Car lighting is not just a tuning element or a way to make the car more noticeable in traffic. This is a critical active safety system that allows other road users to see your vehicle in advance. In modern traffic conditions, where traffic speeds are high and drivers’ attention is often distracted due to gadgets, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) become the first barrier to prevent a collision.
Many car enthusiasts are still confused about legal requirements, relying on the habits of past years or the advice of friends. Some turn on the lights only at night, others use “dimensions” instead of full lighting, and still others completely ignore this clause of the traffic rules. Such carelessness can cost not only money in fines, but also lives, since the statistics of accidents involving cars invisible at dusk or in bad weather remain alarmingly high.
In this article, we will analyze in detail exactly when it is necessary to activate external lighting, what is the difference between DRLs and low beams, and also analyze current fines for violations. Understanding these nuances will help you feel more confident behind the wheel and avoid unnecessary problems with traffic police inspectors.
What are DRLs and why are they needed?
Daytime running lights (Daytime Running Lights) are special lighting devices designed to improve the visibility of a vehicle from the front during daylight hours. Unlike low beam headlights, they are not designed to illuminate the road surface. Their main and only function is to make the car visible to oncoming drivers and pedestrians from a distance.
Structurally DRL They are LED strips or high-brightness lamps installed in the front part of the body. They consume significantly less electricity than halogen or xenon low beam lamps, which reduces the load on the generator and the fuel consumption of the engine. However, their effectiveness in terms of safety is comparable, and in some conditions even higher due to the specific emission spectrum.
It is important to understand that the use of DRLs is regulated by international standards. According to the rules UNECE No. 87, these devices must have a certain luminous intensity and scattering angle so as not to blind other road users, but to be clearly visible even on a bright sunny day.
The main task of DRLs is to indicate the front dimensions of the car, and not to illuminate the road in front of it.
Basic rules for using light according to traffic regulations
The traffic rules clearly regulate which lights must be turned on in various situations. The basic requirement is that during daylight hours all moving vehicles must have daytime running lights or, if they are not available, low beam headlights.
This rule applies regardless of weather conditions, as long as visibility of the road is not limited. However, many drivers forget that when visibility deteriorates (fog, rain, snowfall) or in the dark, priority is given to low beam headlights, since the DRLs do not illuminate the road and do not illuminate the rear lights.
There is a common misconception that "parking lights" can replace DRLs. This is wrong. Dimensions are intended only to indicate the width of the vehicle when stopping or driving at night in conjunction with low beams. Their brightness is not sufficient to fully indicate the car during the day.
When is it necessary to turn on low beams instead of DRLs?
Although DRLs are effective during the day, there are situations where their use is unacceptable or insufficient. This primarily concerns conditions of insufficient visibility. If you cannot distinguish the road or other road users at a sufficient distance, you need to switch to low beam.
Low beams are also required in tunnels and on illuminated sections of roads at night. Daytime running lights do not activate the instrument panel lights or taillights, which in a tunnel can result in you not being seen from behind and not being able to see the speedometer.
Another important point is towing. When towing a motor vehicle with a flexible or rigid hitch, as well as when towing a trailer, the towing vehicle's headlights must be on low beam, regardless of the time of day. This requirement is aimed at maximizing the coupling of cars in the stream.
⚠️ Attention: Using DRLs in foggy or heavy snow conditions is dangerous because they do not illuminate the road surface or turn on the tail lights, making your car “invisible” to those driving behind you.
Differences between DRL and low beam and dimensions
Many drivers do not see the difference between the different operating modes of the optics, which leads to errors. Let's look at the key differences so you always know which mode is activated in your car.
The table below shows a comparison of the main characteristics of lighting devices:
| Characteristics | DRL | Low beam | Side lights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main function | Car designation during the day | Road lighting + designation | Indication of dimensions in the dark |
| Brightness | High (400-1200 cd) | Medium/High | Low |
| Tail lights | They don't light up | Burning | Burning |
| Instrument lighting | Often off | Enabled | Enabled (on many cars) |
As can be seen from the table, low beam is the most universal mode providing comprehensive security. DRL is a highly specialized tool for daytime use that saves the life of headlight bulbs.
It is worth noting that on some cars, when the DRL is turned on, the brightness of the dashboard illumination decreases so as not to distract the driver during the day. At night, when the low beam is turned on, the brightness of the devices also decreases, but the rear lights always light up, indicating the car to the drivers behind.
Fines for improper use of light
Violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices entails administrative liability. In the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO), Article 12.20 is devoted to this. Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices, sound signals, hazard warning lights or warning triangles.
The fine for driving with headlights off at night or in conditions of poor visibility, as well as for failure to comply with the requirement to turn on DRLs or low beams during the day, is 500 rubles. Although the amount seems insignificant, persistent violations can lead to the accumulation of fines.
A more serious penalty is imposed for installing non-standard light. If you install xenon headlights in halogen headlights or LEDs in reflector headlights without proper labeling, this may result in a license suspension of 6 months to 1 year and confiscation of the equipment.
Check the markings on your headlights before installing any additional lights. The letter "H" means halogen, "D" means xenon, and the absence of appropriate markings makes the installation of another type of lamp illegal.
Technical faults and diagnostics
Even if you follow the rules, technical faults can result in a fine or an accident. A burnt-out DRL or low beam lamp is a reason for the inspector to stop. In addition, modern cars with automatic light control often experience malfunctions of light sensors.
Symptoms of a malfunction may be as follows:
- 🚗 Indicator flashing on the dashboard indicates that one of the lamps has burned out.
- 💡 Different brightness The glow of the left and right headlights indicates nearing the end of life of the lamp or problems with the wiring.
- 🔌 Spontaneous on/off light may indicate a malfunction of the control unit or rain/light sensor.
Regularly checking the functionality of all lighting devices should become your habit. This is especially true before long trips or the change of season, when daylight hours are reduced.
☑️ Checking lighting devices
Don't forget that dirty headlights lose up to 50% of their effectiveness. Dirt, snow or insects on the glass of the optics will drastically reduce visibility. Regular car washing is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of safety.
Modernization and installation of DRLs
If your car was produced before the widespread introduction of DRLs (around 2010-2011), you may not have standard daytime running lights. In this case, the law requires you to turn on low beams during the day. However, many owners decide to install DRLs separately.
Installation must be carried out strictly in accordance with GOST. Basic installation requirements:
- The distance from the ground surface to the lower edge of the DRL must be at least 250 mm and no more than 1500 mm.
- The distance between the inner edge of the DRLs must be at least 600 mm (400 mm is allowed for narrow cars).
- DRLs must be visible within 20 degrees from the vertical and 40 degrees from the horizontal.
Can fog lights be used as DRLs?
You can use fog lights (FTL) as DRLs only if their brightness meets the standards for DRLs (this is usually difficult to achieve without modification) and if they turn off automatically when you turn on the low beam. However, most often PTFs have white light, but their light distribution is not suitable for the DRL function, and the brightness may be excessive or insufficient. The best solution is to install specialized LED modules.
It is also important to ensure that the DRLs turn on and off automatically when the engine starts and stops, or turn them off when the low beam is turned on. Manual control of DRLs while driving is prohibited.
⚠️ Attention: When installing non-standard DRLs, make sure that they do not flash or have a blue tint. Blue light in headlights is prohibited and is equivalent to the installation of special signals.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to turn on the lights during the day in a populated area?
Yes, according to traffic regulations, during daylight hours all moving vehicles must have daytime running lights or low beam headlights on. This rule applies everywhere: in the city, on the highway, and in populated areas.
Is it possible to use "daylight" (dimensions) instead of DRLs?
No, side lights are not a complete replacement for DRLs or low beams. They are not bright enough to identify a vehicle in the daytime and do not perform the function of increasing visibility in traffic as required by the rules.
Is it possible to lose your license for driving without lights during the day?
No, for violating the rules for using external lighting devices (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code) only a fine of 500 rubles is provided. Deprivation of rights threatens only for the illegal installation of lighting devices (for example, xenon in halogen), if this creates a danger for other road users.
What to do if the DRL lamp burns out?
It is necessary to replace the burnt out element as quickly as possible. Driving with faulty lights is prohibited. You can temporarily turn on the low beam headlights to comply with the traffic regulations regarding the designation of the vehicle.
Do DRLs work in winter when it snows?
In conditions of snow, fog or rain, when visibility is limited, DRLs are not enough. The rules require in such cases to turn on low beam headlights, as it better illuminates the road and makes the car more visible in difficult weather conditions.