Car lights according to traffic regulations: rules of use, fines and tips for setting them up

Car lighting is not just an element of comfort, but a critical factor in road safety. According to traffic police statistics, up to 30% of accidents in the dark occurs due to improper use of headlights, parking lights or brake lights. However, many drivers are still confused when to turn on low beam, and when - fog lights, not to mention the nuances of adjusting the light or replacing lamps.

In this article we will look at all current traffic regulations for 2026 to lighting devices, we will explain how to avoid fines for their incorrect use, and we will give practical advice on setting up and choosing lighting. We will pay special attention changes to the rules from March 1, 2023, which many drivers still ignore, risking getting a fine or causing an accident.

What lighting devices are required according to traffic regulations in 2026

According to clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations, in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility (fog, rain, snowfall) the car must be turned on:

• 🔦 Low or high beam headlights (at the driver’s choice, but taking into account the blinding of other road users).
• 🚗 Side lights (together with headlights or separately in a parking lot at night).
• 🌫️ Fog lights or rear fog lights (only when visibility is less than 300 meters).

Important: with March 1, 2023 mandatory use introduced low beam or DRL (daytime running lights) around the clock, even during the day. This rule applies to all types of vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds. An exception is vehicles with a factory system automatic light switching (for example, Volvo or Mercedes-Benz latest generations), but only if it is working properly.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a fine. Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation — 500 rubles. However, in reality, inspectors often classify such a violation as a “malfunction for which operation is prohibited” (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses), and the fine can rise to 1500 rubles.

When to turn on the high beams and when to turn on the low beams: we analyze the traffic regulations

One of the most controversial issues is the use high beam. Many drivers are afraid of dazzling oncoming cars and prefer to drive nearby even outside the city, where the road is deserted. However, traffic rules clearly regulate when to turn on which lights:

Terms	High beam	Low beam	Fog lights
Dark time of day, country road, no oncoming cars	✅ Required	❌ Not enough	⚠️ Allowed together with distant
Dark time, city limits or oncoming traffic	❌ Prohibited (blinding)	✅ Required	❌ Only with visibility <300 m
Daytime, clear weather	❌ Prohibited	✅ Or DRL	❌ Prohibited
Fog, rain, snow (visibility <300 m)	❌ Prohibited	✅ Required	✅ Allowed (front + rear)

Particular attention should be paid switching from high to low. According to traffic rules, you are obliged to do this:

• 🚗 For 150 meters to the oncoming vehicle.
• 🚶 For 100 meters to a pedestrian if he is moving in your lane.
• 🚦 If the driver of an oncoming car is blinded (even if you have already switched gears, the light is still blinding).

⚠️ Attention: If you are blinded by an oncoming car, don't brake suddenly - this can lead to an accident. Instead, slow down, turn on your hazard lights, and pull to the side of the road if necessary.

Fog lights and rear fog lights: rules of use

Fog lights (PTF) and rear fog lights are often the subject of disputes with inspectors. The main rule: they can be used only in low visibility conditions (fog, rain, snowfall) when road visibility is less than 300 meters.

In this case:

• 🔦 Front PTF can be included separate from low beam (but only in conditions of poor visibility).
• 🚨 Rear fog lights allowed to use only in combination with side lights or low/high beam headlights.
• ☀️ In clear weather (even at night) prohibited Using rear fog lights will blind drivers behind you.

Penalty for incorrect use of PTF - 500 rubles by Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. However, if the inspector decides that your fog lights are not installed in accordance with GOST (for example, too high or with the wrong beam angle), the fine may be 3000 rubles with confiscation of devices (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses).

Fines for violations of the rules for the use of lighting devices

Violations related to lighting devices are regulated by two main articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses:

• Article 12.5 — “Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions for which operation is prohibited” (fine 500–1500 rubles).
• Article 12.20 — “Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices” (fine 500 rubles).

Let's look at the most common cases and the amounts of fines:

Violation	Fine (rub.)	Article of the Administrative Code	Can it be avoided?
Low beam/DRL not on during the day	500	12.20	Yes, if corrected on site
Using high beams in the city or when oncoming traffic	500	12.20	Yes, if turned off at the request of the inspector
The headlight is faulty (the lamp does not light, the glass is broken, the color is wrong)	500–1500	12.5	No, the problem needs to be fixed
Using rear fog lights in clear weather	500	12.20	Yes, if you turn it off
LED lamps installed in halogen headlights (not according to GOST)	3000 + confiscation	12.5	No, you need to return the standard lamps

⚠️ Attention: If one headlight (for example, the left one) burns out and the second one works, this is considered malfunction, and you may be fined 500 rubles. According to traffic regulations, all lighting devices must work in pairs (except for DRLs, where one lamp is allowed to operate).

How to properly adjust headlights: step-by-step instructions

Incorrectly adjusted headlights not only blind oncoming drivers, but also reduce the visibility of the road, increasing the risk of an accident. By GOST R 51709-2001, the angle of inclination of the light beam must be such that:

• 📏 Border of light and shadow was at a distance 5–10 cm below the height of the center of the headlight on the screen (wall) at a distance 5 meters from the car.
• 🔄 Left edge of the beam (for right-hand traffic) should be slightly higher than the right one so as not to blind oncoming traffic.
• 🚗 When loading the car (for example, with passengers or luggage) the light is automatically raised, so adjustment must be made when standard load.

To configure it yourself you will need:

• 📐 Roulette or ruler.
• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver or wrench for adjusting screws.
• 📝 Chalk or masking tape for markings.
• 🚘 Flat area and wall (or garage door).

Place the car on a flat area 5 meters from the wall|Check the tire pressure (must be the same)|Load the car (driver + 1 passenger or 70 kg in the trunk)|Apply markings on the wall using a template|Open the hood and find the adjusting screws-->

Step by step instructions:

1. Prepare the car: fill up the tank, check the tire pressure, place a load weighing ~75 kg in the driver’s seat (or ask an assistant to sit there).
2. Apply markings: on the wall, draw vertical lines corresponding to the centers of the headlights and a horizontal line on 5–10 cm below headlight center heights.
3. Turn on low beam and cover one headlight with a thick cloth (to adjust one at a time).
4. Adjust height: Using the screw on the back of the headlight, make sure that the border of light and shadow coincides with the horizontal line on the wall.
5. Check on the road: drive in the dark along an empty straight road - the light should illuminate 30–40 meters aheadwithout rising above the eye level of oncoming drivers.

What to do if the headlights are adjusted only in the service?

Some modern cars (eg. Audi A6 C8 or BMW 5 Series G30) have automatic light correction with electronic control. In this case, self-adjustment is not possible - a diagnostic scanner is required (for example, Launch X431 or Autel MaxiSYS). The cost of the service: from 1000 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model.

What lamps can be installed in headlights: halogen, xenon, LED

Choosing headlight bulbs is not only a matter of brightness, but also compliance with the law. In 2026, the following rules apply:

Lamp type	Allowed in halogen headlights	Allowed in xenon headlights	Allowed in LED headlights	Penalty for violation
Halogen (H1, H4, H7, etc.)	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	—
Xenon (D1S, D2R, etc.)	❌ No (if the headlight is not designed for xenon)	✅ Yes (if the headlight has a lens and washer)	❌ No	3000 rub. + confiscation
LED lamps (for example, Philips X-tremeUltinon)	❌ No (if the headlight is not LED certified)	❌ No	✅ Yes (only in factory LED headlights)	3000 rub. + confiscation

Main myths and reality:

• 💡 "LED lamps are brighter and safer" - in fact, incorrectly installed LED lamps in halogen headlights blinds oncoming drivers due to an incorrect light beam.
• 🔦 "Xenon is allowed if there is an auto-corrector" - no, for legal xenon the headlight must be designed for it from the factory (with lens and washer).
• 📜 "If the lamps are certified, they can be installed" - the certificate must be on specific headlight model, and not on the lamp.

⚠️ Attention: If you have installed xenon or LED lamps into headlights not intended for them, the inspector has the right not only to issue a fine, but also rent rooms until the violation is eliminated (based on Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses).

Frequent malfunctions of lighting devices and how to fix them

Problems with headlights or dimensions are one of the most common reasons for refusal to pass a technical inspection. Let's look at typical faults and how to fix them:

Malfunction	Possible reasons	How to fix	Repair cost (RUB)
One headlight doesn't work	The lamp burned out, the contacts oxidized, the fuse burned out	Replace the lamp, clean the contacts, check the fuse (F10 or F11 in the block)	100–1000
The headlight shines dimly	The glass is cloudy, the lamp is burnt out, low voltage in the on-board network	Glass polishing, lamp replacement, generator check	500–3000
The light shines upward or sideways	The adjustment is broken, the corrector is damaged, the suspension springs are worn out	Adjust the headlight, replace the corrector, check the suspension	500–5000
Side lights or brake lights are flashing	Relay faulty, poor contact in socket, low voltage	Replace the relay (usually R4 or R7), clean the contacts, check the battery	200–1500
Water inside the headlight	The seal is broken, there is a crack in the glass, the drainage hole is clogged	Dry the headlight, replace the seals, seal the crack or replace the glass	1000–8000

If you are unsure of the cause of the problem, use multimeter to check the voltage at the lamp contacts. Normal value - 12–14 V. If the voltage is lower, the problem may be in the wiring or alternator.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about car lights

Is it possible to drive with one working headlight?

No, this is prohibited by traffic regulations. According to clause 19.1, all external lights must work in pairs (except for DRLs, where one lamp is allowed to operate). Fine - 500 rubles.

Do I need to turn on low beams during the day if I have DRLs?

No, if the DRLs are turned on automatically and comply GOST R 41.48-2004. However, if the DRLs are faulty or missing, you are required to use low beam or fog lights.

Which lamps are better to choose for halogen headlights: standard or “reinforced”?

Standard lamps (eg Osram Original Line or Philips LongLife EcoVision) are preferable since they correspond to factory parameters. "Amplified" lamps (for example, +130%) often blind oncoming drivers and burn out faster. The best option is lamps with markings "+50%" (for example, Philips X-treme Vision +50%).

Is it possible to use LED lamps in PTF?

Yes, but only if they are certified for use in fog lamps (e.g. Philips LED Fog Light). Installing conventional LED lamps in PTF is equivalent to re-equipment and is punishable by a fine 3000 rubles.

What should you do if the inspector requires you to turn off your fog lights in clear weather?

According to traffic regulations, fog lights can be used only when visibility is less than 300 meters. If the weather is clear and you are driving with the PTF on, the inspector has the right to issue a fine 500 rubles. It's better to turn them off in advance to avoid conflict.