the inspector).

How to check if the dimensions work without an assistant?

Drive close to the wall or garage door (at a distance of ~1 meter) and turn on the dimensions. The reflected light will be clearly visible on a light surface. You can also use the reflection in a puddle or mirror.

Exceptions and controversial situations: when dimensions may not be included

There are several cases where the side lights not required, despite the dark or poor visibility:

1. 🅿️ Parking on a lighted street - if the lights are bright enough to clearly distinguish the car from a distance 50 meters;
2. 🚜 Agricultural machinery — separate rules apply for tractors and combines (dimensions can be replaced by reflectors);
3. 🚨 Emergency stop - if the car breaks down, instead of dimensions you can use alarm;
4. 🏗️ Road works - if the car is parked in a road repair area with working lighting.

However, there is also reverse exceptions, when the dimensions need to be turned on even during the day:

• 🚛 Transportation of oversized cargo - if the load extends beyond the dimensions of the vehicle by more than 1 meter;
• 🚗 Towing — on a towed car, the lights should always be on, even during the day.

⚠️ Attention! In some regions (for example, Moscow and St. Petersburg), local authorities are tightening the requirements for lighting devices. So, in Central Administrative District of Moscow Inspectors can issue a fine for turning off the lights, even in a parking lot under a lamp, if visibility is impaired due to smog or bad weather.

Turn on the ignition and check all 4 indicator lamps (2 front, 2 rear)

Make sure the lamps are lit evenly (no flickering or dim light)

Check the operation of the headlight switch (usually it is combined with the turn signal)

Clean the headlight glasses from dirt - this increases visibility by 30% -->

How to properly combine dimensions with other lighting devices

Side lights are rarely used on their own; they are usually combined with other light sources. Here are the basic rules of combination:

1. 🌃 Night driving:
   • ✅ Low beam + dimensions — standard mode;
   • ✅ High beam + dimensions — only on unlit roads;
   • ❌ Dimensions only - prohibited!
2. 🌫️ Fog or rain:
   • ✅ Fog lights + dimensions + low beam;
   • ❌ Only fog lights without dimensions - it blinds oncoming drivers.

🅿️ Parking at night:

• ✅ Dimensions only - if the car is parked;
• ✅ Dimensions + emergency lights — if parking is forced (breakdown).

On modern cars (for example, Kia Rio 2020+ or Lada Vesta) are often installed automatic light control. In such cars, the lights can turn on automatically when the low beam or DRLs are activated. However automation does not always take into account local peculiarities (for example, poorly lit courtyards), so it is better to check the operation of the dimensions manually.

💡

If you are driving along the highway at night and the oncoming driver “blinks” his high beams, most likely your low beams are turned off and only your headlights are on. Turn on your headlights immediately - this is dangerous for all road users!

Common driver mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes with side lights. Here are the most common:

• 🔦 "Forgot to turn off the lights" - if you leave them overnight, the battery will be discharged in 4-6 hours. On some models (for example, Ford Focus) the dimensions automatically turn off 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, but this does not always work;
• 🌅 "Driving on traffic lights at dusk" - many people think that in the twilight there are enough dimensions, but according to traffic regulations you need to include low beam or DRL;
• 🚗 "Unverified dimensions after an accident" — even after a slight impact, the contact in the headlight may be broken and the lamp will stop lighting;
• 💡 "Using the wrong type of LED bulbs" — if you put too bright LEDs in the dimensions, it can blind other drivers and lead to a fine.

To avoid problems, follow a simple algorithm:

1. Before the trip, check the operation of all lamps (dimensions, brake lights, turn signals);
2. At dusk or when visibility deteriorates, turn on low beam, and not just dimensions;
3. Leave it in the parking lot at night only dimensions (if the parking lot is unlit) or turn everything off (if the parking lot is under a lamp).

If you often forget to turn off the lights, set sound reminder (available in the settings of many modern cars) or use keychain with voltage sensor, which will warn you when the battery is low.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about side lights

Is it possible to drive during the day only with side lights instead of DRLs?

No, this is a traffic violation. During the day they should be turned on either DRL, or low beam headlights. The dimensions are too dim for daytime use and do not provide sufficient visibility of the vehicle. The penalty for this is 500 rubles.

What to do if the marker lamp burns out and there is nothing to replace it with?

If the lamp burns out on the way and there is no spare, you can temporarily use alarm when driving in the dark (but this is only allowed to get to the repair site). It is best to stop and call a tow truck or a taxi - driving with faulty dimensions at night is dangerous and fraught with a fine. 1,500 rubles.

Do I need to turn on the lights in the tunnel during the day?

Yes, necessarily. According to traffic regulations, side lights (together with low beams or DRLs) must be turned on in any tunnels, regardless of the time of day and light level. This rule applies even in short tunnels less than 50 meters.

Can dimensions be used as hazard warning lights?

No, dimensions and emergency lights are different systems. Hazard warning lights flashing everyone turn indicators, and the lights are constantly on. If your emergency light breaks, you can use it instead warning triangle (triangle), but not dimensions.

Which lamps are better to install in the dimensions: LED or halogen?

LED lamps (LED) are preferable because they:

• 🔹 Consume 5–10 times less energy;
• 🔹 Serves until 50,000 hours (against 1,000 hours for halogen);
• 🔹 Lights up instantly (halogen ones need time to warm up).

However, before installation, check whether LED lamps are allowed for your car model (in some cases this is considered tuning and requires changes to the title).