Car lights: a complete list of names with pictures and connection diagrams

A car's lighting system is more than just a way to illuminate the road at night. This is a complex set of devices responsible for security, informing other traffic participants and even aesthetic appearance cars. The correct operation of the headlights determines whether the driver of an oncoming car will notice you in the fog, whether pedestrians will understand your intentions when changing lanes, and whether the traffic police inspector will not issue a fine for having the lights turned on incorrectly.

In this article we will look at all types of car lights - from mandatory according to traffic regulations to additional ones that are installed for comfort or tuning. You will recognize them official names, purpose, where they are located on the machine, and how to use them correctly. And also typical malfunctions, which can await owners of cars with different mileage.

The material will be useful for both beginners who are just learning the basics of driving, and experienced drivers who want to understand the nuances auto electricians. We also added interactive widgets, so you can test your knowledge or save important information in a convenient format.

1. Main types of car lights: what the law says

In Russia, the list of mandatory lights is regulated GOST R 41.48-2004 (analogous to the international standard ECE R48). According to this document, every car must have:

• 🔦 Low beam headlights - the main source of lighting at night.
• 🔆 Driving lights — for driving on unlit roads (required, but used less often).
• 🟡 Side lights — marking the dimensions of the vehicle when parked or in conditions of poor visibility.
• 🔴 Tail lights (brake lights, dimensions, reverse).
• 🟠 Direction indicators - front, rear and side mirrors (for trucks).
• ⚪ License plate light - Mandatory for all vehicles.

The absence or malfunction of at least one of these elements is a reason for fine 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). But this is just the basic set. Modern cars are also equipped with additional light sources that improve visibility or signal maneuvers.

For example, daytime running lights (DRL) have become mandatory in Russia since 2010. They should turn on automatically when the engine starts and light up during daylight hours. But fog lights (PTF) Not installed on all models - their availability depends on the configuration.

⚠️ Attention: Usage red lights in front or blue/green at the back strictly prohibited! This can be regarded as an imitation of special transport and is punishable deprivation of rights for 1–1.5 years (Article 12.4 of the Administrative Code).

2. Front lights: from low beam to DRL

The front optics are the most noticeable part of the lighting. The main light sources are concentrated here, which help the driver navigate in the dark and signal to other road users. Let's look at each type in detail.

2.1. Low beam headlights

Purpose: road lighting from a distance 40–60 meters without dazzling oncoming drivers. They are used in the city, on illuminated roads and in conditions of poor visibility (rain, snow, twilight).

Features:

• 💡 Must be white or yellowish colors (according to GOST).
• 🔧 Adjustment is required - an incorrect angle of inclination will blind oncoming drivers.
• 🚗 On some cars (for example, Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Solaris) low beam combined with DRL.

2.2. Driving lights

Purpose: road lighting on 100–150 meters. They are used only in unlit areas and in the absence of oncoming traffic. They are turned on by a separate button or steering column switch.

Important: high beam when oncoming traffic be sure to switch to low for 150 meters to the car (Section 19.2 of the Traffic Regulations). Penalty for blinding - 500 rubles.

2.3. Daytime running lights (DRL)

Purpose: improving vehicle visibility during the day. They light up automatically when the engine starts (on most modern cars).

Requirements:

• ⚡ Power: 400–800 candelas (not to be confused with low beam lamps!).
• 📏 Location: at the top 25–150 cm from the road, no further 40 cm from the edge of the body.
• 🎨 Color: only white (yellow is allowed for old cars).

2.4. Fog lights (PTF)

Purpose: improved visibility in fog, rain or snow. They have a beam of light wide and flat, which reduces reflection from water droplets.

Rules of use:

• 🌫️ Turn on only in low visibility conditions (less than 300 m).
• 🚫 Do not use in conjunction with high beam.
• 🔧 Customizable belowthan low beam, so as not to dazzle.

Fire type	Color	When to turn it on	Penalty for misuse
Low beam	White/yellow	Darkness, tunnels, poor visibility	500 ₽ (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code)
High beam	White	Unlit roads (no oncoming cars)	500 ₽ for blinding
DRL	White	Automatically when engine starts	500 ₽ for absence
PTF	White/yellow	Fog, rain, snow (visibility < 300 m)	500 ₽ for use without reason

3. Rear lights: brake lights, parking lights and turn signals

Rear optics are no less important than front ones. It informs other drivers about your actions: braking, turning or reversing. Let's look at each element separately.

3.1. Rear side lights

Purpose: designation of vehicle dimensions in the dark or when parked. They light up constantly along with the front lights.

Color: red (according to GOST). The brightness is lower than that of brake lights, so as not to confuse drivers.

3.2. Brake lights

Purpose: signal braking. Lights up when you press the brake pedal.

Requirements:

• 🔴 Must be bright red colors.
• ⚡ Turn on instantly (a delay of more than 0.2 seconds is unacceptable).
• 🔧 On many cars (for example, Volkswagen Passat B6) brake lights are combined with rear lights.

⚠️ Attention: If you have brake lights don't light up, this is not only a fine (500 ₽), but also the risk of an accident! Check their operation at least once a month - have an assistant apply the brakes while you look at the taillights.

3.3. Reversing lights

Purpose: illumination of the space behind the car and a signal to other drivers to move back.

Color: white. Turns on automatically when reverse gear is engaged.

Nuance: on some cars (for example, Renault Duster) the reversing lights are combined with fog lights.

3.4. Rear turn signals

Purpose: signal a turn or change of lane. Lights up in flashing mode.

Color: yellow or orange (red is prohibited!).

Common problem: burnout of lamps or oxidation of contacts. If the turn signals are flashing too quickly, this is a sign that one of the lamps is not working.

4. Side and additional lights: repeaters, backlight, LEDs

In addition to the main headlights and lanterns, additional light sources are installed on cars. They are not always required by law, but significantly increase safety and comfort.

4.1. Side turn signals

Purpose: duplication of the turn signal on the side parts of the body (usually on the wings or mirrors).

Requirements:

• 🟡 Must be yellow or orange colors.
• 📏 Installed at height 40–150 cm from the road.
• 🚗 Required for trucks and buses, for cars - an option.

4.2. License plate light

Purpose: illumination of the room at night for reading by inspectors and cameras.

Requirements:

• ⚪ Color — white (other colors are prohibited).
• 📏 Lighting should be uniform (at least 20 lux).
• 🔧 A common problem: oxidation of contacts or burnout of LED elements.

4.3. Fog lights (rear)

Purpose: improving vehicle visibility in fog. Unlike the front PTFs, these don't light the road, but signal other drivers about your presence.

Rules:

• 🔴 Color - red (brighter than dimensions).
• 🌫️ Turn on only in fog or snow.
• 🚫 It is forbidden to use it instead of brake lights!

4.4. LED lights (LED tuning)

Many owners install additional LED strips or neon lights for aesthetics. However, there are legal nuances here:

• 🟢Backlight allowed bottom of the body (color - white, yellow, orange).
• 🔴 Prohibited flashing lights (except turn signals).
• 📜 Any changes in optics must be certified (otherwise a fine of up to 5000 ₽).

What happens if you install non-certified LED lamps?

The inspector can issue a fine of 500 rubles for “inconsistency of lighting devices” (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). In the worst case, the numbers are removed until the violation is eliminated.

5. Connection diagrams and typical faults

The electrical circuit of a car's lighting is one of the busiest systems. There are high currents (especially for halogen lamps), sensitivity to moisture, and mechanical stress. Let's figure out how everything works and where to look for problems.

5.1. How does the electrical lighting circuit work?

Main elements:

• 🔋 Power supply - battery and generator.
• 🔌 Fuses - protect circuits from short circuits.
• 🔄 Relay — control the inclusion of headlights (for example, low beam relay).
• 💡 Lamps - halogen, xenon or LED.
• 🎛️ Switches — Steering column lever, buttons on the panel.

A typical diagram for most cars looks like this:

Battery → Fuse → Relay → Light switch → Bulbs

5.2. Common malfunctions and their causes

Symptom	Possible reason	How to fix
Both low beam headlights do not light up	Blown fuse or relay	Check the fuse box (usually under the hood or in the passenger compartment)
One headlight flashes	Poor contact in the cartridge or oxidation	Clean the contacts, check the wires for breaks
Weak headlights	Fogging inside the headlights or old lamps	Dry the headlight (you can use a hairdryer), replace the lamps
Brake lights don't work	The switch on the brake pedal is faulty	Check the connector under the pedal, replace the sensor
DRLs won't turn on	Open circuit or control unit malfunction	Test the wires with a multimeter, check the relay

⚠️ Attention: If you have Bulbs burn out more than once every six months, the problem may be increased generator voltage (more than 14.5 V). This leads to failure of not only lamps, but also electronics! Check the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running.

5.3. How to test a lighting circuit with a multimeter

For diagnosis you will need multimeter and a diagram of the electrical equipment of your car. Basic steps:

1. 🔍 Check it out fuse - he must show 0 ohm (integrity).
2. 🔋 Measure voltage on the lamp contacts - there should be 12–14 V.
3. 🔌 Call mass - the resistance between the headlight housing and the body should be close to 0 ohm.
4. 💡 Check it out lamps - if the filament is broken, the multimeter will show a break.

6. How to properly adjust headlights

Unadjusted headlights blind oncoming drivers and provide poor illumination of the road. According to GOST, you need to check and adjust the light beam:

• 🔧 After replacing lamps or headlights.
• 🚗 After suspension repair or accident.
• 📅 Once a year (or every 20,000 km).

6.1. Preparing for adjustment

You will need:

• 📏 Flat area (no slope) and a wall at a distance 5–10 meters.
• 📐 Chalk or masking tape for markings.
• 🔧 Screwdriver or adjusting screws (usually located on the back of the headlight).
• 🚗 Car with full tank, normal tire pressure and no cargo in the trunk.

6.2. Step by step instructions

1. Park the car at a distance 5 meters from the wall. Measure the height of the center of the headlights from the ground and mark it on the wall with a horizontal line.
2. Mark vertical lines on the wall corresponding to the centers of the left and right headlights.
3. Turn on low beam. Cover one headlight with a thick cloth (so that the light does not interfere).
4. Using the adjusting screws, ensure that the upper boundary of the light spot coincides with the horizontal line, and the “kink” (light/shadow boundary) is on the vertical line.
5. Repeat for the second headlight.

Different types of lamps have their own nuances:

• 💡 Halogen - Adjustable with screws on the top and side of the headlight.
• 🔆 Xenon - often have autocorrector, which is adjusted electronically.
• 🟡 LED - may require special equipment for adjustment.

⚠️ Attention: If, after adjusting the headlights, they still dazzle oncoming drivers, check machine tilt angle. The suspension springs may have sagged or the tires may not be properly inflated.

7. Modernization of lighting: do's and don'ts

Many drivers want to improve their headlights - make it brighter, whiter or more original. But not all modifications are legal. Let's figure out what you can do without the risk of fines.

7.1. Allowed improvements

• 💡 Replacing halogen lamps with more powerful (but not exceeding the permissible power for the headlight).
• 🔆 Installation xenon lamps, if the headlight is designed for them (there is a marking D).
• 🟡 Replacing incandescent lamps with LED in dimensions or brake lights (if certified).
• 🎨 Installation decorative lighting (for example, under the driver’s feet) - if it does not interfere with control.

7.2. Prohibited modifications

• 🚫 Installation xenon to halogen headlights (fine 500 ₽ + requirement to return everything back).
• 🚫Usage colored lamps (blue, green - only for tuning, but not for road driving).
• 🚫 Connection additional headlights without certification (for example, LED panels on the roof).
• 🚫 Change colors of brake lights or turn signals (must be red/yellow).

If you want to legally improve your lighting, consider the following options:

• 🔦 Installation certified LED lamps (for example, Osram LEDriving or Philips X-tremeVision LED).
• 🔧 Replacement headlight reflectors to new ones (if the old ones have faded).
• 📹 Installation rear view cameras with backlight (does not replace brake lights, but improves visibility).

What happens if you put xenon in halogen headlights?

Such lamps produce an incorrect light beam (they blind oncoming drivers) and overheat the headlight lens. The inspector has the right to issue a fine and oblige the return of standard lamps.

8. Frequently asked questions about car lights

❓ Do I need to turn on the low beams during the day if there is a DRL?

No, if the DRLs are in working order and comply with GOST, it is not necessary to turn on the low beam during the day (clause 19.5 of the traffic rules). However, in tunnels or when visibility is poor, low beam needs to be turned on.

❓ Is it possible to use fog lights instead of low beams?

No, fog lights do not replace low beam! They can only be used additionally in conditions of poor visibility (fog, snow, rain). In other cases, this is considered a violation (fine 500 ₽).

❓ Why does the light bulb in the headlight blink?

Most often this is due to:

• 🔌 Poor contact in the cartridge (oxidation or loosening).
• 💡 A burnt-out filament (the lamp is on the verge of failure).
• 🔋 Unstable voltage in the on-board network (check the generator).

Start by cleaning the contacts and replacing the lamp.

❓ What is the fine for non-lit brake lights?

There is a fine for faulty brake lights. 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). But the main danger is not the fine, but the risk of an accident - the driver behind you may not notice that you are braking!

❓ Is it possible to change the light bulb in the headlight yourself?

Yes, replacing lamps is one of the simplest procedures. The main thing:

• 🔧 Use lamps of the same power and type (halogen, LED, xenon).
• 🧤 Do not touch the glass bulb of a halogen lamp with your hands (grease shortens the service life).
• 🔌 Check polarity when connecting LED lamps.

If the lamp does not light after replacement, check the fuse.