What headlights should be turned on at night according to the rules?

Turning on low beam headlights is a mandatory requirement of traffic rules when driving on roads at night, regardless of the illumination of the roadway. The driver is required to activate this particular lighting mode immediately after sunset or when entering a tunnel, where artificial lighting may be absent or insufficient. Ignoring this rule not only creates an emergency situation, making the car less noticeable to other road users, but also entails administrative liability.

There is a common misconception that in cities with good street lighting you can limit yourself to side lights, however Traffic rules clearly regulate the use of headlight lighting devices. Side lights are intended solely to indicate a stationary vehicle and do not provide the necessary visibility while moving. Therefore, the question of which headlights should be turned on at night has a clear answer: low beam is the basic and mandatory mode for any night driving conditions.

Traffic regulations for the use of light at night

The main regulatory document regulating this issue is clause 19.1 Traffic rules. It states that in the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the road lighting, as well as in tunnels, low-beam or high-beam headlights must be turned on on a moving vehicle. The choice between them depends on the specific road situation and the presence of oncoming traffic, but it is always necessary to have the head light on.

It is important to understand that by “darkness” the legislation means the period from the end of the evening twilight to the beginning of the morning. The driver's visual assessment of the need to turn on the headlights is often erroneous, so the rule will work "preemptively": it gets dark - turn on the lights. This applies not only to passenger cars, but also to motorcycles, which are also required to drive with low beam headlight or daytime running lights around the clock.

Using only side lights when driving at night is strictly prohibited, as they do not illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle. This creates a dangerous situation where the driver sees only a small part of the road, and other road users may not notice the car in time. Therefore dimensions They serve only to indicate the width and height of a parked car, but not for active driving.

• 🚗 Dipped beam is required in populated areas and on illuminated sections of highways.
• 🌑 High beam is used on unlit roads in the absence of oncoming cars.
• 💡 Daytime running lights (DRLs) at night are insufficient and should be replaced with low beams.

⚠️ Attention: Driving with headlights turned off in the dark is equivalent to driving with faulty lighting devices and faces a fine.

Difference between low and high beam

The main difference between low beam and high beam is the direction and range of the light beam. Low beam is directed down and to the right (in countries with right-hand traffic), illuminating the side of the road and the section of the road in front of the car at a distance of 30–40 meters, without blinding oncoming drivers. This is the main mode for city driving and driving in traffic.

The high beam, in turn, illuminates the road at a distance of 100 meters or more, which is critically important on country roads. However, its use is strictly limited: according to clause 19.2 of the traffic rules, the driver is required to switch to low beam 150 meters before an oncoming vehicle. Also, switching to low beam is mandatory if the oncoming driver gives a light signal, even if the distance to him exceeds 150 meters.

Improper use of high beams is one of the common causes of accidents. A blinded driver loses the ability to adequately assess the traffic situation, which can lead to driving into the oncoming lane or hitting a pedestrian. Therefore switching to low beam is not just a formality, but a matter of life safety.

Technical nuances

Why are headlights blinding?

Modern xenon and LED headlights have higher brightness and color temperature compared to halogen ones. If such optics are installed in a reflector headlight not designed for this type of lamp, strong light scattering occurs. Even a short-term exposure of such light to the eyes of the driver of an oncoming car causes a “white veil” effect and temporary blindness.

In conditions of dense city traffic or when driving behind another car, the use of high beams is also prohibited, since the light is reflected from the rear-view mirrors and windshield of the car in front, disturbing the driver. In such situations, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the regime low beam.

Using fog lights at night

Fog lights (FTL) have a specific spectrum and beam dispersion angle, designed to work in conditions of fog, rain or snowfall. According to traffic regulations, at night, PTFs can only be used in conjunction with low or high beam headlights. Independent use of fog lights at night without the headlights on is prohibited.

Many drivers mistakenly believe that PTF can be used as a replacement for low beams in the city in order to “save the resource” of the main lamps. This is a gross violation. Fog lights shine widely and low, illuminating the front of the car, but do not provide the necessary visibility into the distance. In addition, their bright white or yellow light from behind (if the rear PTF lights are on) can irritate drivers following you.

Rear fog lights are devices with very high brightness, comparable to brake lights. Their activation in clear weather or during normal visibility is prohibited, as they dazzle drivers of cars behind. At night in the city, their use is also not allowed unless there is an urgent need due to poor visibility.

• 🌫️ Front PTF can only be turned on together with low or high beam.
• 🛑 Rear PTFs are allowed only in conditions of insufficient visibility (fog, rain).
• 💡 It is prohibited to use PTF instead of main headlights.

⚠️ Attention: Installing additional PTFs without modifying the wiring and installing the corresponding switch and indicator on the instrument panel is a violation and can lead to problems when passing technical inspection.

Remember: fog lights are an auxiliary light source. They do not replace low beams, but only supplement them in difficult weather conditions. At night in clear weather in the city they are unnecessary.

Lighting in populated areas and on the highway

In populated areas where, as a rule, there is street lighting, the main mode is low beam. Even if the road appears well lit, having your headlights on makes your vehicle more visible to pedestrians who may be walking out from behind parked cars or jaywalking. The contrast of the luminous headlights helps you react faster to the appearance of pedestrian on the roadway.

On country roads the situation changes. There are often no lights here, and the only source of light is car headlights. In such conditions, in the absence of oncoming traffic, it is necessary to turn on the high beams in order to timely detect obstacles, animals or improperly parked vehicles. However, when the lights of an oncoming car appear in the field of view, the driver is obliged to immediately switch to low beam.

Particular attention should be paid to movement in the column. If you are driving behind another car, the use of high beams is prohibited regardless of the time of day or lighting, so as not to blind the driver of the vehicle in front through the rear-view mirrors. Only relevant here low beam.

High beam on the highway when oncoming traffic appears|Fog lights in clear weather|Dimensions instead of low beam|I don’t forget at all, I keep an eye on the panel

It is also worth remembering about lighting in tunnels. When entering a tunnel, the driver must turn on the low beam, even if the lighting is on. This requirement is dictated by the need to adapt vision and indicate the dimensions of a car in a confined space. When leaving the tunnel, the light can be turned off if it is already daylight.

Fines for improper use of headlights

Violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices is regulated by the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO RF). The most common violation is driving in the dark with the headlights off or with faulty lights. Responsibility for this is provided under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

The fine for this violation is 500 rubles. Despite the relatively small amount, the risk is not only financial losses. Driving without lights in the dark greatly increases the likelihood of an accident, the consequences of which can be disproportionately heavier than a fine. In addition, if lights are missing or not lit on more than one vehicle, driving may be prohibited until the problem is corrected.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the installation of non-certified lighting devices (for example, xenon in halogen headlights). This may entail deprivation of rights for a period of 6 months to 1 year under Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, since it is considered driving a vehicle with illegally installed special signals or devices, the color and operating mode of which do not meet the requirements.

Violation	Article of the Administrative Code	Punishment
Malfunction of external lighting devices	12.5 part 1	Warning or fine 500 rubles.
Installation of red light in front	12.5 part 3	Deprivation of rights 6-12 months.
Mismatch between headlight type and lamp type	12.5 part 3	Deprivation of rights 6-12 months.
Lack of headlights (if provided for by design)	12.5 part 1	Fine 500 rub.

It is worth noting that traffic police officers can issue a fine not only for lack of light, but also for dirty headlights. According to the basic provisions for vehicle approval, external lighting devices must be clean. If the headlights do not shine due to a layer of dirt or snow, this is considered a malfunction.

Technical requirements and faults

For safe driving, it is important not only to turn on the headlights, but also to make sure that they are in good working order. Adjusting the light beam is a critical procedure. If the headlights are not adjusted correctly (too high), they will blind oncoming drivers even in low beam mode. Adjustment beam directions should be carried out on special stands or using markings.

A common problem is the clouding of headlight lenses over time. The plastic turns yellow and becomes covered with microcracks, which significantly reduces light transmission. The driver may not notice the deterioration as he gets used to the current level of illumination, but for those around him the car becomes practically invisible. In such cases, the headlights need to be polished or replaced.

It is also necessary to monitor the performance of all lamps in the headlight. Often drivers do not notice that one of their filaments or LED module has burned out. Regularly checking your lights, especially before long trips at night, will help you avoid trouble and fines.

Do both low beam headlights work|Do the high beams switch|Are the brake lights and turn signals on|Are the headlight lenses clean|Are the lights adjusted (do they dazzle oncoming traffic)

When replacing lamps, it is important to maintain cleanliness. Do not touch the glass bulb of a halogen lamp with bare hands, as grease marks lead to local overheating and rapid failure of the lamp. Use clean gloves or a tissue when installing new ones. light sources.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive in the city with only daytime running lights (DRLs) at night?

No, you can't. Daytime running lights are designed for use during daylight hours. At night, they do not provide sufficient illumination of the road and do not make the car sufficiently visible from behind (since the rear DRLs do not light up). At night it is necessary to turn on low beams.

Should I turn on the lights during the day if it is raining heavily?

Yes, it is necessary. According to traffic regulations, in conditions of poor visibility (rain, fog, snowfall, haze), low-beam headlights or fog lights must be turned on, regardless of the time of day. This requirement is aimed at increasing the visibility of the vehicle.

Is there a fine if one low beam bulb in the headlight burns out?

Yes, driving with one low beam headlight not working is prohibited. This is considered a malfunction in which operation of the vehicle is prohibited. A traffic police officer has the right to issue a fine under Art. 12.5 part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

When should you turn on the rear fog lights?

The rear fog lights turn on only in conditions of poor visibility (fog, rain, snowfall), when visibility is less than 300 meters. In clear weather or just at night, it is prohibited to turn them on, as they blind drivers of cars behind.

What should I do if I am blinded by an oncoming car?

Don't look at bright lights. Turn your gaze to the right shoulder or markings at the right edge of the road. Slow down and be prepared to stop. If the glare is severe, it is better to stop safely and wait until the oncoming vehicle is out of sight.