The debate about which headlights to turn on during the day has not subsided among drivers for more than ten years. Someone is sure that it is enough daytime running lights (DRL), others insist on low beam headlights, and still others completely forget about the lighting devices until it gets dark. Meanwhile, incorrect use of headlights during the day threatens not only a fine, but also an increased risk of an accident. In 2026, the rules remained the same, but new nuances appeared related to LED optics and adaptive lighting systems.

In this article we will look at:

  • 📜 Exact requirements of traffic rules 2026 — what the law says about daylighting;
  • 💡 DRL vs low beam vs dimensions — which headlights are allowed and which are not;
  • 🚔 Fines and controversial situations — how inspectors interpret the rules in practice;
  • 🏍️ Features for motorcycles, trailers and retro cars — where exceptions apply;
  • 🔧 Technical nuances — how to check the performance of the DRLs and avoid breakdowns.

And you will also find out why Turning on fog lights during the day instead of DRLs or low beams is now considered a violation in all cases - even in poor visibility (this change came into effect on March 1, 2023).

Traffic rules 2026: what the law says about headlights during the day

The main document regulating the use of lighting devices is clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. In 2026, its wording sounds like this:

⚠️ Attention: “During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on for the purpose of identifying them.”

Key points:

  • 🔹 Required for everyone moving vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses);
  • 🔹 Exceptions: trailers, retro cars without DRLs (more details below);
  • 🔹 Prohibited use side lights or fog lights instead of low beam/DRL;
  • 🔹 Fine for violation - 500 rubles (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).

Important: from 2020, the rule has removed the mention of “insufficient visibility conditions” as a reason for turning on headlights. The requirement is now valid always, regardless of the weather or time of year. Even if the sun is bright outside and the road is clear, DRL or low beam must be on.

📊 What headlights do you turn on during the day?
Daytime running lights (DRL)
Low beam headlights
I forget to turn it on
Fog lights (although this is a violation)
Other

DRL, low beam or dimensions: what to choose

The law allows two options: daytime running lights (DRL) or low beam headlights. But which one is better? Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Lighting type Pros Cons Suitable for
Daytime running lights (DRL)
  • ⚡ Less load on the generator (save fuel);
  • 💡 Brighter and more noticeable to other drivers;
  • 🔧 They last longer (LED elements do not burn out).
  • 🔌 Not all cars are equipped from the factory;
  • 💰 Installation of high-quality DRLs costs 3-10 thousand rubles;
  • 🚨 May be blinding if configured incorrectly.
 Modern cars (since 2010)
Low beam headlights
  • 🔄 Universal (available on all cars);
  • 📜 Complies with traffic regulations without additional modifications;
  • 🌧️ Seen better in rain/fog.
  • 🔋 Increased fuel consumption (load on the generator);
  • 💡 Lamps burn out more often;
  • 🚗 Can blind oncoming people if not adjusted correctly.
 All cars, especially old ones
Side lights
  • ❌ Do not comply with traffic regulations during the day!
  • 🚨 Fine 500 rubles;
  • 👀 Poorly visible during the day;
  • 🔋 Useless electrical load.
 For no one (allowed only at night)

If your car is equipped DRL from factory (for example, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Camry or Kia Rio after 2015), use them. They are specially designed for daylight: 400–800 candela brightness, low power consumption, long service life. If there is no DRL, turn it on low beam, but keep an eye on the condition of the lamps.

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On some vehicles (for example, Renault Duster or Lada Vesta) The DRLs are automatically turned off when the low beam is turned on. Check the instructions for your model!

Fines for improper use of headlights during the day

Violation of the rules for the use of lighting devices is punishable by Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Fine amount in 2026:

  • 🚗 500 rubles — for the absence of DRL/low beam during the day;
  • 🚍 500–1000 rubles - if an accident occurs due to improper lighting;
  • 🚨 Warning - for the first time, the inspector may limit himself to an oral remark.

Controversial situations in which drivers are caught:

  1. Fog lights instead of DRLs. Even if the weather is cloudy, PTFs do not replace daytime lights. Fine 500 rubles.
  2. Dimensions instead of low beam. Many people include dimensions “for show,” but this does not comply with traffic regulations.
  3. Turned off headlights in a parking lot. If the car moves (even within a shopping center), the lights must be turned on.

⚠️ Attention: Inspectors often stop drivers with xenon lamps in low beam, if they are not certified for this car model. The fine for this is 500 rubles, plus they may be required to return the standard lamps.

How to challenge a fine if you do not agree? First, check whether a protocol has been drawn up indicating clause 19.5 of the traffic rules. Secondly, if you had the DRLs on, but the inspector did not notice them (for example, because of the bright sun), you can provide video from the recorder. Thirdly, sometimes a link to Technical regulations of the Customs Union, where the standards for DRL are prescribed.

Exceptions: when you can not turn on the headlights during the day

Traffic regulations provide for several cases when daytime lights or low beam not required:

Trailers (non-self-propelled vehicles)|Retro cars without DRLs (before 1990)|Motorcycles with a side trailer (under certain conditions)|Cars with special reflectors (for official vehicles)-->

Let's take a closer look:

  1. Trailers. Non-self-propelled trailers (for example, for passenger cars) are not required to have DRLs. However, if the trailer obscures the trailer's headlights or headlights, it must have reflectors (reflectors).
  2. Retro cars. Cars older than 1990 (for example, VAZ-2101, Moskvich-412) were often not equipped with DRLs from the factory. They can be used side lights during the day, but only if the design does not provide for low beams.
  3. Motorcycles. The same rule applies for motorcycles (DRL or low beam), but if the motorcycle is with a side trailer (sidecar), in some regions inspectors turn a blind eye to the headlights being off. However, this is not officially stated in the traffic rules.

Important: even if your car is exempt, in low visibility conditions (rain, fog, twilight) headlights must be on necessarily. This is stated in clause 19.1 of traffic rules.

What is considered "insufficient visibility"?

According to traffic regulations, this is road visibility of less than 300 meters in conditions of fog, rain, snowfall or at night. It doesn’t matter whether it’s actually light outside - if visibility is poor, turn on low beam or fog lights (the latter - only together with the dimensions!).

Technical nuances: how to check and configure DRLs

If you decide to install daytime running lights yourself, consider a few key points:

  • 🔧 Installation location. DRLs should be located at a height of 25–150 cm from the ground, no further than 40 cm from the edge of the body and no closer than 60 cm to each other (for passenger cars).
  • 💡 Brightness. The minimum luminous intensity is 400 candelas, the maximum is 800 candelas. DRLs that are too bright (over 1000 candelas) can blind oncoming drivers.
  • 🔌 Automatic shutdown. DRLs should go out when turned on low or high beam, as well as when applying the parking brake (if provided for by the design).

How to check the performance of the DRL:

  1. Start the car and check that the DRLs light up automatically (if equipped).
  2. Turn on the low beam - the DRLs should go out (or go into headlight mode if it is a combined system).
  3. Check the brightness: from a distance of 20 meters, the lights should be clearly visible, but not blinding.

⚠️ Attention: If you install LED-DRL Instead of standard ones, make sure they are certified for your car model. Uncertified LEDs may result in a refusal to pass a technical inspection or a fine.

Popular installation errors:

  • ❌Usage Chinese DRLs without certification (can blind or quickly fail);
  • ❌ Connecting the DRL directly to the battery (should only work when the engine is running);
  • ❌ Installing DRLs too high or low (violates GOST requirements).
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If the DRLs are flashing or dim, check voltage stabilizer — LED elements are sensitive to current changes.

Frequently asked questions and controversial situations

Even among experienced drivers, controversy arises regarding the use of headlights during the day. Let's look at the most frequently asked questions.

❓ Is it possible to use fog lights instead of DRLs during the day?

❌ No. From March 1, 2023 fog lights are allowed only in conditions of poor visibility (fog, rain, snow) and only together with side lights or low beams. For using PTF instead of DRL during the day - a fine of 500 rubles.

❓ Do I need to turn on headlights during the day in a shopping center parking lot?

✅ Yes, if you moving. Traffic regulations require that DRLs/low beams be turned on all moving vehicles, even in the local area. If you are standing still, you can turn off the headlights.

❓ Why do DRLs light up on new cars even when the low beams are on?

This is a design feature. On some models (for example, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series) DRLs work like additional lights and do not turn off when the neighbor is turned on. This is not a violation if the brightness complies with GOST.

❓ Is it possible to use LED lamps in low beam instead of halogen ones?

⚠️ Only if they certified for your car model. Non-certified LED bulbs (for example, in halogen headlights) may:

  • Blind oncoming drivers;
  • Be the reason for refusal of technical inspection;
  • Result in a fine of 500 rubles.

Before replacing, check the markings on the headlight (there should be a letter H for halogen or LED for LEDs).

❓ What if the DRLs are burned out and the low beams don’t work?

🚨 In this case It is prohibited to operate the car. Your actions:

  1. If possible, use temporarily side lights (only to get to the service station);
  2. If you need to travel, turn on fog lights, but be prepared for a fine;
  3. It is better to call a tow truck or fix the problem on the spot.

Remember: the absence of working headlights during the day is equivalent to malfunction in which operation is prohibited (clause 3.3 List of faults).

Advice from experienced drivers: how to avoid problems

To avoid getting fined and make your trips safer, use the advice of professionals:

  • 🔄 Check your headlights before driving. Especially if you have an old car, the low beam lamps can burn out at any time.
  • 📱 Use reminders. You can set up a “Turn on your headlights!” notification on your smartphone. for every day.
  • 🔧 Set it to turn on automatically. On many cars (for example, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson) DRLs turn on automatically when the engine starts.
  • 🌧️ In rain or fog, switch to low beams. The DRLs are not bright enough for these conditions.

If you often drive outside the city, where there is little traffic, it may seem that headlights are not needed during the day. However, accident statistics show the opposite: a car with DRLs on is 30–40% more noticeable, and this reduces the risk of collision when overtaking or changing lanes.

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On the highway, turn on low beams instead of DRLs - this way you can be better seen from afar, especially on serpentines or in pits.

And the last piece of advice: if you are stopped by an inspector for not having your headlights on, do not argue on the road. Accept the fine (500 rubles is not critical), and then appeal it through Public services or the court, if you are sure that you are right. The main thing is to record the conversation on video.