When to turn on running lights: traffic rules, fines and technical nuances

A modern car enthusiast rarely thinks about when exactly it is necessary to activate the lighting on a car, because in most new models automation is responsible for this. However, owners of vehicles from previous years of production, as well as drivers who want to clearly understand the legal subtleties, must understand the nuances of the operation of lighting devices. Daytime running lights (DRLs) became a mandatory design element for all new cars manufactured after 2010, which significantly changed the approach to road visibility. Unlike low beams, they consume less energy and place less load on the generator, but have their own limitations on use.

The main purpose of introducing mandatory use of DRLs is to increase the visibility of the car during daylight hours, which statistically reduces the number of head-on collisions. Many drivers confuse these devices with side lights or believe that they can be used at night instead of fully illuminating the road. Such a misconception can lead not only to a fine from the traffic police inspector, but also to the creation of an emergency situation when the car becomes almost invisible in the dark. Traffic rules clearly regulate scenarios in which the use of some light sources is permitted, while others are strictly prohibited.

In this article, we will analyze in detail in what cases it is necessary to turn on running lights, how they differ from low beam headlights, and what sanctions are provided for violating the rules for operating lighting devices. Understanding these rules will help you avoid unnecessary fines and ensure you travel safely at any time of the day. We will also touch on the technical aspects of installing DRLs on cars where they were not provided by the manufacturer.

What are DRLs and how are they different from other lights?

Daytime running lights are external lighting devices designed to improve the visibility of a vehicle from the front during daylight hours. Unlike low beam headlights, which illuminate the road surface, the task of DRLs is to make the car visible to other road users, but not to blind oncoming traffic. Structurally, they are often made on the basis of LEDs (LED), which ensures high brightness with minimal power consumption and long service life.

The main difference between DRLs and side lights is the intensity of the glow. The lights are designed to indicate the outline of the vehicle at night and should light dimly so as not to distract the attention of other drivers. Running lights, on the other hand, need to be bright enough to cut through sunlight and be visible even in clear weather. DRL light intensity should range from 400 to 1200 candelas, while headlights typically have an output of around 50 to 100 candelas.

From a legal point of view, DRLs are an independent type of lighting device, which has its own code in the international classification. Their use is regulated by GOST and Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. It is important to understand that if the car does not have standard DRLs, their function can be performed by the low-beam headlights on, but not by the headlights or fog lights (PTF), if the latter do not have the appropriate operating mode.

When is it necessary to turn on running lights according to traffic regulations?

According to the current edition Traffic rules (clause 19.1), the driver is obliged to turn on daytime running lights or low beam headlights during daylight hours on all vehicles while they are moving. This requirement is unconditional and does not depend on weather conditions, time of year or locality. Even if there is bright sun and excellent visibility, the car must be marked.

Many drivers wonder whether they need to turn on the lights in tunnels or when entering closed parking lots. Here another clause of the rules comes into force, requiring the use of low beams in conditions of poor visibility or in the dark. DRLs in such cases may not be effective enough, so the automation of modern cars often switches lighting modes themselves when the level of external illumination decreases.

At night, the use of DRLs exclusively is prohibited, since they do not illuminate the road or illuminate the rear dimensions of the vehicle. If you turn off your low beams, leaving only the daytime running lights, your car from behind will become invisible to other road users, creating a direct risk of an accident. In the dark, you need to switch to low beam headlights.

Using DRLs and low beams: what's the difference?

Although both types of lighting serve to identify a vehicle during the day, there are significant technical and legal differences between them. Low beam designed to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle at a distance of up to 60 meters and should not dazzle oncoming drivers. DRLs do not illuminate the road at all; their function is exclusively signaling. When low beam is used, the rear lamps also light up, making the vehicle visible from all sides.

The lifespan of low beam lamps is significantly lower than that of LED DRLs. Frequent use of halogen or xenon lights during the daytime leads to their rapid burnout and increased vehicle maintenance costs. That is why having a separate DRL circuit is economically beneficial for the car owner. In addition, when the low beam is on, the dashboard lights often come on, which can disturb the driver during the day.

It is important to note that when the low beam is on, the use of DRLs is not required, but is not prohibited if this is provided for by the design of the car. However, many modern lighting control systems automatically dim the DRLs when the low beams are activated to avoid creating excessive brightness in the front of the vehicle and causing distraction.

Can fog lights be used instead of DRLs?

Question of use fog lights (PTF) as daytime running lights is one of the most discussed among car enthusiasts. According to traffic regulations, PTFs can be used independently, without turning on the low beams, only in conditions of insufficient visibility (fog, rain, snowfall) or at night on unlit sections of roads. In normal clear weather during the day, turning them on without low beams is formally a violation.

However, there is a technical nuance. If the fog lights are designed to operate as daytime running lights (as confirmed by the markings and settings of the on-board network), then their use is permitted. In this case, they should burn at full intensity or have a modified dispersion pattern so as not to blind oncoming drivers. If the PTFs shine at full power, they can cause discomfort to other road users.

Traffic police inspectors may interpret turned on fog lights during the day as a violation if they are not combined with low beams and do not have a DRL mode. The fine for this is small, but the risk of being stopped and prosecuted remains. Therefore, you should rely on PTF as a full-fledged replacement for standard DRLs only if you are confident in the legality of such a modification.

⚠️ Attention: Using PTF together with high or low beams is not prohibited under normal conditions, but can lead to rapid wear of the lamps and increased fuel consumption. Make sure your PTFs are adjusted to the correct angle.

Fines for improper use of light

Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices is qualified under Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. This may include not using DRLs or low beams during the day, or using high beams in populated areas or in situations where they could blind other drivers. The fine for this violation is 500 rubles, and if paid within 20 days, the amount is reduced to 250 rubles.

More serious consequences may occur if the vehicle is equipped with uncertified lighting devices or the color of the light does not meet the requirements (for example, blue or green DRLs). In this case, the driver’s actions can be reclassified under Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, which threatens deprivation of rights for a period of 6 months to 1 year with confiscation of devices.

It is worth considering that the inspector can issue a fine not only for the lights being turned off, but also for faulty or burnt-out lamps. If one of the low beam headlights or DRLs does not light up, this is already grounds for stopping and drawing up a report. Regularly checking the serviceability of lighting devices is the responsibility of every driver before leaving.

Is it possible to avoid a fine if the lamp burns out on the way?

If you were driving with a faulty light device, the fine is still legal. However, if you stopped and replaced the lamp before the inspector arrived (or can prove that the replacement was made immediately), you can try to challenge the report, citing insignificance, but success is not guaranteed.

Table: Comparison of lighting modes according to traffic regulations

To make it easier to perceive information about the operating modes of lighting devices, we have prepared a summary table. It will help you quickly figure out which light needs to be turned on and in which situation in order to remain within the law and ensure safety.

Situation	DRL	Low beam	PTF (without near)	Dimensions
Day, clear weather	Required	Allowed (instead of DRL)	Prohibited*	Not enough
Day, fog/rain	Allowed	Recommended	Allowed	Not enough
Night, illuminated road	Prohibited (alone)	Required	Prohibited	Required (with your neighbor)
Night, unlit road	Prohibited (alone)	Required	Allowed (with neighbor)	Required (with your neighbor)

*Note: The use of PTFs during the day without low beams is permitted only if they are structurally designed as DRLs or in conditions of insufficient visibility. In other cases, the low beam must be turned on.

Frequent errors during installation and operation

One common mistake is installing the DRLs in the wrong place. According to GOST, they must be located at a distance of at least 600 mm from each other and no higher than 1500 mm from the ground. Installation that is too low or high, as well as close to the edges of the vehicle, may result in refusal to pass technical inspection.

Another mistake is connecting the DRLs to the side lights. In this case, the “daytime lights” will light up only in the evening along with the dimensions, losing their main meaning - designating a car during the day. The correct connection diagram should ensure that the DRLs automatically turn on when the engine starts and turn off when stopping or turning on the low beam (depending on the implementation).

• 🚗 Wrong angle: DRLs do not require complex beam adjustments like headlights, but they should not shine upward to avoid blinding drivers of tall vehicles.
• 💡 No relay or controller: Connecting directly to the battery without control will cause the lights to stay on constantly, draining the battery, even when the car is parked.
• 🔦 Using cheap analogues: Substandard LEDs can quickly degrade, change color or flicker, which will attract the attention of inspectors and may be considered a malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: When installing DRLs yourself, be sure to use a fuse in the power circuit. Direct connection to the on-board network without protection can lead to a fire in the wiring due to a short circuit.

Technical requirements for installing DRLs

If your car was not equipped with daytime running lights from the factory, you have the right to install them yourself, but must comply with strict technical regulations. The number of DRLs must be strictly two - one on each side of the front of the car. Installing additional pairs of lights or using non-certified sets (“Chinese strips”) is unacceptable.

An important aspect is the color of the glow. Only white color is allowed. Any other shade (yellow, blue, red) will result in the vehicle being banned from operation. It is also worth paying attention to the strength of the light: lights that are too dim will not fulfill their function, and lights that are too bright can be equated to special signals or sources of glare.

For proper operation, it is recommended to use specialized DRL control units (controllers). They provide smooth ignition, overload protection and correct operating logic: turning on when the engine is running and turning off when the lights or low beam are turned on. A simple connection via a relay often does not take into account all the nuances of the operation of modern car electronics.

Do I need to register the installation of DRLs with the traffic police?

If certified kits designed for your car model are installed and they are marked accordingly, changes to the design and registration with the traffic police are usually not required. However, keep receipts and certificates for the equipment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need to turn on the DRLs when stopping at a traffic light?

Yes, according to traffic rules, the lights must be on during movement and parking in the dark or when visibility is poor. At a traffic light, the car is considered to be in motion, so there is no need to turn off the DRLs. Moreover, it increases your visibility to other drivers, especially in heavy traffic.

What happens if one DRL lamp burns out?

Operating a vehicle with faulty lights is prohibited. You may be stopped and given a fine. In addition, asymmetrical light can disorient other road users, who may incorrectly assess the dimensions of your vehicle. It is recommended to always have spare lamps or promptly replace burnt-out elements.

Can DRLs be used at night?

Use only DRLs are prohibited at night as they do not illuminate the road or turn on tail lights. However, many cars have a "guide home" function, where the DRLs remain on for some time after the engine is turned off, or they work in tandem with the low beam, which is acceptable.

Are DRLs required for older cars?

For cars manufactured before 2010, the presence of standard DRLs is not a mandatory registration requirement. However, clause 19.1 of the traffic rules obliges all drivers to turn on low beams or DRLs (if any) during daylight hours. Thus, older cars should be driven with low beams on.

Is there a threat of deprivation of rights for xenon in DRL?

Yes, if reflector headlights designed for halogen lamps are fitted with xenon or LED lamps without the appropriate markings and lenses, this may be considered a design failure. In the worst case (colored light or severe blinding), this threatens with deprivation of rights under Part 3 of Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.