Have you ever wondered why some drivers drive with their low beams on during the day, while others only drive with their headlights on? Or why can a traffic police inspector fine you for improper use of fog lights? The traffic rules clearly regulate when and what lights should be turned on, but many drivers either do not know these nuances or ignore them. Meanwhile, incorrect use of headlights and clearances is one of the most common causes of fines and even accidents.
In this article we will look at current traffic regulations for 2026 on the use of lighting devices: from daytime running lights (DRL) to the fog lights (PTF). You will learn when you can only drive with side lights, and when low beams are required, what exceptions apply to motorcycles and bicycles, and how to avoid getting fined 500–3,000 rubles. We also collected a unique table of fines for light violations and prepared a checklist for a quick check before the trip.
1. Basic rules: what the 2026 traffic rules say about headlights and dimensions
According to clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations, during daylight hours all moving vehicles must have the following on:
- 🔆 Low beam headlights — a universal option for any car;
- 🔅 Daytime running lights (DRL) - if they are provided for by the design;
- 🔄 Fog lights - only instead of low beam or DRL, but not together with them;
- 🚗 Side lights - only in combination with low beam or DRL (turn them on yourself during the day prohibited).
Important: with 2020 the mandatory use of low beams has been abolished or DRL during the daytime for motorcycles and mopeds — now they can drive with the lights on. But for cars and trucks this rule remains the same.
But in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility (rain, fog, snowfall) the requirements are stricter:
- 🌃 Must be turned on on all mechanical vehicles low or high beam headlights;
- 🚛 On trailers and towed vehicles - side lights;
- 🚲 Bicycles and horse-drawn carts - flashlight or reflectors.
2. Daytime running lights (DRL): pros, cons and legal nuances
DRL (from English Daytime Running Lights) - LED or halogen lights that automatically turn on when the engine starts. They consume less energy than low beams and are designed solely to improve vehicle visibility during the day.
Benefits DRL:
- ⚡ Fuel economy (up to 0.5 liters per 100 km compared to low beam);
- 💡 Low beam lamps last longer;
- 🚔 Complies with traffic regulations without additional manipulations.
But there are also pitfalls:
⚠️ Attention: If your car is equipped DRL, but they are burned out or disconnected, you obliged turn on low beam. Otherwise - a fine of 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).
In addition, DRL do not replace the dimensions or low beam in the dark! Many drivers mistakenly believe that if their running lights are on, then they don’t have to turn on the headlights. This is a serious violation that may cost 3,000 rubles (Part 2 of Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).
If your car does not have standard DRL, you can install them yourself. The main thing is to comply with the requirements of GOST R 41.48-2004: brightness 400–800 candelas, white color, automatic switching on when the engine starts.
3. Fog lights: when you can and when you can’t
Fog lights (PTF) is one of the most controversial elements of lighting equipment. Many drivers use them incorrectly, resulting in fines or blinding other road users.
According to clause 19.4 of the traffic rules, fog lights can be turned on:
- 🌫️ In conditions insufficient visibility (fog, rain, snow) - instead of low beam or DRL;
- 🚗 On winding road sections (sign 1.11.2) — together with low or high beam;
- 🌃 In the dark in unlit areas — together with low or high beam.
Prohibited:
- 🚫Use PTF in clear weather during the day instead of low beam (fine 500 rubles);
- 🚫 Enable PTF on illuminated streets at night (dazzles pedestrians);
- 🚫 Install PTF with a color other than white or yellow (fine 3,000 rubles).
Special attention - rear fog lights (usually red). They can be included only in low visibility conditions (fog, rain, snowfall). In other cases, this is considered a violation (fine 500 rubles).
What happens if you drive with the rear fog lights on in clear weather?
Rear fog lights are 5-10 times brighter than their dimensions. Turning them on unnecessarily blinds drivers behind, increasing the risk of accidents. The traffic police inspector can issue a fine under Part 1 of Art. 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (500 rubles) or even under Part 3 (3,000 rubles), if it considers that you have created an emergency situation.
4. Side lights: when they are enough and when they are not
Side lights (or “sidelights”) are small light bulbs at the corners of the car that indicate its dimensions at night. They are often confused with daytime running lights, but they have different functions.
When dimensions are required:
- 🌃 In the dark standing car (for example, when parking at the side of the road);
- 🚧 In the tunnels;
- 🚗 On trailers and towed vehicles at any time of the day.
When the dimensions not enough:
- 🚗 When driving in the dark, you need low/high beam headlights;
- 🌫️ In conditions of insufficient visibility, we need headlights or fog lights;
- 🏍️ For motorcycles during the day - needed low beam or DRL (dimensions are allowed only from 2020).
⚠️ Attention: If you stop on the side of the road in the dark with faulty dimensions, this is equivalent to the absence of lighting devices. Fine - 500 rubles, and if this happened in a populated area, the risk of an accident increases 3 times.
| Situation | What lights should be on | Penalty for violation |
|---|---|---|
| Driving during the day (passenger car) | low beam, DRL or fog lights | 500 ₽ (part 1 article 12.20) |
| Driving during the day (motorcycle) | low beam, DRL or dimensions | 500 ₽ (part 1 article 12.20) |
| Driving in the dark | Low or high beam | 3,000 ₽ (part 2, article 12.20) |
| Stopping on the side of the road at night | Side lights | 500 ₽ (part 1 article 12.20) |
| Using rear fog lights in clear weather | Prohibited | 500 ₽ (part 1 article 12.20) |
5. Exceptions and controversial situations: what to do if the headlights do not work
What to do if a low beam light bulb burns out while on the road or DRL? According to the traffic rules, you are obliged to fix the malfunction on the spot or proceed to the place of repair in compliance with safety precautions. But in practice, inspectors often interpret this rule differently.
Here's what the law says:
- 🔧 If it burns out one headlight, you can get to the service station or home, but only during the day (clause 2.3.1 of the traffic rules);
- 🚨 If they don’t burn both headlights low beam, movement is prohibited (fine 500 rubles or warning);
- 🔄 If they don’t work DRL, you need to turn on the low beam.
Controversial points:
- 🤔 Is it possible to use fog lights instead of low beamswhat if it burned out? Yes, but only in conditions of insufficient visibility (Section 19.4 of the Traffic Regulations). In clear weather - no;
- 🤔 Is it allowed to travel with one working headlight at night? No, this is equivalent to the absence of lighting devices;
- 🤔 Is it possible to use alarm instead of dimensions when stopping? No, the emergency lights are intended only to warn of danger.
Front low beam (both headlights are on)
Tail lights
Daytime running lights (DRL) or fog lights (if you use them during the day)
Rear fog lights (off in clear weather)
The color and brightness of the headlights correspond to GOST-->
6. Fines for violating the rules for the use of headlights and dimensions
Violations of the light regime are punishable by Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the violation:
- 💰 500 rubles - for failure to use low beams or DRL during the day, improper use of fog lights, lights not illuminated when stopping;
- 💰 3,000 rubles — for driving in the dark without low/high beams, using headlights for other purposes (for example, high beams in the city);
- 📋 Warning - if the inspector considers the violation to be insignificant (for example, one light bulb has burned out).
Important: if an accident occurs due to improper use of headlights, the culprit may be prosecuted Part 2 Art. 12.24 Code of Administrative Offenses (fine up to 25,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–2 years).
How to challenge a fine?
- 📸 If the inspector issued a fine for non-flammable DRL, but you had the fog lights on - take a photo/video and appeal;
- 🔦 If the fine is for “wrong color of headlights”, check whether it complies with GOST (for example, yellow PTF allowed);
- 📝 If the protocol does not indicate which lights were not lit, the fine can be considered illegal.
The largest fine (3,000 rubles) is imposed for driving at night without low/high beams or for using headlights that blind other drivers.
7. Practical advice: how to remember to turn on the headlights
Many drivers forget to turn on their lights during the day, especially if the car is not equipped DRL. Here are some lifehacks:
- 🔔 Customize automatic headlights when starting the engine (if there is such a function);
- 📱 Use phone reminders or special applications (for example, "Avtosvet");
- 🔧 Install beep, which is triggered when driving without the headlights on (there are such modules for auto electricians);
- 👀 Train yourself check the dashboard — many cars have a headlights-on indicator.
If you often drive in the dark, check:
- 🔦 Headlight adjustment — an incorrect angle of inclination blinds oncoming drivers;
- 💡 Lamp condition — cloudy or dim headlights reduce visibility by 30–50%;
- 🔄 Headlight range control operation (if any) — when the trunk is loaded, the light shines upward.
For motorcyclists and cyclists:
- 🏍️ Always carry spare bulbs - on motorcycles they burn out more often;
- 🚴 Use reflective elements on clothes - this increases visibility by 80%;
- 🔋 Check battery charge — on bicycles with electric lights, he sits down quickly.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about headlights and dimensions
Is it possible to drive a passenger car during the day with only the dimensions?
No, inclusion is required for passenger cars low beam, DRL or fog lights. Dimensions during the day are allowed only for motorcycles (from 2020). The fine for violation is 500 rubles.
What should I do if the inspector demands to turn on the low beams, but I have working ones? DRL?
Show the inspector that DRL turned on (they should light up when the engine starts). If he insists, ask him to refer to a specific traffic rule. According to clause 19.5, DRL completely replace low beams during the day.
Can fog lights be used instead of low beams in the rain?
Yes, but only if the rain is so heavy that visibility is less than 300 meters (insufficient visibility according to traffic regulations). In light rain you need to turn on low beams or DRL.
Which lights should be on in the tunnel?
The same rules apply in the tunnel as in the dark: low or high beam. Dimensions are not enough! This is stated in clause 19.1 of the traffic rules.
Is it possible to install LED lamps in fog lights?
It is possible, but only if they certified for your car model and comply with GOST R 41.48-2004. Homemade replacement of halogen lamps with LEDs can lead to a fine of 3,000 rubles for non-conformity of lighting devices.