The question of the need to turn on headlights during the day worries many drivers - especially in sunny weather, when light devices seem unnecessary. However, traffic regulations clearly regulate the use of external lighting devices, and violation of these rules may result in a fine. In this article we will look at In what cases can you drive without headlights during the day?when it is prohibited and what exceptions apply for different types of vehicles.
Since 2010, the rule has been in force in Russia mandatory use of daytime running lights (DRLs) or low beam headlights during daylight hours. But many drivers are still confused: do they need to turn on the headlights if the car has DRLs? What about motorcycles or trucks? We analyzed the current Traffic rules (as of June 2026) and collected answers to all controversial issues.
It is important to understand that the requirements for lighting devices are not a whim of legislators, but a safety measure. According to traffic police statistics, the use of DRLs or low beams during the day reduces the risk of accidents by 13% due to better visibility of the vehicle. But there are exceptions that not everyone knows about.
What traffic regulations say about headlights during the day in 2026
The main document regulating the use of lighting devices is clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It clearly states:
⚠️ Attention: During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must turn on their lights to indicate them. low beam headlights or daytime running lights.
This means that You can't drive without headlights on during the day - with the exception of a few cases, which we will discuss below. It is important to understand the difference between:
- 🔦 Daytime running lights (DRL) - special LED lights that automatically turn on when the engine starts on many modern cars (for example, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Camry, Kia Rio).
- 💡 Low beam headlights — traditional halogen/xenon/LED headlights, which are also used at night.
- 🌞 Fog lights - them it's impossible use instead of DRLs or low beams during the day (allowed only in conditions of poor visibility).
If on your car no factory DRLs, you must turn on your low beams. This rule applies to all types of transport: cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles. Exception - bicycles and mopeds, for which separate rules apply.
When you can drive without headlights during the day: 3 legal cases
Despite strict traffic rules, there are situations when It is allowed not to turn on the headlights or DRLs during daylight hours. There are only three of them, and all of them are stated in official documents.
1. Vehicles with factory DRLs (or properly installed)
If your machine is equipped standard daytime running lights, which correspond GOST R 41.48-2004, there is no need to turn on the low beam. The main thing is that the DRL:
- ✅Automatically activated when the engine starts.
- ✅ Were adjusted correctly (did not blind oncoming drivers).
- ✅ Matched in brightness (from 400 to 800 candelas).
Example: on Hyundai Solaris 2020+ DRLs are built into the headlight units and turn on automatically. But on the old ones VAZ-2107 There aren't any, so you'll have to use low beam.
2. Motorcycles and mopeds (with reservations)
For two-wheeled vehicles the rules are a little andere:
- 🏍️ Motorcycles must drive with it turned on low beam or DRL (if they are provided for by the design).
- 🛵 Mopeds and scooters (up to 50 cm³) can drive no headlights during the day, but only if the speed does not exceed 40 km/h.
Important: if the moped is equipped with DRLs, they necessarily needs to be turned on. Without them, you can drive without lights, but this increases the risk of an accident.
3. Vehicles with special light signals
Emergency services vehicles (police, ambulance, firefighters) can drive without DRLs or low beams if they have the following on:
- 🚨 Blue/red flashing lights.
- 🔊 Special sound signals.
This does not concern ordinary drivers - even if it’s on your roof LED backlight, this does not relieve you of the obligation to turn on the DRLs.
You can drive without headlights during the day ONLY in three cases: 1) with working DRLs, 2) on a moped up to 50 cm³ (if there are no DRLs), 3) on special vehicles with beacons.
Fines for driving without headlights during the day in 2026
If you violated the rule for using lighting devices, the traffic police inspector may issue a fine according to Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The amount of punishment depends on the circumstances:
| Type of violation | Fine (rub.) | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without DRL/low beam during the day | 500 | Warning (at the discretion of the inspector) |
| Faulty DRLs/headlights (one doesn't light up) | 500 | Troubleshooting request |
| Usage fog lights instead of DRL | 500 | They may force you to turn off the PTF |
| Lack of DRLs/headlights (for example, after an accident) | 500–1000 | Prohibition on operation until elimination |
Important: if you have both headlights don't light up (or DRL), the inspector has the right prohibit further movement until the problem is resolved. This is stated in Appendix to the traffic rules (clause 3.3) — “Malfunctions in which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.”
Disputes often arise when a driver claims that he has "DRLs turn on automatically", but the inspector doesn’t see them. In this case you can:
- 📱 Show a video of the engine starting on your smartphone (where you can see that the DRLs light up).
- 🔧 Ask the inspector to check the presence of DRLs in
Vehicle registration certificate(the type of lighting devices is indicated there).
If the inspector insists on a fine, but you are sure that the DRLs are working, ask him to draw up a report indicating the make and model of your car. This can later be challenged through court or a complaint to the traffic police.
Common driver mistakes: what not to do
Many drivers mistakenly believe that in some situations they can do without headlights. Let's sort it out common misconceptionswhich lead to fines.
❌ Myth 1: “If it’s sunny, you don’t need headlights”
The weather doesn't matter. Even on a clear day with bright sunshine necessarily turn on DRL or low beam. The exception is only for mopeds (as we wrote above).
❌ Myth 2: “Fog lights will replace DRLs”
The use of fog lights instead of daytime running lights or low beams is a direct violation of traffic rules (clause 19.4). A fine of 500 rubles is provided for this. Fog lights can be turned on only with low beam or in poor visibility conditions.
❌ Myth 3: “On old cars it is not necessary to turn on the headlights”
The age of the car doesn't matter. Even if your Mosvich-412 or ZAZ-968 made in the 1980s, you are required to turn on the low beams (as they don't have DRLs). Exception - retro cars with yellow headlights, but general rules also apply to them.
❌ Myth 4: “If you’re driving slowly, you can go without headlights”
Speed does not cancel traffic regulations. Even if you are crawling in a traffic jam at a speed of 5 km/h, DRL or low beam must be on.
What happens if you don't pay a fine for headlights?
If you do not pay the fine within 70 days, the case will be transferred to the bailiffs. They may double the amount, seize the account, or even temporarily ban travel abroad.
How to check if the DRLs are working on your car
Many drivers don't know Does their car have daytime running lights? and whether they work correctly. It's easy to check:
☑️ Checking DRL
If the DRLs do not turn on, possible reasons:
- 🔋 The battery is dead (DRLs may not work at low voltage).
- 💥 The fuse has blown (usually
F10orF20in the fuse box). - 🔧 The light control unit is faulty (a common problem on Renault Logan, Nissan Almera).
- 🔌 The contacts in the headlight connectors have oxidized.
On some vehicles (for example, Ford Focus 3, Skoda Octavia A7) DRLs can turn off when "autolight" is turned on. In this case, you need to manually activate the low beam.
If you find that your DRLs are not working, don't delay repairs. According to statistics, 30% fines for light written out precisely because of faulty DRLs.
DRL vs low beam: which is better to use during the day
If your car has both DRL and the ability to turn on low beam, which should you choose? Each option has pros and cons:
| Criterion | Daytime running lights (DRL) | Low beam headlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🔋 Fuel/energy consumption | Minimum (LED DRLs consume ~5–10 W) | Higher (halogen - ~55–60 W, xenon - ~35 W) |
| 💡 Lamp life | Longer (LED lasts 50,000+ hours) | In short (halogen - 500–1000 hours) |
| 👁️ Visibility to other drivers | Good (brightness 400–800 candela) | Excellent (but can be blinding if not adjusted correctly) |
| 🚗 Impact on optics | The headlight doesn't heat up | Halogen heats the glass (risk of cracks) |
Conclusion: if your machine has working DRLs, it's better to use them. This is more economical and safer for optics. The low beam should only be turned on if:
- 🌧️ The weather has worsened (rain, fog).
- 🚧 You are driving along a serpentine road or in a tunnel.
- ⚠️ DRLs are faulty or too dim.
On some modern cars (for example, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5) DRL automatically switch to low beam when visibility deteriorates. This is the best option, since the driver does not need to do anything manually.
Foreign experience: how to use headlights during the day abroad
In different countries, the rules for using lighting devices during the day differ. For example:
- 🇪🇺 European Union: DRLs or low beams are mandatory during the day in all EU countries (since 2011).
- 🇺🇸 USA: Daylight in most states not required, but recommended. The exception is Canada, where DRLs are mandatory.
- 🇳🇴 Norway, Sweden, Finland: DRLs are mandatory all year round, even in summer.
- 🇯🇵 Japan: Dipped beam is required 24/7, even during the day.
It's interesting that in Scandinavia the mandatory daylight rule applies from 1970s — and this reduced the number of accidents by 10–20%. In Russia, a similar rule was introduced only in 2010, but statistics also show a positive effect.
If you are planning a trip abroad, Be sure to check your local traffic rules. For example, in Germany Driving without DRLs during the day can result in a fine. 20–35 euros, and in France - up to 135 euros.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about headlights during the day
❓ Do I need to turn on the DRLs if I have xenon headlights?
Yes, even with xenon you are required to use DRLs or low beams during the day. Xenon low beam lamps consume less energy than halogen lamps, but the rules are the same for all.
❓ Is it possible to use dimensions instead of DRLs?
No, side lights are too dim (their brightness is only 4–10 candelas, while DRLs are 400–800). This is a direct violation of traffic rules, for which a fine is provided.
❓ What to do if the inspector says that my DRLs do not comply with GOST?
Ask him to indicate in the protocol, which point of GOST R 41.48-2004 is violated. Often inspectors confuse DRLs with license plate lights or dimensions. If the DRLs are factory installed, they are exactly as standard.
❓ Do I need to turn on the headlights during the day on a trailer?
No, on trailers not necessary turn on lights during the day. However side lights on the trailer must work properly (clause 19.1 of the traffic regulations).
❓ Is it possible to drive without headlights during the day if the car is on a tow truck?
Yes, if the car towed (not on its own wheels), the requirement to turn on DRLs does not apply to it. But on the tow truck itself, the headlights must be on.