Running lights vs side lights: 7 key differences every driver should know

Have you ever wondered why modern cars have bright white lights during the day and dull orange lights at night? This is not a whim of manufacturers, but strictly regulated running gear and side lights, which have different tasks, brightness standards and even legal consequences if used incorrectly. An error in their operation can cost you not only a fine of 500–1500 rubles, but also safety on the road.

In this article we will understand how these two types of lighting fundamentally differ - from technical parameters (power, color temperature, location) up to legal nuances (when to turn on which lights according to traffic rules 2026). We’ll also find out why the running lights cannot change dimensions at night, many drivers mistakenly think otherwise. Spoiler: it’s all about the light scattering angle and standards UNECE.

1. Definition and main purpose

Let's start with the basics: running lights (they are also DRL — Daytime Running Lights) and side lights They solve diametrically opposed problems, although they are similar in appearance.

Running lights intended exclusively for daytime use. Their goal is to make the car more visible to other road users. According to standard UNECE No. 87, they must:

• 🔆Have brightness from 400 to 1200 candelas (twice as bright as the size!).
• 🎨 Radiate white light (color temperature 4000–6500K).
• 📏 Be symmetrically located on the front of the body (the distance between them is at least 600 mm).

Side lights (or parking lights) is night lighting that signals the size of the car in the dark. Their key features are GOST R 41.48-2004:

• 🔥 Power - total 4–5 W to the lamp (vs. 10–25 W at DRL).
• 🟠 Color - orange front and red at the back.
• 🔄 Must be duplicated on all four corners of the car (unlike the running gear, which is only at the front).

2. Technical differences: circuits, power, location

Let's look at the hardware. Running and side lights differ not only in brightness, but also in electrical diagrams, types of lamps and even installation location.

Parameter	Running lights (DRL)	Side lights
💡 Lamp type	LEDs (LED), halogen (H8/H11), xenon (D1S/D3S)	Incandescent lamps (W5W/T4W), LEDs (SMD 2835/5050)
⚡ Power	10–25 W (LED matrices - up to 50 W)	4–5 W (traffic regulations)
📍 Location	Front only (in headlights or separate modules)	Front, rear and sides (on some models)
🔧 Connection diagram	Via relay or CAN bus (automatic switching on when ignition)	Direct connection to light switch (output 58s)

Key technical difference - running lights cannot be used at night. Their brightness and direction do not meet the requirements for movement in the dark. For example, at Volkswagen Golf VII DRLs have a light scattering angle 20°, while the dimensions cover 80° (by 40° in each direction).

Interesting fact: on Toyota Camry XV70 (2018+) running lights are integrated into the headlights and use the same LED matrices, like low beam, but with reduced brightness. This saves energy and simplifies the wiring diagram.

3. Traffic rules 2026: when to turn on which lights

This is where the fun begins. According to current Traffic rules (clause 19.5), running and side lights have a clear distinction based on the time of day and visibility conditions.

During the day (from 7:00 to 20:00 from March 1 to October 30):

• 🚗 Required include running lights or low beam (optional).
• 🚫 Dimensions during the day prohibited use instead of DRL - they are not bright enough.
• 🌫️ In fog or rain, you can additionally turn on fog lights (PTF).

At night (from 20:00 to 7:00) and in conditions of poor visibility:

• 🔦 Required include low/high beam or fog lights.
• 🟠 Dimensions must burn together with main headlights (they duplicate the contours of the car).
• ❌ Running lights at night unacceptable — they blind oncoming drivers due to their high brightness.

What happens if you drive at night only with the lights on?

According to Part 1 of Art. 12.20 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, you face a fine 500 rubles for failure to use external lighting devices at night. Moreover, the insurance company may find you at fault for an accident if it occurs due to poor visibility of your car.

Important nuance: on cars with automatic light (for example, Skoda Octavia A8 or Hyundai Solaric) running lights can don't switch off when the dimensions are turned on. This is a violation! By Technical regulations of the Customs Union, DRL should go out when the main headlights are activated.

4. Penalties for incorrect use

Failure to comply with the rules for the use of lighting devices is punishable under two articles of the Administrative Code:

⚠️ Attention! If you are driving during the day without running lights or low beams (even in sunny weather), the inspector has the right to issue a fine according to Part 1 Art. 12.20 — 500 rubles. At the same time, recording the violation by cameras not provided (visual confirmation from a traffic police officer is required).

Let's look at the most common violations and punishments:

Violation	Fine (2026)	Article of the Administrative Code
Driving during the day without DRL/low beam	500 ₽ or warning	Part 1 Art. 12.20
Using running lights at night	500 ₽	Part 1 Art. 12.20
Driving at night only on clearance	500 ₽	Part 1 Art. 12.20
Faulty dimensions (1 or more)	500 ₽ or warning	Part 1 Art. 12.5
Unauthorized installation of DRL (not according to GOST)	3 000 ₽ (for individuals)	Part 1 Art. 12.5

Particularly severely punished unauthorized installation of running lights. For example, if you bet on VAZ 2114 LED strips instead of standard DRLs, the inspector may oblige you remove them on the spot (clause 3.1 Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 664).

An interesting case from practice: the owner Nissan Qashqai J11 installed running lights in the fog lights, connecting them to the dimensions. When stopped, the traffic police issued a fine 3000 ₽ for inconsistency of lighting devices with the vehicle type (by Technical regulations of the CU, DRL should be at the front only).

5. How to visually distinguish running lights from dimensions

Many drivers confuse these lights, especially on modern cars where they can be integrated into one headlight unit. Here 5 visual cuesby which they can be distinguished:

• 🔦 Brightness: DRL shine in 5–10 times brighter dimensions If during the day the lights are clearly visible in sunlight, they are running lights.
• 🎨 Color: running gears - white or bluish, dimensions - orange (front) and red (behind).
• 📍 Location: there are dimensions both front and rear; running gear - only in front.
• 🔄 Operating mode: If the lights come on when the ignition is turned on, it is DRL. The dimensions are activated with a separate button.
• 🔍 Form: running gears are often designed in the form LED strips (for example, on Audi A4 B9), dimensions - small round lamps.

Carry out a test: turn on the ignition without starting the engine. If bright white lights come on, these are running lights. If dull orange - dimensions. On some machines (for example, Kia Rio 4) running lights can blink when setting an alarm - this is also their distinctive feature.

Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine)

Check if the front bright white lights (DRL) are on

Turn on the headlights - the orange lights at the front and red at the rear should light up.

Make sure the running lights go out when you turn on the low beams-->

6. Is it possible to use running lights instead of markers (and vice versa)

Short answer: no. But let's figure out why.

Running lights ≠ dimensions for three reasons:

1. Brightness: DRL is blinding at night and lights are too dim for daytime use.
2. Illumination Angle: the chassis shine forward, the dimensions shine to the sides (to indicate the width of the car).
3. Color: white light from the front at night is perceived as a signal to move backwards (by psychology of perception).

⚠️ Attention! On some Chinese cars (for example, Chery Tiggo 7) the running lights remain on along with the dimensions. This violation of GOST, but in practice inspectors rarely pay attention to this. However, in case of an accident this can be regarded as malfunction of lighting devices.

What if dimensions don't work, is it possible to temporarily drive chassis? No! According to clause 3.3 List of faults, in which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited, non-functioning dimensions are grounds for traffic ban until the breakdown is eliminated.

Exception: if you have vintage cars (for example, VAZ 2106), where there are no running lights in principle, you can use low beam instead of DRL. But the dimensions must work!

7. How to properly connect running lights: diagram and errors

If you decide to install DRL yourself, it is important to do so according to GOST, otherwise you risk getting a fine for mismatch of lighting devices.

Correct connection diagram:

1. DRL connect to ignition (to turn on automatically).
2. Should switch off when turned on low/high beam.
3. Power should not exceed 25 W per module (for LED - equivalent 6000K).

Typical installation errors:

• ❌ Connect to dimensions (DRL will be on at night).
• ❌Usage blue or green LED (only white light is allowed).
• ❌ Installation on bumper (DRLs must be up to par 250–1500 mm from the ground).

Example of correct connection to Lada Vesta:

1. We take plus (+) from DRL from ignition fuse (F3, 10A).
2. Minus (-) - on the body.
3. Connect the control wire to low beam relay (so that the DRL goes out when the headlights are turned on).
4. Install the LED modules in standard places under the headlights.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an auto electrician. Incorrect connection may result in wiring fire (especially if you use thin wires for powerful LEDs).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about running and side lights

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

No, this is a violation of clause 19.5 of the traffic rules. Dimensions are not bright enough for daytime use. Fine - 500 rubles.

❓ Why don’t the running lights on my car turn off when the headlights are turned on?

This is a violation GOST R 41.48-2004. Possible reasons:

• Faulty DRL trip relay.
• Error in firmware light control unit (relevant for VW, Skoda, Audi).
• Unauthorized connection of running lights to the dimensions.

We recommend checking the wiring diagram with an auto electrician.

❓ Which lamps are better for dimensions: LEDs or incandescent lamps?

LEDs (LED) is preferable for three reasons:

• 🔋Consumed in 5 times less energy.
• 💡 Serve 50,000 hours (against 1 000 for incandescent lamps).
• 🔥 Do not heat up (can be used in plastic headlights).

But it is important to choose LED with correct base (for example, W5W for most foreign cars) and UNECE certificate.

❓ Why do the running lights flash when the alarm is set?

This standard function on many modern cars (for example, Hyundai Creta, Kia Sportage). Flashing DRL indicates:

• Activation of the security system.
• Closing the central lock.
• Low battery charge (if blinking is rapid).

You can disable this feature via BCM menu (on some models).

❓ Is it possible to install running lights on a motorcycle?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🏍️ Motorcycles must have DRL red at the back (by GOST R 41.53-2005).
• 💡 Power - no more 10 W.
• 📏 The distance between the lights is no less 240 mm.

Violation of these rules may result in a fine. 500 rubles.