Clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations directly obliges drivers to turn on low beam headlights or daytime running lights (DRLs) when driving during daylight hours. This requirement applies to all vehicles driving on public roads, regardless of weather conditions and visibility. Ignoring this norm, according to Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, entails an administrative warning or a fine. The choice of a specific type of lighting device depends on the design features of your car and the health of its electrical circuit.
The driver must clearly distinguish the functional purpose of various light sources, since their improper use can lead to emergency situations or blinding other road users. Daytime running lights designed in such a way as to be clearly visible in daylight, but not to blind oncoming traffic. Unlike them, low beam has a wider beam and is designed to illuminate the road at night, but is also allowed during the day as an alternative to DRLs.
There is a common misconception that turning on the side lights or fog lights during the daytime fully satisfies the requirements of traffic regulations. However, the legislation clearly regulates the list of permitted devices, and deviation from it is classified as a violation. Understanding the technical differences between LED modules, halogen lamps and xenon will help you avoid problems with traffic police inspectors and ensure your safety on the road.
Basic traffic rules requirements for lighting devices
According to the current version of the traffic rules, the list of permitted lighting devices for driving during daylight hours is strictly limited. The main document regulating these standards is section 19, which establishes the procedure for the use of external lighting devices. Low beam headlights is a universal solution suitable for any car, regardless of year of manufacture and configuration. This is the most common option and is guaranteed to protect you from a fine when checking your documents.
The second allowed option is daytime running lights (Daytime Running Lights). These devices are installed by vehicle manufacturers at the factory or can be installed additionally, subject to their certification. The main feature of DRLs is their brightness, which is specially selected so that the car is visible during the day, but does not blind other drivers, as happens when using low beam. The use of unregistered homemade DRLs may result in a ban on the operation of the vehicle.
⚠️ Attention: Installing lamps in the headlights that do not correspond to the type of lighting device (for example, xenon in a halogen headlight) is equivalent to a change in design and may result in deprivation of rights.
It is important to note that the rules do not oblige the driver to turn off the low beam if the car's DRLs are already on. However, the design of most modern cars involves automatic switching: when the engine starts, the DRLs light up, and when the main light is turned on, they go out or dim. The driver needs to monitor the serviceability of the circuit, since a burnt-out DRL lamp does not automatically switch the system to low beam in most budget models.
Difference between DRL and low beam headlights
The technical difference between daytime running lights and low beams lies in the luminous flux and the beam angle. DRL usually have a luminous intensity of 400 to 800 cd, while low beams are much more powerful. This is done so that in sunny weather the car stands out from the general flow, and in cloudy weather it is visible from afar. The low beam, in turn, illuminates the side of the road and part of the road in front of the car at a distance of 30-40 meters.
Another important difference is the operating mode and energy consumption. Modern LED-DRL consume a minimal amount of energy, which reduces the load on the generator and battery. Low beam, especially if high-power halogen lamps are used, creates a significant load on the on-board network. When parked for a long period of time with the engine running and low beams on, fuel consumption may be higher than with LED DRLs.
You can visually distinguish these two types of lighting by color temperature and location. DRLs most often have a cool white or yellowish tint and are located at the edges of the bumper or at the top of the headlight. Low beam has a warmer tint (in the case of halogen) and illuminates the asphalt, creating a clear cut-off line. At night, using DRLs instead of low beams is prohibited, as they do not illuminate the road.
Check the operation of the DRLs regularly: stand in front of a store window or ask an assistant to evaluate the brightness of the glow. Dim lights will not do their job and will attract the inspector's attention.
Fog lights: can they be used during the day?
The issue of using fog lights (FFL) during the daytime often causes controversy among motorists. According to clause 19.4 of the traffic rules, fog lights can be used by the driver instead of low beam headlights, but only in conditions of poor visibility or at night in unlit areas. However, there is a nuance: PTF can be used in conjunction with low or high beam headlights, as well as independently in fog.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that turning on the PTF during the day completely replaces the need to turn on the low beams or DRLs. In practice, if you are driving in clear weather, using fog lights without the main light does not comply with the letter of the law, although inspectors rarely issue fines for this if the car is clearly visible. The main function of the PTF is to break through a dense layer of fog or snow dust that spreads low above the road, and not to indicate the dimensions of the car in traffic.
- ✅ Allowed: Combined use of PTF and low beam in fog.
- ✅ Allowed: Using PTF instead of low beams in the dark on unlit roads (in combination with dimensions).
- ❌ Not recommended: Using only PTF in clear sunny weather as a replacement for DRL.
It is also worth considering the technical aspect: fog lights are often located low, and in dry weather they quickly become dirty. Dirt on PTF glass drastically reduces their efficiency and can lead to overheating of the lamp. In addition, incorrect adjustment of the PTF can blind oncoming drivers, since their light distribution is wide and flat.
Background
The rule of mandatory switching on lights during the day was introduced to reduce the number of accidents. Statistics show that a car with lights on is noticed 30% earlier than a car without lights, giving drivers more time to react.
Fines for improper use of light
Violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices is classified under Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The punishment for this violation is considered one of the mildest in the code: the driver faces a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. Despite the small amount, systematically ignoring the requirements can lead to increased attention from traffic police officers.
More serious consequences may occur if the violation is associated with the installation of uncertified equipment. For example, if instead of standard DRLs, bright LED strips or spotlights are installed that have not been tested in the laboratory, this can be regarded as changes to the design of the vehicle. In this case, Article 12.5 part 3.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation applies, which entails deprivation of rights for a period of 6 months to 1 year.
| Type of violation | Article of the Administrative Code | Punishment | Risk of deprivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low beam/DRL not on | 12.20 p.1 | Warning or 500 rub. | No |
| Installing xenon to halogen | 12.5 part 3 | Fine 500 rub. (formally) | High (judicial practice) |
| Design mismatch (color/type) | 12.5 part 3.1 | Deprivation 6-12 months. | Yes |
| Malfunction of lighting devices | 12.5 part 1 | Warning or 500 rub. | No |
It is important to understand the difference between a failure and a design failure. If your DRL bulb simply burns out, it's a malfunction. But if you inserted a lamp with a base that is not provided by the manufacturer into the headlight, or changed the color of the light to red/blue, this is already a design change for which you can lose your driver’s license.
Technical nuances of installation and testing
When installing additional daytime running lights, you must strictly follow the instructions and requirements of the technical regulations of the Customs Union "On the safety of wheeled vehicles" (TR CU 018/2011). Lighting devices must have an appropriate certificate of conformity (marking E in a circle). The absence of such markings on the DRL body is grounds for refusal of registration or cancellation of the diagnosis.
The wiring diagram also plays a critical role. The DRLs should light up automatically when the engine is started and go out when the engine is stopped. In addition, when you turn on the low beam headlights, the brightness of the DRLs should be reduced, or they should be turned off completely, so as not to dazzle other road users at night. Using simple “twists” of wires instead of relays or specialized controllers often leads to unstable electrical operation.
☑️ Checking the legality of DRL
It is better to check the operation of lighting devices on a specialized light adjustment stand, but basic diagnostics can be performed independently. Make sure that all lamps burn evenly, without blinking. If you notice that the DRLs start flashing when you turn on the turn signal, this may indicate a wiring problem or a lack of load decoys for the LEDs.
⚠️ Attention: Inserting wires into the standard car wiring yourself without using fuses can lead to a short circuit and fire. Use ready-made kits with chain protection.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to drive during the day with only side lights?
No, side lights are not intended to indicate a vehicle in motion during daylight hours. Their brightness is not sufficient for the car to be clearly visible against the background of sunlight. Using only the dimensions is equivalent to driving without lights and is punishable under Art. 12.20 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
Do I need to turn on the light in the tunnel during the day?
Yes, when entering a tunnel, even if there is good lighting, the rules require turning on low beam headlights. Daytime running lights are not enough in this case, since they do not illuminate the road ahead, which is critically important in the confined space of a tunnel.
What to do if the DRL lamp burns out?
According to the list of malfunctions for which operation is prohibited, the absence of DRLs is not a direct ban on driving if you have low beams on. However, if the DRLs are the main source of the indication and they do not light up, and you did not turn on the low beam, this is a violation. It is recommended to immediately replace the lamp or switch to using low beam.
Can Angel Eyes be used as DRLs?
Only if they are certified as daytime running lights and are marked accordingly. If "angel eyes" are only a decorative element of side lights and do not have the required brightness and certificate, their use as DRLs is illegal.
The main safety rule: It is better to drive with low beams on at all times than to risk a fine or an accident due to non-functioning DRLs. Visibility is the key to your safety.