What lights to turn on in a car: a complete guide to traffic rules with examples and fines

Choosing the right light mode in a car is not just a matter of comfort, but is directly related to road safety and compliance with traffic rules. Mistakes here are costly: from traffic police fines to the real risk of an accident. For example, Every year, about 12% of accidents occur in the dark due to improper use of headlights. (traffic police data for 2023). However, many drivers are still confused when to turn on low beam, and when - fog lights, not to mention the nuances with daytime running lights (DRL).

In this article we will analyze all the current rules for the use of lighting devices for 2026, including little-known traffic rules that inspectors like to check. You will learn which light to turn on during the day, at night, in rain, fog or on unlit areas, as well as how to avoid fines from 500 to 3000 rubles. We will pay special attention to common myths - for example, that side lights are not a replacement for low beams in the dark, even if it’s “more convenient for you”.

1. Daylight: DRL, low beam or dimensions?

Since 2010, the rule has been in force in Russia mandatory use of daytime running lights (DRLs) or alternative light sources during daylight hours. This requirement is enshrined in clause 19.5 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. However, there are nuances here that many people miss.

If your car not equipped with DRLs from the factory (and this applies to many models older than 2015, for example, Lada Granta or Renault Logan first generation), you must use:

• 💡 Low beam headlights - the most versatile and safe option.
• 🔆 Fog lights - only if they are installed front and comply with GOST.
• 🚗 Side lights — banned as a replacement for DRLs from 2020 (fine 500 rubles).

Important: if you drive with the fog lights instead of DRLs, make sure they are do not blind oncoming drivers. According to GOST R 51709-2001, the light scattering angle should not exceed 45° horizontally. You can check this by approaching a light wall at a distance of 5 meters - the light beam should not rise above the level of the headlights.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with xenon or LED headlights (for example, Audi A4 B8 or BMW 5 Series F10) daytime running lights are often integrated into the headlight units. If they do not work, turning on the low beam will cause automatic shutdown of DRL - this is normal and not a violation.

2. Night driving: low beam vs high beam

During the dark hours of the day (from dusk to dawn), the rules strictly regulate the use of low or high beam. The choice between them depends on three factors:

1. Availability oncoming cars.
2. Road illumination (city vs highway).
3. Weather conditions (fog, rain, snow).

By clause 19.1 of traffic rules, Be sure to switch the high beam to low beam:

• 🚗 When passing oncoming traffic (150+ meters before the car).
• 🚦 When drivers are blinded through the mirrors (even if they are driving in front of you).
• 🏙️ In populated areas, if the road is lit with lanterns.

In practice, many drivers forget that High beams are prohibited in the city, even if the lights are on “every other”. Traffic police inspectors actively record this violation using video cameras, especially on MKAD, TTK and central streets of Moscow/St. Petersburg. Fine - 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).

Terms	Allowed light	Penalty for violation
Dark time, oncoming car	Middle	500 rub.
Dark time, empty road	Far	—
City with lighting	Middle or DRL	500 rub. (for distant)
Fog/rain in the city	Low + fog lights	500 rub. (for the absence of a neighbor)

3. Rain, fog, snow: which lights to turn on?

Weather conditions dictate their own rules. According to clause 19.4 of traffic rules, in conditions insufficient visibility (less than 300 meters) mandatory inclusion:

• 💡 Low beam headlights (even during the day!).
• 🌫️ Fog lights (front and/or rear).

At the same time rear fog lights can be used only in heavy fog or snow conditions. Turning them on in the rain or in light haze is considered a violation (fine 500 rubles), as they blind those driving behind. For example, on Volkswagen Passat B6 The rear fog light is activated by a separate button - many drivers forget to turn it off.

Important nuance: if visibility is impaired due to dust storm or smoke from fire, the rules are the same - low beam + fog lights. However, in such cases the speed should be reduced to minimally safe (often this is 20–40 km/h).

⚠️ Attention: Enabling alarm in fog or rain does not replace low beam! This is only allowed if forced stop (clause 7.1 of the traffic rules). Driving with emergency lights for no reason is punishable by a fine. 1500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).

Low beam headlights on|

Rear fog lights are off (unless there is heavy fog)|

Speed reduced to safe|

The windshield wipers operate in the appropriate mode-->

4. Special cases: tunnels, parking lots, towing

There are situations where the rules for using light differ from the standard ones. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. Tunnels. The rule applies here: turn on low beams or fog lights, even if the tunnel is illuminated. This is a requirement clause 19.1 of traffic rules, and is often checked by cameras at the entrance (for example, in Lefortovo tunnel in Moscow). Fine for driving without lights - 500 rubles.

2. Underground parking. In most cases it is enough side lights, but if the parking lot is dark or there is traffic, it is better to turn it on low beam. This is not regulated by traffic rules, but will help avoid collisions.

3. Towing. On a towed vehicle The lights must be on (clause 20.3 of the traffic rules). If they do not work (for example, the battery is dead), towing is prohibited - only a tow truck. On the towing vehicle - standard rules (low beam or DRL).

4. Movement through courtyard areas. There are no strict requirements here, but recommended use at least dimensionsto be visible to pedestrians. In some regions (for example, in St. Petersburg), local regulations require you to include low beam even during the day in the courtyards.

What happens if you drive in a tunnel without light?

According to Part 1 of Art. 12.20 Code of Administrative Offenses, the fine will be 500 rubles. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg they often use Part 4 of the same article (“failure to comply with requirements resulting in interference”), which increases the fine to 1500 rubles. In addition, recording cameras (for example, "AutoHurricane") automatically detect the absence of light and send a “chain letter”.

5. Fines for improper use of light: complete list 2026

Violations related to lighting devices are regulated Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Here are the current fines for 2026:

Violation	Fine (rub.)	Is it possible to pay with a 50% discount?
No low beam/DRL during the day	500	Yes
Using headlights instead of DRLs/low beams	500	Yes
High beam in the city or when oncoming traffic	500	Yes
Failure to switch from high to low when blinded	1000–1500	No (if it resulted in an accident)
Rear fog lights in rain (no fog)	500	Yes
Non-lit dimensions when towing	500	Yes

Important: if an accident occurs due to improper use of light, the fine may be increased to 2500–5000 rubles (Part 2 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code). In addition, the culprit is deprived of the right to 50% discount when paying a fine.

Ways to appeal fines for light:

• 📄 If the fine was issued incorrectly (for example, the camera did not recognize the DRL), file a complaint on the website traffic police with attached photo/video evidence.
• 🚔 If the inspector stopped you unlawfully (for example, for traffic violations during the day before 2020), refer to Resolution of the Plenum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation No. 20 of June 25, 2019.

6. Technical nuances: lamps, settings, malfunctions

The right light starts with the right optics. Here's what to check:

1. Type of lamps. In Russia, only lamps certified according to GOST R 41.99-99. For example:

• 💡 Halogen (standard for most cars, e.g. H4 or H7).
• 🔆 Xenon (D2S, D2R) - only if they are installed from the factory.
• 💡 LED - allowed only in headlights with markings HL or DC.

Installation non-standard xenon or LED in halogen headlights punishable by a fine 3000 rubles (Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) + confiscation of lamps. For example, on Toyota Camry V50 It comes from the factory with halogen, and replacing it with LED without converting it would be a violation.

2. Light adjustment. Unadjusted headlights blind oncoming drivers. You can check the angle of inclination at a service station or yourself:

1. Place the machine on a level area 5 meters from the wall.
2. Place marks on the wall at the level of the center of the headlights.
3. Turn on the low beam - the light beam should be 5–10 cm below the marks.

3. Malfunctions. If the DRLs, low beam or headlights do not light up, the reasons may be:

• 🔋Blown fuse (e.g. F12 on Hyundai Solaris).
• 💡 Burnt out lamp (checked visually).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the headlight unit (a common problem in Renault Duster).
• 📶 Faulty relay or power button (for example, on Kia Rio 3 low beam relay - K9 in the mounting block).

7. Myths and misconceptions about lighting devices

Drivers often spread erroneous advice. Let's look at the most popular myths:

Myth 1: “Dimensions are enough during the day.”

❌ Reality: From 2020 dimensions are not a replacement for DRLs or low beams. Fine - 500 rubles.

Myth 2: “Fog lights can be used instead of low beam lights at night.”

❌ Reality: Fog lights don't light the road at a sufficient distance. Their task is to improve visibility in fog, but not to replace the main light.

Myth 3: “High beams on the highway are not blinding if there are few cars.”

❌ Reality: Even one oncoming car at a distance of 300+ meters has the right to demand that the lights be switched. Cameras record this violation automatically.

Myth 4: “LED bulbs in halogen headlights are fine as long as they don’t glare.”

❌ Reality: Any non-standard lamps (even “non-glare”) are considered a violation if the headlight is not certified for them. Fine - 3000 rubles.

Myth 5: “It is not necessary to turn on the lights during the day if you can see well.”

❌ Reality: DRLs or low beams are needed not for lighting, but for vehicle designations. According to statistics, cars with their headlights on are noticed 20% faster, which reduces the risk of accidents.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about lighting devices

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

✅ Yes, but only if they are installed front and comply with GOST. Turn on the rear fog lights during the day prohibited.

❓ What is the fine for xenon in halogen headlights?

⚠️ Fine - 3000 rubles with confiscation of lamps (Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). To legalize xenon, you need to go through refurbishment at the traffic police department.

❓ Do you need to turn on the lights in the shopping center parking lot?

🔹 According to traffic rules - no, but for safety it is recommended to leave dimensions. In some parking lots (for example, "Auchan" or "Ikea") this requirement is specified in the internal rules.

❓ Is it possible to drive with one working headlight?

❌ No, this is a violation clause 19.1 of traffic rules. Fine - 500 rubles. Exception: if the headlight breaks on the way, you can drive to the repair site without a fine.

❓ How to check if the headlights are adjusted correctly?

📏 Place the car on a flat area 5 meters from the wall. The low beam beam must be 5–10 cm lower headlight center level. If the light “goes” up or to the sides, adjustment is needed.