Is it possible to drive without headlights during the day in the city according to traffic rules: analysis of the rules, fines and life hacks

Have you ever wondered why some drivers drive with their headlights on even in broad daylight? Or, on the contrary, do they turn them off as soon as they leave the tunnel? The issue of using lighting devices during daylight hours is more controversial than the rules for overtaking or parking. Some argue that headlights during the day are a relic of the past, others swear they can’t do without them. What is it really like?

In this article we will figure out what it says Traffic regulations 2026 about driving without headlights in the city during the day, what fines may be imposed for violation, and why traffic police inspectors sometimes turn a blind eye to switched off headlights, and sometimes not. You will also learn about little-known exceptions that can save you from a fine, and how to properly set the light so as not to blind oncoming people and not run into sanctions.

Spoiler: the answer is not as clear as it seems. Even experienced drivers often make mistakes in their interpretation of the rules. So if you don't want to pay 500–1000 rubles for “extra light” or, conversely, for its absence - read on.

What does the Traffic Regulations 2026 say about headlights in the city during the day?

The main document regulating the use of lighting devices is clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It clearly states that during daylight hours all moving vehicles must be included:

• 🔦 Low beam headlights - the most common and safest option.
• 💡 Daytime running lights (DRL) - if they are installed on the car.
• 🌟 Fog lights - but only instead of low beams or DRLs, and not together with them.

Important: side lights (those that turn on when the key is turned to the "ON" position) don't fit for daytime driving! Their brightness is not enough, and the inspector has the right to issue a fine.

But there is a nuance: the rule applies only for moving vehicles. If you are stuck in a traffic jam with the engine running or in a parking lot, you can turn off the headlights. However, when starting to move, they must be turned on immediately.

Fines for driving without headlights during the day: how much will you have to pay?

If you have violated clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, the traffic police inspector may issue a fine according to Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Sanction amount:

Type of violation	Fine (rub.)	Is it possible to pay with a 50% discount?
No low beam/DRL during the day	500	Yes, within 20 days
Using headlights instead of low beams	500	Yes
Faulty headlights (lamp does not light up)	500	Yes
Using fog lights with DRLs	500	Yes

In practice, inspectors often make concessions if the driver promptly turns on the headlights at their request. But officially this does not cancel the fine - it all depends on the goodwill of the traffic police officer.

⚠️ Attention! If your headlights do not light up due to a malfunction (a lamp has burned out, a fuse has blown), this is equivalent to a violation. The inspector can not only fine you, but also prohibit further movement until the breakdown is eliminated (clause 2.3.1 of the traffic regulations).

Exceptions: when can you drive without headlights during the day?

The traffic rules provide for several cases when the driver not obliged turn on headlights or DRLs during daylight hours:

1. Motorcycles and mopeds — separate rules apply for them. It is enough to turn on the low beam or DRL, but only if they are structurally provided for.
2. Emergency services vehicles (ambulance, police, Ministry of Emergency Situations) with flashing lights turned on.
3. Vehicles with factory-installed automatic headlights (for example, Volvo, Audi, BMW latest generations). If the system is working properly and turns on the DRL when driving, there will be no fine.
4. Training vehicles with the identification mark "U" - but only if they move in a column.

There is also unofficial expulsion: if on the street very bright sun (for example, in July in the southern regions), some inspectors may not pay attention to the headlights being turned off. But this is more luck than a rule.

What to do if the inspector insists on a fine?

If you are sure that your car falls under the exception (for example, you have working DRLs or an automatic light system), politely ask the inspector to show the traffic rule that you violated. This often helps avoid a fine. If not, take a photograph of the situation (DRLs on, bright sun) and appeal the decision.

Myths and misconceptions about headlights during the day

There are so many myths surrounding the “headlights during the day” rule that even experienced drivers sometimes get confused. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🚗 "DRL is enough, low beam is not needed" — true, if DRLs are installed from the factory or according to GOST. Homemade LEDs don't count!
• 💡 "Dimensions during the day are the same as DRLs" — lie. The side lights are too dim and not adequate.
• 🌞 "If the sun is shining brightly, you don't have to turn on the headlights" — lie. Traffic regulations make no exceptions for weather.
• 🚓 "Inspectors fine for headlights during the day only for plans" — half-truth. Yes, sometimes this happens, but technically they are right.
• 🔧 “If the headlight is not on, you can drive with one” — lie. This is a violation of clause 19.1 of the traffic rules (malfunctions in which operation is prohibited).

Another misconception: "Headlights during the day are only needed for safety". In fact, their main function is increasing vehicle visibility. According to traffic police statistics, cars with their headlights on are 20% less likely to become involved in accidents due to the fact that pedestrians and other drivers can see them better.

How to set the light correctly so as not to run into a fine?

Even if you turn on your headlights during the day, setting them incorrectly can result in a fine or, worse, an accident. Here's what to check:

Pay special attention headlight adjustment. If they shine too high, you will blind oncoming drivers, and this is already a violation of the paragraph 19.2 Traffic rules (the fine is the same 500 rubles). You can check the settings yourself:

1. Drive up to a flat wall at a distance 5 meters.
2. Turn on the low beam.
3. The border of the light spot should be at 5–10 cm below headlight level.
4. If the light “goes” up or to the sides, adjustment is needed.

For vehicles with xenon or LED headlights the requirements are stricter: they must be configured at a service station using special equipment. Do-it-yourself adjustments may result in you being fined for "improper use of lighting devices".

What to do if you are stopped for having your headlights off?

The situation is familiar to many: you are driving calmly, and suddenly the inspector waves his baton. Your actions:

1. Don't argue right away. Politely turn on the headlights and say: "Sorry, I forgot. I've turned it on now."
2. If the inspector insists on a fine, ask to see traffic rules pointwhich you violated.
3. If you have automatic light or DRL, show that they work.
4. If the headlight does not light due to a breakdown, report it. The inspector may limit himself to a warning.

If a fine is issued, you have 10 days for appeal. To do this:

• 📝 Write a complaint addressed to the head of the traffic police department.
• 📸 Attach a photo/video proving that the headlights were turned on or fall under the exception.
• 📅 Take the documents to the department or send them by registered mail.

According to statistics, about 30% fines for headlights during the day are canceled upon appeal, if the driver can prove he is right.

⚠️ Attention! Never offer an inspector a bribe, even as a joke. This can be regarded as attempted bribe (Article 291 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), and then instead of a 500 ruble fine, you will face a criminal case.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about headlights during the day

Can fog lights be used instead of low beams during the day?

Yes, but only instead of, and not together with DRLs or low beams. Fog lights must be turned on separately. They must also comply with GOST in terms of brightness and color (white or yellow).

Do I need to turn on my headlights during the day outside the city?

Yes, the rules are the same for the city and the highway. Moreover, on country roads, vehicle visibility is even more important due to high speeds.

Is it possible to drive with one working headlight if the second one is burned out?

No, this is a violation of clause 19.1 of the traffic rules. It is your responsibility to correct the problem before travelling. If the headlight burns out on the way, you need to go to the repair site with the lights on (but not during the day!).

Which lamps are better to use for daytime driving: halogen, xenon or LED?

From the point of view of traffic rules, everyone is suitable if they are certified. But xenon and LED require correct settings so as not to blind oncoming people. Halogen lamps are easier to use, but last less.

What happens if you don't pay a fine for headlights?

70 days after the ruling is issued, the case will be transferred to the bailiffs. They can:

• 💳 Double the fine.
• 🚗 Prohibit registration activities with the car.
• 🏦 Seize accounts.

So it’s easier to pay 500 rubles with a discount (250 rubles) than to deal with the bailiffs later.