The question of the need to turn on lighting devices in the daytime has been controversial among drivers for many years. Many still believe that if the street is sunny and visibility is excellent, then the headlights can be turned off to save the life of the lamps. However, the legislation of the Russian Federation in this part remains invariably strict and requires the mandatory use of external lighting devices.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that not all motorists clearly understand the difference between daytime running lights, passing lights and fog lamps. Lack of clarity often leads to unpleasant dialogues with traffic police inspectors and the issuance of fines. In this article, we will discuss in detail when exactly you need to turn on the lights, what exceptions exist and what the real amount of punishment for violation is.
Legislative framework: what do SDAs say
The main document regulating the behavior on the road is Traffic rules. Paragraph 19.1 of the traffic rules that daytime running lights shall be switched on on all moving vehicles during daylight hours. This requirement is mandatory for all categories of drivers, regardless of the time of year and weather conditions.
It is important to note that the legislator does not limit the choice of light source only to special DRLs. Instead, passing beams of headlamps or fog lamps are allowed. This gives the driver some freedom of choice, but does not relieve the driver of the obligation to mark his car. Code of Administrative Offences It is a responsibility to ignore these rules.
⚠️ Attention: the absence of lighting devices in the daytime is equated to a violation of the rules for using external lighting. The inspector has the right to stop the vehicle and check compliance.
Some drivers mistakenly believe that turning on the lights automatically is an option that can be neglected. In fact, if your design is motor-car It is automatically activated, the system must work properly. If there is no automatic, the duty to switch modes manually lies entirely on the shoulders of the driver.
The amount of the fine and the article of the administrative code
The penalty for driving with the headlights off in the daytime is regulated by part 1 of article 12.20 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation. This article describes the violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices. The fine amount is 500 rubles. This is a relatively small amount compared to other violations, but it tends to accumulate when repeated stops.
It is worth noting an important nuance: in 2026-2026 there is a possibility of paying a fine with a 50% discount. If you have time to pay the penalty within 20 days from the date of the decision, the amount will be reduced to 250 rubles. However, if the violation is recorded by the camera or a second order is issued, the discount may not apply or burn down on time.
There is a common myth that for the absence of DRL you can get a fine under article 12.5 of the administrative code (faults in which operation is prohibited). It's not. As long as the lighting fixtures are serviceable and simply turned off by the driver, it is used to 12.20. Problems with the law only begin if the headlights are broken, missing or contaminated beyond recognition.
The fine for lights out during the day is fixed - 500 rubles, regardless of the brand of the car or driving experience.
DRL, passing light or PTF: what to choose
The choice of lighting mode affects not only the legal side of the issue, but also the safety and resource of the car. Daytime running lamps (Daytime running lamps)DRL) are designed specifically to indicate the dimensions in light time. They consume minimal energy and have a long service life.
The use of dipped headlights is also completely legal and often more noticeable to other road users, especially in rough terrain or forested areas. However, this leads to additional fuel consumption (albeit minimal) and faster burnout of lamp threads. Fog headlights (FLLs) can be used during the day instead of DRLs, but only if they are designed for your model.
The table below compares the main lighting modes for day driving:
| Type of lighting | Legality by day | Resource expenditure | Visibility. |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHO | Permitted. | Minimum | Tall. |
| Middle light | Permitted. | Medium. | Very high. |
| PTF | Allowed (instead of DHO) | Medium/High | Tall. |
| Dimensions | Not enough. | Minimum | Low. |
Dimensions are intended to indicate the width of the car in the dark with other light, but not for the daytime designation of moving vehicles.
If the car does not have separate DRLs, and it is pathetic to turn on the passing light, check whether it is possible to program the PTF on when starting the engine through a diagnostic scanner.
Specifics for motorcycles and mopeds
For owners of two-wheeled equipment, the requirements for lighting are even more categorical. According to paragraph 19.1 of the traffic rules, motorcycles and mopeds must be switched on the passing beam of the headlights. time of day. This is due to the less visible motorcycle on the road and an increased risk to the driver.
Many modern motorcycles Yamaha, Honda or Kawasaki have a system of forced lighting at the start of the engine. If your technique allows you to turn off the lights, it is forbidden to do so even on the clearest sunny day. Violation of this rule also falls under Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code.
The absence of a light on the motorcycle during the day is one of the most frequent reasons for stopping the inspector. Given the vulnerability of the motorcyclist, it is better not to take risks and always control the position of the light switch. In some cases, the lack of light can be interpreted as creating an emergency situation that will entail more serious consequences.
⚠️ Note: for motorcycles there is no term "daytime running lights" in the context of the exception. Only the constantly burning passing light.
Technical malfunctions and fines
The situation changes dramatically if the lighting devices are not turned on due to a breakdown. If you have a lamp burned or broken headlight glass, Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation comes into force. Part 1 of this article provides for a warning or a fine of 500 rubles for driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions.
However, if the headlights are defective at night or in conditions of insufficient visibility, or the rear dimensions do not burn, the operation of the car is completely prohibited. In this case, the inspector has the right to prohibit further movement (Article 12.5 § 2). In the afternoon, a standard fine usually follows for one non-working headlight.
The driver should know the list of faults in which movement is prohibited:
- 🚗 The two lights do not light in the dark.
- 🚙 The rear position lights are not working.
- 🚕 Failed wiper in rain or snow.
- 🚗 Lamp lens are missing or broken.
What happens if the lamp burns out on the way?
If the lamp burns out in the afternoon, you can be fined by art. 12.5 part 1. If at night, the movement will be prohibited until the fault is corrected. It is recommended to carry a set of spare lamps.
Frequent questions and controversial situations
In practice, drivers face different situations that are not always obvious. For example, can you drive with the fog lamps on if the main headlights are serviceable? Yes, traffic rules allow PTF to be used during the day instead of passing beams. The important thing is that they are included.
Another controversial point is the tinting of the headlights. If the lighting fixtures are taped with film, and this reduces the brightness or changes the color of the glow, the inspector may issue a fine for making changes to the design (art. 12.5 p.3.1), which already threatens deprivation of rights for a period of 6 months to a year. Therefore Optics toning is a direct way to serious problems with the law.
It is also worth mentioning the cleanliness of the headlights. Dirty lighting devices can be considered a malfunction if they do not provide proper light distribution. Although it is more difficult to notice during the day, in dusk or in bad weather, dirt on the headlights becomes dangerous.
☑️ Checking readiness for departure
Is it possible to drive without light during the day?
No, no disqualification for simply switched off the lights is provided. The maximum penalty is a fine of 500 rubles. Deprivation is possible only with the illegal installation of xenon in halogen headlights or serious tinting of optics, changing the color of light.
Do I need to turn on the lights in the tunnel during the day?
Yes, according to traffic rules, in tunnels it is necessary to include the passing light of the headlights, regardless of the time of day and the presence of artificial lighting. This is a safety requirement, as the driver’s eye is adapted to a different light level in the tunnel.
Can I use a "battery" instead of a headlight?
No, the activation of the alarm does not replace the need to use external lighting devices to indicate the vehicle in motion. This is not in line with the rules and can mislead other drivers.