Which external lighting devices must be turned on during the day according to traffic regulations: analysis of the rules

The question of which headlights to turn on during the day still causes controversy even among experienced drivers. Some are sure that it is enough daytime running lights (DRL), others play it safe and travel with low beam headlights, and still others forget about the lighting devices altogether - until the first stop by the traffic police inspector. Meanwhile, the requirements of traffic rules clearly regulate this point, and for their violation there is a penalty fine 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Since 2010, the rule has been in force in Russia mandatory use of external lighting devices during daylight hours - regardless of weather and visibility. However, the wording of the traffic rules (clause 19.5) leaves room for interpretation: what exactly is considered “external lighting devices”? Will fog lights work instead of DRLs? Do I need to turn on the lights on a motorcycle? In this article we will look at all the nuances - from technical requirements to controversial situations on the road.

Traffic rules requirements 2026: what the law says

The main document regulating the use of lighting devices during the day is clause 19.5 of the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation. In the current version (as of June 2026) it reads:

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

Key points:

• 🔹 Mandatory for all vehicles: cars and trucks, buses, motorcycles, mopeds, tractors and self-propelled vehicles.
• 🔹 Goal: not road lighting, but vehicle designation for other road users.
• 🔹 Alternative: can be used either low beam headlights, or daytime running lights (DRL).

Important: fog lights are not mentioned in this paragraph. Their use instead of DRLs or low beams does not comply with traffic regulations, some drivers practice this option. More details about this can be found in the section on controversial situations.

Daytime running lights (DRL) vs low beam: which is better

From a technical point of view DRL (or Daytime Running Lights, DRL) are separate light fixtures installed at the front of the car. Their key features:

• 💡 Brightness: from 400 to 800 candelas (according to GOST R 41.48-2004).
• 🔋 Energy consumption: 5–10 times less than low beam (about 10–20 W versus 100–150 W).
• 🚗 Location: at a height of 25–150 cm from the road, no closer than 60 cm from each other.

Low beam headlights, in turn, consumes more energy and reduces the life of the lamps, but has the advantage: it lights the way in the dark. If you don't have DRLs, the law allows you to use low beams as an alternative.

Criterion	Daytime running lights (DRL)	Low beam headlights
Energy consumption	Low (10–20 W)	High (100–150 W)
Impact on battery	Minimum	Essential (especially for short trips)
Visibility to other drivers	Good (spectrum close to white)	Good, but can be blinding in bright sun
Lamp life	Long lasting (LED elements last for years)	Downsized due to constant work

Conclusion: if your car is equipped factory DRLs, there are enough of them. If not, turn it on low beam. Using fog lights instead illegally, many drivers do this (more on this later).

Fog lights: can they be used instead of DRLs?

This is one of the most controversial issues. Traffic rules don't prohibit use fog lights (FTL) during daylight hours, but also not allowed them as a replacement for DRLs or low beams. Formally, clause 19.4 of the traffic rules states:

“Fog lights can be used in conditions of poor visibility with low or high beam headlights, as well as at night on unlit road sections.”

However, in practice:

• ⚖️ Traffic police inspectors They often turn a blind eye to PTFs during the day if they do not blind oncoming drivers.
• 📜 Judicial practice: when appealing a fine for the absence of DRLs/low beams, judges usually side with the driver if his PTFs were turned on.
• 🔧 Technical nuance: PTF must be correctly adjusted (not higher than the level of the headlights) and turned on front only (the rear fog lights cannot be used during the day!).

Recommendation: if you don't have DRLs, it's better to turn it on low beam. If you decide to drive with PTF, be prepared for a possible fine (although the likelihood of receiving one is low).

Exceptions: when the light may not be turned on

Traffic regulations provide for several cases when external lighting devices during the day not required:

1. Motorcycles and mopeds (clause 19.5 of the traffic rules): for them the requirement to turn on the lights during the day canceled from 2020. However, in practice, many bikers continue to ride with headlights for safety.
2. Emergency services vehicles (ambulance, police, fire) with flashing lights turned on.
3. Vehicles with factory LED DRLs, which cannot be disabled (for example, on many modern Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz).

Also worth mentioning bicycles and scooters: The rules are different for them. According to clause 19.1 of the traffic rules, during daylight hours it is enough retroreflectors (reflectors), but when driving on the roadway it is recommended to turn on headlight (even during the day).

Why do motorcyclists often ride with headlights during the day, despite the removal of the requirement?

Many bikers leave the lights on for better visibility - a motorcycle without a headlight against the backdrop of asphalt blends into the road, especially at dusk or in the shade of trees. In addition, on some models (for example, Harley-Davidson or Yamaha MT-09) the headlight turns on automatically when the engine starts.

Fines for violation: what the penalty is for turning off the headlights

For non-compliance with the requirements of clause 19.5, the traffic rules are subject to fine 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). In practice:

• 📋 Recording a violation: An inspector may stop you at your post or notice the absence of lights while on patrol.
• 📸 Automatic cameras: for 2026 not recorded it is a violation (as opposed to not wearing a belt or talking on the phone).
• 🔄 Appeal: if you are fined for PTF instead of DRL, the chance of canceling the fine through the court is about 70% (according to the traffic police fines service).

Interesting fact: in some regions (for example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg), inspectors stop people for this violation more often than in the provinces. This is due to security promotions, which are carried out by local traffic police.

Daytime running lights on (if equipped)

Low beam is on (if there is no DRL)

Fog lights are off (if you use them instead of DRLs)

Rear fog lights are turned off (they cannot be used during the day)

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Controversies and myths

There are many myths surrounding the “headlights during the day” rule. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: “DRLs can be replaced with side lights”

❌ Reality: Side lights (parking lights) have too low brightness (only 4–10 candelas) and are not intended for daytime use. Turning them on instead of DRLs or low beams does not comply with traffic regulations.

Myth 2: “If you drive with the PTF on, you have no right to fine you”

⚠️ Reality: Formally, the inspector can issue a fine, but in practice this rarely happens. The main thing is that PTFs do not blind oncoming drivers (for example, on Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or Nissan Patrol they are often set too high).

Myth 3: “On new cars, the DRLs turn on automatically, so you don’t have to worry.”

✅ Reality: Yes, on most machines after 2015 (eg Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, Renault Duster) DRLs are activated when the engine is started. But on budget models (for example, Lada Granta or Datsun on-DO) there may not be any - then you will have to turn on the low beam manually.

Practical recommendations for drivers

To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation, follow these tips:

1. Check your lighting fixtures before driving - especially if you have an older car without automatic DRLs.
2. Adjust the brightness of the DRL: if they are too dim (for example, on Chevrolet Niva or UAZ Patriot), other drivers may not notice them.
3. Use low beams in rain or fog — even if you have DRLs. This will improve visibility.
4. Keep an eye on your battery: Constant operation of the low beam reduces its resource, especially in winter.

If you often travel abroad, keep in mind: in Europe the requirements are stricter. For example, in Germany or France for switched off DRLs you can get a fine of up to 35 euros, and in Finland - up to 80 euros.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about daytime lighting devices

Can rear fog lights be used during the day?

❌ No, this is prohibited by traffic rules (clause 19.7). The rear fog lights can only be turned on in conditions insufficient visibility (fog, rain, snowfall) or in unlit areas at night. Their use during the day can dazzle drivers from behind and is considered a violation.

Do I need to turn on the lights during the day on a trailer?

✅ Yes, if the trailer covers side lights car. In this case, it must be turned on side lights (clause 19.1 of the traffic rules). If the trailer does not block the vehicle's lights, additional lights are not required.

What is the penalty for riding without DRLs on a motorcycle?

🚫 Since 2020, motorcycles and mopeds are required to turn on the lights during the day canceled. They have no right to fine you for this. However, many bikers continue to ride with a headlight for better visibility.

Is it possible to use an LED strip instead of DRLs?

⚠️ Technically yes, but only if she certified as daytime running lights and complies with GOST R 41.48-2004. Homemade tape (such as under the bumper) is illegal and may result in a fine.

What to do if the DRLs are burned out and the low beams do not work?

🔧 In this case you can't drive - this is equivalent to a malfunction of external lighting devices (clause 3.3 of the List of faults). You may not only be fined, but also prohibit further movement until the problem is resolved.