Color of daytime running lights (DRL) in: what the law says and how to avoid getting fined

Daytime running lights (DRLs) have long ceased to be a luxury; today they are a mandatory element of road safety. But if everything is more or less clear with their presence, then with DRL color Motorists still have a lot of questions. White, bluish, yellow or even blue - which shade is allowed, and which one can get you a fine? Why do some lamps pass inspection while others do not? And how can you avoid running into a fake that shines the “wrong” light?

In this article we will look at current requirements of GOST R 41.48-2004 to the color of the DRLs, we’ll explain why traffic police inspectors find fault with shades, and we’ll show you how to independently check the legality of your lights. We’ll also compare popular brands (Philips, Osram, Hella) and reveal the myths about “allowed blue” light. If you are planning to buy or change DRLs, this information will save you both money and nerves.

GOST requirements for the color of DRLs in 2026: what the law says

The main document regulating the parameters of daytime running lights in Russia is GOST R 41.48-2004 (analogous to UNECE international regulation No. 48). According to him, The only permitted DRL color is white., and with strictly regulated characteristics:

• 🔹 Color temperature: from 4300K up to 7000K (neutral or cool white).
• 🔹 No extraneous shades: Cyan, blue, green or violet undertones are not allowed.
• 🔹 Brightness: Light intensity should be within 400–800 candelas (do not blind oncoming drivers).
• 🔹 Location: lights should be installed symmetrically at height 250–1500 mm from the road and no closer 600 mm to each other.

Important: GOST does not just “recommend” white color - it prohibits any other shades. Even if your DRLs are "almost white" with a barely noticeable blue tint, the traffic police inspector has the right to fine you for non-compliance. At the same time yellow DRLs (for example, in the style American cars) are also illegal - they are allowed only as fog lights, but not like running lights.

⚠️ Attention: If your DRLs are marked E1, E22 or E24 (certification according to European standards), this is not a guarantee of legality. Russian inspectors focus on visual color, and not on documents. For example, many Chinese DRLs with markings E in fact, they glow with a bluish tint and do not pass the test.

Why can't you install blue, green or red DRLs?

There are still myths circulating on the Internet that “blue DRLs are allowed if they are certified” or “green lights are not prohibited as long as they do not glare.” This is a dangerous misconception. Let's look at why:

1. Confusion with signal colors. Red and blue colors in the traffic rules are assigned to special vehicles (ambulance, police, Ministry of Emergency Situations). Using them in DRLs may confuse other drivers and pedestrians.
2. Physiology of vision. The human eye perceives blue and green light worse in the daytime, which reduces the visibility of the car.
3. Technical limitations. LEDs with a higher color temperature 7000K (bluish) have a narrower emission spectrum, which impairs visibility in fog or rain.

Moreover, fine for non-standard DRLs provided for under Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - 3,000 rubles (or deprivation of rights for 6–12 months if the lights are confused with the signals of special vehicles). In this case, the inspector can not only issue a fine, but also oblige you to remove illegal lights on the spot.

How to check the color of DRLs for legality: 3 working methods

If you are in doubt whether your DRLs comply with GOST, use these methods:

Compare the color with a reference (sheet of A4 paper in daylight)

Look at the lights at a 45° angle - legal white DRLs do not produce rainbow glare

Use a light meter app (eg. Light Meter) to check the color temperature

Check the markings: there should be a mark on the body RL (for DRL) or ECE R87

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Method 1. Visual test. Take a sheet of white office paper (A4) and bring it to the DRL at a distance 30–50 cm. Turn on the lights and compare shades:

- If the paper looks pure white, and the DRL light does not give a bluish or yellowish glow - everything is fine.

- If the paper gives away blue or greenery, your DRLs do not comply with GOST.

Method 2: Checking at an angle. Stand to the side of the car (at an angle 45°) and look at the working DRLs. Legal white lights will shine evenly, without rainbow streaks. If you see blue or purple highlights, this is a sign of low-quality LEDs with a spectrum violation.

Method 3: Using apps. Download a light meter to your smartphone (for example, Light Meter or Color Temperature Meter) and point the camera at the DRL. If the device shows color temperature above 7000K or below 4300K, lights are illegal.

Comparison of brands: which DRLs will definitely pass inspection

Not all manufacturers comply with GOST requirements. We tested popular DRL models and compiled a table with the results:

Brand and model	Color temperature (K)	GOST compliance	Average price (2026)	Notes
Philips DayLightGuide	5000–5500	✅ Yes	2 500–3 200 ₽	Approved for Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi from the factory
Osram LEDriving DL	5500–6000	✅ Yes	3 000–4 500 ₽	There are models with a certificate ECE R87
Hella LEDayFlex	4800–5200	✅ Yes	4 000–6 000 ₽	Suitable for BMW, Mercedes, Toyota
Depo Auto (China)	6500–8000	❌ No (blue)	800–1 500 ₽	Often sold with counterfeit labels E
Morimoto XB LED	5000–5800	✅ Yes (upon verification)	5 000–7 000 ₽	Requires correct illumination angle setting

Please note: even trusted brands (Philips, Osram) there are fakes. When purchasing, check:

• 📦 Packaging: The original has holograms, barcodes and certificates.
• 🔍 Marking: There should be marks on the body RL, ECE R87 or SAE.
• 💡 Test color: Fakes often shine brighter, but with a blue tint.

⚠️ Attention: If you are installing DRLs on a vehicle older than 2010, check to see if they conflict with on-board computer. Some models (Ford Focus 2, Renault Logan) give an error CAN-bus when connecting LED lights.

Can the DRLs be yellow or blue legally?

Technically yes, but with reservations. There are two legal ways:

1. Use fog lights (FTL) as DRLs. According to GOST, PTF can be yellow (selective yellow), but only if they are turned on instead of running lights. However, this contradicts paragraph 19.5 of the traffic rules, which requires mandatory use of DRLs or low beams during the day.
2. Install certified color-changed lights. Some manufacturers (for example, Hella) issue DRLs with yellow filters, which are certified as “special equipment”. But such models are expensive (10 000+ ₽) and require inclusion in the STS.

But with blue DRLs everything is clear: their cannot be legalized under no circumstances. Even if you find certified lights labeled E, the traffic police inspector has the right to fine you for “using color schemes similar to special vehicles” (part 4 of article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

What happens if you put on blue DRLs and get to the traffic police post?

The inspector has the right:

1. Issue a fine 3 000 ₽ (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) for color discrepancy.

2. Draw up a protocol on illegal installation of lighting devices (Part 3 of Article 12.5) with deprivation of rights to 6–12 months, if the lights are confused with the flashing lights of special vehicles.

3. Demand turn off the lights immediately (Clause 3 of Article 27.13 of the Administrative Code) or drive the car to the impound lot.

How to install DRLs correctly so that there are no problems

Even if you purchased certified white DRLs, installing them incorrectly could result in a fine. Follow these rules:

1. Mounting height: from 250 mm up to 1500 mm from the road. Optimally - at the level of the headlights.
2. Distance between lights: no less 600 mm (for passenger cars) and no more 1500 mm.
3. Luminous angle: The light should move forward without blinding oncoming drivers. Use adjusting screws, if they exist.
4. Connection: DRLs should automatically turn on when the engine is started and turn off when activated low beam or fog lights.

To connect, use the diagram with voltage relay or special DRL control unit (for example, CanBus adapter for modern cars). If you connect the lights directly to the headlights, they will dim or flicker.

Frequently asked questions about DRL color

Is it possible to use LED lamps in standard DRLs if they glow bluish?

No. Even if the lamps are installed in certified headlights, they color temperature must comply with GOST (4300–7000K). Bluish tint (above 7000K) is a violation for which you can get a fine.

Why did my DRLs pass inspection, but the traffic police inspector issued a fine?

Technical inspection checks availability DRLs, but not their color. The traffic police inspector has the right to fine for non-compliance visual parameters (for example, a bluish tint), even if everything is in order in the diagnostic chart.

Is it possible to paint standard DRLs yellow with film?

Technically yes, but it's a violation. The film changes spectral composition light, which is prohibited by GOST R 41.48-2004 (clause 6.2.4). In addition, the film reduces brightness, which may cause lights to not meet visibility requirements.

Which DRLs are best to choose for an old car (before 2010)?

For cars without standard wiring for DRLs, models with built-in control unit (for example, Philips DayLight 8 or Osram LEDriving DL). They connect to +12V and automatically adjust the brightness. The main thing is to check compatibility with on-board network (on some cars, for example VAZ 2110, an additional relay is required).

What should I do if I bought DRLs with the wrong color?

If the lights have not yet been installed, return them to the seller in accordance with the law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” (Article 18) - non-compliance with GOST is considered significant drawback. If the DRLs are already installed, replace the LEDs with white ones with the correct color temperature or buy new certified lights.