The question of when to turn on the headlights on a car seems simple - but in practice it causes confusion even among experienced drivers. In 2026, the Road Traffic Regulations (DR) clearly regulate the use of external lighting devices, but many drivers still do not know when enough daytime running lights (DRL), and when is it required low beam headlights. A mistake can cost not only a fine, but also safety on the road.
Adding to the complexity, the requirements depend on the time of day, weather conditions, road type and even car model. For example, on some foreign cars, DRLs turn on automatically when the engine starts, but on domestic cars they may not be present at all. Let's figure out what the law says, what exceptions there are and how not to run into a fine of 500–1500 rubles.
Legislative framework: what do traffic regulations 2026 say?
The main document regulating the use of headlights is Clause 19.5 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. In 2026 it sounds like this:
⚠️ Attention: During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must turn on their lights to indicate them. low beam headlights or daytime running lights. Instead, it is allowed to use fog lights (if they are installed on the car).
This means that even during the day in clear weather you are required to drive with the lights on — either low beam, or DRLs, or foglights. But there are nuances:
- 🔦 Low beam - a universal solution, suitable for all cases, but increases fuel consumption and load on the generator.
- 💡 Daytime running lights (DRL) - energy efficient, but their brightness (400–800 candelas) must comply with GOST. Cheap Chinese DRLs often lack light output.
- 🌫️ Fog lights - allowed instead of low beams, but only if they are installed manufacturer or certified for such replacement.
Important: side lights (small lights on the sides and back) not replace low beams or DRLs! They are turned on only in the dark together with the headlights or when stopping.
When low beams are required, not DRLs
Daytime running lights are convenient, but there are situations when the law requires them low beam headlights:
| Situation | Traffic regulations requirement | Penalty for violation |
|---|---|---|
| Movement in tunnel | Low beam or fog lights (Section 19.1 of the Traffic Regulations) | 500 ₽ (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code) |
| Poor visibility (rain, snow, fog) | Low beam or fog lights (Section 19.4 of the Traffic Regulations) | 500 ₽ |
| Towing another vehicle | Low beam on both cars (clause 19.5) | 1000 ₽ |
| Transportation of dangerous goods | Low beam + identification marks (clause 19.6) | 1000–1500 ₽ |
Special attention - fog lights. They can be used instead of low beams only if:
- They are installed in pairs (front).
- Their color is white or yellow (red or blue are prohibited).
- They are included together with side lights (if visibility is less than 300 m).
If you have an old car without DRLs, install LED lamps in the low beam - they consume less energy and are less likely to burn out.
Exceptions: when you can drive without lights
The law provides for several cases when You don't have to turn on the lights during the day:
- 🚗 Motorcycles without side trailer — for them, DRLs are not required (but recommended).
- 🚜 Agricultural machinery (tractors, combines) when driving across the field or special roads.
- 🚨 Emergency services vehicles (ambulance, police, Ministry of Emergency Situations) when performing an official task.
- 🏎️ Cars in closed areas (motordromes, private parking lots without access to public roads).
However, even in these cases when visibility deteriorates (rain, dusk) the lights must be on. For example, motorcyclists often get into accidents due to the fact that they are not noticed in cloudy weather.
What happens if you drive in a tunnel without light?
In a tunnel, the absence of low beams or DRLs is equivalent to driving at night without lighting. This is not only a fine of 500 ₽, but also the risk of an accident: in a confined space, the eyes of drivers adapt to the twilight, and your car without light becomes almost invisible.
Fines for violating the rules on the use of light
Punishment for improper use of lighting devices is prescribed in Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Amounts of fines in 2026:
- 💰 500 ₽ — no low beams/DRLs during the day or in a tunnel.
- 💰 1000 ₽ — improper use of fog lights (for example, turned on instead of low beam at night).
- 💰 1500 ₽ — driving with headlights off in the dark or when visibility is poor.
- 🚓 Warning - if the inspector considers the violation to be insignificant (for example, they forgot to turn on the light when leaving the yard).
Important: a fine will be issued even if your light bulb is burned out. By law, the driver is required to ensure that the lights are in good working order. The exception is if the lamp burns out right during the trip, and you are directed to the service.
The most common fine is 500 ₽ for the absence of daytime lights. It can be paid with a 50% discount within 20 days from the date of discharge.
Technical nuances: DRL vs low beam
Many drivers wonder: which is better - daytime running lights or low beam? Let's look at the pros and cons:
| Criterion | Daytime running lights (DRL) | Low beam headlights |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel consumption | Minimum (LED DRLs consume 5–10 W) | Increases by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km |
| Generator load | Low | High (especially with halogen lamps) |
| Visibility to other drivers | Good (if the DRLs are bright and installed correctly) | Excellent (but blinds if not adjusted correctly) |
| Service life | 50,000–100,000 hours (LED) | 500–2000 hours (halogen) |
If you have an old car without DRLs, you can:
- Install universal DRLs (price from 1500 ₽).
- Replace the low beam lamps with LED (but this requires adjustment so as not to blind oncoming people).
- Use fog lights, if they exist and comply with GOST.
Make sure that the DRLs are certified (there is an E in a circle)
View brightness - at least 400 candelas
Check the angle of the light (should not blind pedestrians)
Connect via a relay, and not directly to the on-board network -->
Frequent driver mistakes
Even experienced motorists sometimes violate the rules for using lights. Let's look at typical mistakes:
- 🌅 “You can see it during the day!” — many people forget to turn on the lights in cloudy weather, although this is required by traffic regulations.
- 🔆 Glare fog lights — some drivers turn them on at night along with the low beam, which is prohibited (Section 19.4 of the Traffic Regulations).
- 💡 Burnt out lamps — driving with one working headlight is equivalent to the absence of light.
- 🚗 DRL instead of low beam in the tunnel - this is a violation, since the tunnel requires necessarily low beam
Another common problem is incorrect headlight adjustment. If the light hits too high, it blinds oncoming drivers, and if it hits too low, it only illuminates the asphalt in front of the hood. You can check the adjustment at any service station or yourself using instructions below.
To remember to turn on the lights, train yourself to check them immediately after starting the engine - like fastening your seat belt.
How to properly adjust headlights
Incorrectly adjusted headlights not only blind other drivers, but also impair your visibility. According to GOST R 51709-2001, the light beam should:
- Start at a distance 5–10 m in front of the car (depending on model).
- rise no higher than 1.5 m at a distance of 25 m from the car.
- Have a clear border of light and shadow (no blur).
You can check the adjustment yourself:
- Place the machine on a level area 5 meters from the wall.
- Load the car (driver + 1 passenger or 70 kg of cargo in the trunk).
- On the wall, mark the center of each headlight and a line 5-10 cm below the height of the headlights.
- Turn on the low beam - the border of the light spot should follow the mark.
If the adjustment is messed up, it can be corrected using the screws on the headlight (usually they are located on the top and side). Foreign cars often have automatic adjustment - check it in the on-board computer menu (Settings → Lighting → Headlamp Leveling).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about lighting devices
Can side lights be used instead of DRLs?
No, the side lights are too dim (their brightness is only 4–20 candelas versus 400–800 for DRLs). They are intended to indicate worthwhile car in the dark, and not for driving.
Do I need to turn on the lights on my trailer?
Yes, if the trailer obscures the vehicle's taillights or lights. Should work on the trailer itself side lights and brake lights. DRLs are not required on the trailer.
What should I do if the inspector asks me to turn on the low beams and I have DRLs?
Show the inspector that your DRLs comply with GOST (must be certified and labeled). If DRLs are installed manufacturer, there will be no problems. If they are homemade, they may issue a fine.
Can LED bulbs be used in halogen headlights?
Technically possible, but this is a violation, if the lamps are not certified for your headlight model. LEDs have a different luminous point, which is why the headlight begins to blind oncoming drivers. Fine - 500 ₽ (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
Do you need to turn on the lights in a shopping center parking lot?
No, if parking closed (no access to public roads). But if you drive out onto the roadway (for example, to a ticket office or exit), the light must be turned on.