Parking lights are one of the most underrated elements of automotive lighting. Many drivers turn them on only in the dark, forgetting that Traffic rules there are other cases where their use is mandatory. Meanwhile, incorrect use of dimensions can lead not only to a fine, but also to the creation of an emergency situation on the road.

In this article we will analyze all the situations when side lights must be on - from standard (night, tunnel) to controversial (rain, stopping on the side of the road). We will also tell you how the dimensions differ from the low beam, what fines are imposed for non-compliance with them, and how to properly operate this system so as not to shorten the life of the lamps. Let us dwell separately on nuances for motorcycles, trailers and cars with LED optics.

What are side lights and why are they needed?

Side lights (or dimensions) are small lights at the corners of the car that indicate its outline in the dark or in poor visibility. Unlike headlights, they do not illuminate the road, but only signal to other road users about the presence of a vehicle.

By design, dimensions are divided into:

  • 🔴 Rear — red, located on the rear lights;
  • ⚪ Front — white or yellow, built into headlights or separate lampshades;
  • 🟠 Lateral (on trucks and trailers) - orange, indicate the length of the vehicle.

The main function of dimensions is accident prevention in conditions of poor visibility. For example, an undersized car parked on the side of the road in fog may be noticed too late. According to traffic police statistics, about 12% of collisions with stationary cars occur due to non-compliance with the rules for using lighting devices.

Important: dimensions do not replace low or high beam! Their power is insufficient to illuminate the road, and in some cases (for example, in a tunnel) their use is not sufficient according to traffic regulations.

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On modern cars, the lights are often combined with daytime running lights (DRLs). However, the DRLs automatically turn off when the headlights are turned on, and the headlights remain on - this is normal and does not require repair.

When are side lights required by the 2026 traffic regulations?

Item 19.3 The Russian Federation Traffic Regulations clearly regulate the cases when the dimensions must be included. They can be divided into three groups:

  1. In the dark (from dusk to dawn) on any vehicle, even when stopped;
  2. In case of insufficient visibility (rain, snow, fog, when visibility is less than 300 m);
  3. In the tunnels regardless of illumination.

In addition, the following dimensions are required:

  • 🚗 When towing (on the towed and towing vehicle);
  • 🚛 On trailers and semi-trailers (even if the car is parked with the engine turned off);
  • 🏍️ On motorcycles and mopeds when moving in a convoy;
  • 🚧 On vehicles loading/unloading on the road.
Situation Are dimensions required? Penalty for non-compliance
Driving in the dark ✅ Yes 500–1000 ₽ (Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code)
Stopping on the side of the road at night ✅ Yes (or alarm) 500 ₽ or warning
Traffic in the tunnel ✅ Yes (together with headlights) 1000 ₽
Rain/snow with visibility <300 m ✅ Yes 500 ₽
Driving during the day with DRLs ❌ No (no dimensions needed) —

Special case - stopping on an unlit road. If you stop at night outside a populated area, the lights should be on. necessarily, even if the engine is turned off. Alternative - enable alarm.

📊 How often do you check the operation of your side lights?
Every month
Once every six months
Only before inspection
Never checked

Dimensions vs low beam: when to turn on what

Many drivers confuse headlights with low beam headlights. Let's look at the key differences:

  • 💡 Dimensions - only for marking vehicles (does not illuminate the road).
  • 🔦 Low beam — illuminates the road + indicates a car.
  • 🌞 DRL - only for designating a vehicle during the day (they do not replace the dimensions at night!).

According to traffic rules in dark time of day on a moving vehicle the following must be turned on:

⚠️ Attention! Usage only dimensions instead of dipped beam at night - a violation (fine 500 ₽). Dimensions are only allowed when stopping or in combination with headlights.

Exceptions when dimensions can be used without headlights:

  • 🚗 The car is standing on illuminated parking;
  • 🚛 Truck with on yellow flashing light (to indicate oversized cargo);
  • 🏎️ Sports cars on closed tracks (according to competition regulations).
What happens if you drive at night only with the lights on?

The traffic police inspector will regard this as a violation of clause 19.1 of the traffic rules ("In the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the road lighting, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be turned on on a moving vehicle: on all motor vehicles - high or low beam headlights"). Fine - 500 ₽.

Fines for incorrect use of dimensions

Violations related to side lights are regulated Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Amounts of fines in 2026:

Violation Fine Is it possible to appeal?
Lack of dimensions in the dark when the vehicle is stationary 500 ₽ or warning Yes (if the road is lit)
Driving at night only with lights on (without headlights) 500–1000 ₽ No
Faulty dimensions (1 or more) 500 ₽ (if not resolved within 10 days) Yes (if the lamp burns out right on the road)
Using side lights instead of DRLs during the day 500 ₽ Yes (if DRLs are faulty)

The most controversial case is stopping on the side of the road with lights off. Inspectors often issue fines even on illuminated sections of roads. To appeal such a decision, take a photo:

  • 📸 Road illumination (lamp posts, store windows);
  • 📸 Locality sign (if the stop is in the city);
  • 📸 Location of your car (not on the roadway).
⚠️ Attention! If your parking light bulb has burned out, you have 10 days to replace it (clause 2.3.1 of the traffic rules). After this, the inspector has the right to fine again.

How to check and replace marker lamps

Faulty dimensions are one of the most common reasons for fines. To avoid problems, check them once every 3–6 months. Verification algorithm:

☑️ Checking side lights

Done: 0 / 4

If the lamp does not light, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 💡 The lamp burned out (the most common reason);
  • 🔌 The contacts in the cartridge have oxidized;
  • 🔋 Problems with the fuse (look for F7 or F12 in the fuse box);
  • 🔧 Malfunction of the light switch on the steering column.

To replace the marker lamp:

  1. Open the hood or trunk (depending on the location of the headlight);
  2. Remove the protective cover (on some models you need to disconnect the battery!);
  3. Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove the lamp;
  4. Install a new lamp without touching the glass flask (fat traces reduce service life).

Cost of lamp dimensions:

  • 💡 Standard halogen (W5W) — 50–200 ₽;
  • 💡 LED analogue - 300–800 ₽ (but requires modifications to the wiring on some cars!);
  • 💡 Xenon - prohibited for dimensions (fine 3000 ₽ for uncertified equipment).
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On vehicles with LED optics (for example, Audi A6 C7, BMW 5 Series G30) dimensions are often made in the form of LED strips. Replacing them requires contacting service; repairing them yourself will void the warranty.

Frequent mistakes drivers make when using dimensions

Even experienced drivers sometimes violate the rules for using side lights. Let's look at the top 5 errors:

  1. Using side lights instead of DRLs during the day. This is not only a violation (fine 500 ₽), but also reduces vehicle visibility — DRLs are 2-3 times brighter.
  2. Forgetting to turn off the lights when parking. This drains the battery (in 6–8 hours the lamps can “suck” the charge to zero).
  3. Ignore side clearances on trailers. Their absence means a fine of 500 ₽ + the risk of an accident when overtaking.
  4. Install LED lamps into dimensions without modifying the wiring. This leads to errors on the dashboard and overheating of blocks.
  5. They don’t check dimensions before a long trip. A burnt-out lamp in another city will result in a fine or a search for a car service center.

A separate problem - automatic lighting systems (for example, Auto Light on Volkswagen or Toyota). They sometimes "glitch" and do not turn on the lights in a tunnel or in light rain. Solution:

  • 🔧 Update the firmware of the light control unit;
  • 🔧 Disable automatic mode in the settings (if there is such an option);
  • 🔧 Install a separate size switch (legal only for vehicles over 3 years old).
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On some vehicles (for example, Renault Duster until 2020) the lights are activated only when the key is turned to the "ACC" position. If your lights do not light up when the engine is off, this is not a malfunction, but a design feature.

Dimensions on motorcycles, trailers and special equipment

The rules for using dimensions for different types of vehicles have nuances:

Vehicle type Features of dimensions Penalty for violation
Motorcycles/mopeds Mandatory when driving in a convoy or with a trailer. On modern bikes they are often combined with DRLs. 500 ₽
Trailers (including cars) Must have working dimensions and brake lights. Side dimensions are required if the trailer width is > 1.6 m. 500–1000 ₽
Trucks > 3.5 t Additionally required side marker lights (orange) and identification marks for oversized cargo. 1000–1500 ₽
Agricultural machinery The lights must always be turned on when driving on public roads, even during the day. 500–1000 ₽

Important for motorcyclists: if you are moving in a column (3 or more bikes), dimensions must be included necessarily, even during the day. This is stated in paragraph. 19.4 Traffic rules The exception is if the motorcycle is equipped DRL factory sample.

For trailer owners:

  • 🔌 Check it out socket connection — oxidized contacts lead to flickering dimensions;
  • 🔧 On trailers with LED optics may be required matching block (cost ~1500 ₽);
  • 📋 When registering a trailer, the inspector must check the operation of the dimensions - malfunction = refusal to register.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn on the lights during the day in fog or rain?

According to traffic regulations, during the day the traffic lights are turned on only when insufficient visibility (less than 300 m). If the rain is light and visibility is normal, DRLs are sufficient. However, in practice, many drivers include dimensions when any rain for added safety. There will be no fine for this, but it is not mandatory either.

Is it possible to use headlights instead of low beams in the city at night?

No, this is a violation of clause. 19.1 Traffic rules In populated areas they should be turned on at night low beam headlights (or distant if the road is not lit). Dimensions can only be used together with headlights or when stopping.

What is the fine if the lights on the trailer don’t light up?

The fine is 500 ₽ (Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code). If the dimensions are faulty and stop lights - a fine can be issued twice (500 ₽ for each violation). The inspector also has the right to prohibit further movement with a faulty trailer.

Do I need to turn on my parking lights at night?

Depends on lighting:

  • ✅ On unlit parking - yes (or hazard alarm);
  • ❌ On illuminated (for example, near a shopping center) - no.

The fine for non-compliance is 500 ₽, but it is easy to appeal by providing a photo of the lighting.

Is it possible to install LED lamps in dimensions?

Technically it is possible, but there are some nuances:

  • 🔧 By car under 3 years old - only if LED lamps are certified for this model (otherwise a fine of RUB 3,000 for uncertified equipment);
  • 🔧 On older cars - allowed, but a resistor may be required to eliminate errors on the dashboard;
  • 💡 LED lamps must have same base, like regular ones (usually W5W or T10).