The question of whether to include low beam headlights during the day remains one of the most discussed among drivers. On the one hand, traffic regulations clearly regulate this requirement, on the other hand, many car owners consider it excessive, especially in sunny weather. In 2026, the rules have not changed, but the controversy surrounding them continues: someone claims that daytime running lights (DRL) completely replace low beams, others are afraid of fines for turning off the headlights, and still others completely forget about this norm.

In this article we will figure out Which vehicles are required to drive with low beams on during the day according to current traffic regulations?, what exceptions there are (for example, for motorcycles or electric vehicles), and we will also analyze how this requirement affects safety. We will separately dwell on the size of fines, controversial situations with traffic police inspectors and technical nuances - for example, whether it is possible to use fog lights or dimensions instead of low beams.

Traffic rules 2026: what the law says about low beams during the day

The main document regulating this issue is clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It clearly states:

⚠️ Attention: During daylight hours everyone moving vehicles must be turned on low beam headlights or daytime running lights.

This rule applies regardless of the time of year, weather conditions or type of road. That is, even if the sun is bright outside and you are driving along a deserted highway, the low beam (or DRL) must be enabled. The only exceptions are:

  • 🚗 Vehicles with factory daytime running lights (if they work properly).
  • 🏍️ Motorcycles and mopeds - for them, having the headlights on is enough (even if it’s not DRL).
  • 🚜 Agricultural machinery and self-propelled vehicles (governed by other regulations).

Important: if your car no daytime running lights (for example, on older models VAZ-2107 or GAZelle), then turn on low beam required. Side lights or fog lights are not a replacement - You can get a fine for this.

📊 Do you turn on your low beams during the day?
Yes, always
Only if I see the inspector
I use DRL
I never turn it on
I forget about this rule

Fines for turning off low beams in 2026

Violation of clause 19.5 of the traffic rules is classified as Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (violation of the rules for using external lighting devices). The fine is fixed:

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 DRLs (if the low beam is also not on) 500 Yes
Fog lights instead of low beams 500 Yes

In practice, traffic police inspectors often turn a blind eye to this violation if it is a clear day and good visibility. However formally they have the right to issue a fine - especially if you were on a targeted raid to check lighting devices.

Controversial points:

  • 🔦 If you have fog lights included, but the low beam is turned off, this is considered a violation - PTFs do not replace daytime lights.
  • 💡 Xenon lamps in the low beam must correspond GOST R 41.48-2004 (otherwise a fine of up to 500 rubles for non-compliance).
  • 🚘 On electric vehicles (for example, Tesla or Nissan Leaf) DRLs often turn on automatically - check this in the settings.
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If an inspector stops you for turning off a light, turn it on immediately - sometimes this helps avoid a fine. The main thing is not to argue on the road, but appeal the protocol later if you are sure that you are right.

Many modern cars are equipped daytime running lights (Daytime Running Lights, DRL). They turn on automatically when the engine starts and consume less energy than low beams. According to traffic rules DRL completely replace low beam, if:

  • ✅ Lights installed manufacturer (not homemade).
  • ✅ Compliant GOST R 41.48-2004 by brightness and location.
  • ✅ They work everything lights (if one side is not lit, this is a violation).

Benefits DRL in front of the low beam:

  • 🔋 Less load on the generator and battery.
  • 💡 Low beam lamps last longer (they don’t turn on in vain).
  • 🚗 Many models (for example, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Solaris) have LED DRLs that barely heat up.

However, there are also disadvantages:

  • 🚨 In some cars DRL do not light up when the low beam is on (for example, on Renault Duster until 2018).
  • 🔧 If the DRLs are burned out and you haven’t noticed, then you are driving in violation (the low beams do not turn on automatically).
How to check if DRLs are working on your car?

To make sure the daytime running lights are working properly:

1. Start the car in daylight.

2. Make sure the light switch is in position Oh (off) or AUTO.

3. Approach the car from the front - bright white lights should be on (usually at the edges of the headlights).

4. If the lights do not light, check the fuses or lamps (on some models, the DRLs are combined with turn signals).

Exceptions: when low beams may not be turned on during the day

Traffic regulations provide for several cases when You are allowed to drive without low beams/DRLs during the day:

  1. Motorcycles and mopeds - for them, having the headlights on is enough (even if it’s not DRL).
  2. Emergency services vehicles (ambulance, police, fire) when performing official tasks.
  3. Cars with flashing lights turned on yellow or orange (for example, tow trucks).
  4. Training vehicles (with a “U” sign) - but only if they move in a column.

There is also non-obvious nuances:

  • 🚛 Trucks and buses must turn on low beam or DRL even when towing.
  • 🚜 Tractors and self-propelled machines are governed by different rules - side lights are often sufficient for them.
  • 🚗 If you have automatic light switching (for example, on Volkswagen Polo or Kia Rio), but the system is broken, you must turn on the low beam manually.
⚠️ Attention: If you are towing another vehicle, then on a towed Vehicles must be turned on side lights, and on the towing vehicle - low beams or DRLs.

Technical questions: how to set up the light correctly

If you decide to use low beam instead of DRL (or vice versa), make sure everything works correctly:

Are the daytime running lights (if equipped) turned on?

Do both low beam headlights work?

Have the bulbs in the DRLs burned out?

Is the DRL brightness adequate (not too dim)?

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Frequent problems and solutions:

  • 🔧 DRLs do not turn on automatically — check the settings of the on-board computer (on some Ford Focus or Skoda Octavia they can be disabled in the menu).
  • 💡 The low beam is dim — the contacts may have oxidized or the battery is running low (especially important for Lada Granta with halogen lamps).
  • 🔦 Fog lights light up instead of DRLs - this is a violation! They can be used only in low visibility conditions (rain, fog, snow).

On some vehicles (for example, Mazda CX-5 or BMW X5) there is a function Follow Me Home — the headlights remain on for several minutes after the ignition is turned off. This does not replace DRL during the day!

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If your car does not have factory DRLs, then turning on the low beams during the day is a must. Homemade LED strip lights or "angels" are not a legal substitute and may result in a fine.

Controversial situations with traffic police inspectors

In practice, drivers often encounter ambiguous interpretations of the rule. Let's look at the most common cases:

1. “I have the dimensions turned on—is that enough?”

No! Side lights do not replace low beam or DRL. The inspector has the right to issue a fine.

2. “I was driving with the fog lights on”

Fog lights (PTF) can be used only in poor visibility conditions (rain, fog, snowfall). In clear weather this is a violation.

3. “I have an automatic light, but it’s broken.”

If the system AUTO doesn't work, you have to manually turn on low beam. The reference to “automation” does not exempt you from the fine.

4. “I was driving through the courtyard area”

Traffic rules require turning on the lights on all roads, including courtyards and residential areas. The exception is parking or stopping with the engine turned off.

If the inspector issues a fine, but you do not agree, you can appeal it within 10 days. To do this:

  1. Write a complaint addressed to the head of the traffic police.
  2. Please include a photo/video showing that the lights were turned on (if so).
  3. Indicate that the DRLs comply with GOST (if this is your case).

Impact of low beam on safety and battery

Many drivers believe that low beams on during the day:

  • ✅ Increases vehicle visibility (statistically, it reduces the risk of accidents by 5–10%).
  • ✅ Helps pedestrians and cyclists better judge the speed and direction of movement.

However, there are also disadvantages:

  • ⚡ Additional load on the generator and battery (especially true for old cars with a weak generator, for example, VAZ-2109).
  • 💡 Rapid lamp wear — halogen lamps last on average 500–1000 hours, and with constant use during the day they can burn out within six months.

Tips on how to reduce negative influence:

  • 🔋 If you have an old car, check generator voltage (should be 13.8–14.4 V).
  • 💡 Use LED lamps with certificate ECE R112 - they consume less energy and last longer.
  • 🔧 Clean regularly headlight contacts — oxidation increases the resistance and load on the on-board network.

Interesting fact: in some European countries (e.g. Sweden or Norway) low beams on during the day are required all year round, and in USA or Canada this requirement applies only in some states.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about low beam during the day

Can I use fog lights instead of low beams?

No, this is a traffic violation. Fog lights are allowed to be turned on only in low visibility conditions (rain, fog, snow). In clear weather, their use instead of low beams or DRLs is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles.

Do I need to turn on low beams in a parking lot or in the yard?

Yes, if you moving along the road (including courtyard areas). If you are standing with the engine running, this is also necessary. Exception: the engine is turned off and you are not interfering with other road users.

What to do if the DRLs on your car are broken?

If the daytime running lights do not work, you must turn them on low beam headlights. You cannot drive without it - this is a violation of clause 19.5 of the traffic rules. We recommend repairing the DRLs or replacing the lamps as soon as possible.

Is it possible to get a fine if the low beam is on, but one lamp is burned out?

Yes, that counts malfunction of external lighting devices (clause 3.3 List of faults). Fine - 500 rubles. (under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Do I need to turn on low beams on an electric car?

Yes, if your electric vehicle (eg. Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf) there are no factory DRLs or they are faulty. Most modern electric cars turn on daytime running lights automatically when starting.