Many car enthusiasts perceive side lights as a minor element of lighting technology that can be ignored until complete darkness sets in. However, the Road Traffic Regulations clearly regulate situations where the use of this particular type of lighting is a mandatory requirement, and not just a recommendation. Ignoring these standards often leads to fines, and in the worst case, to the creation of an emergency situation on the road.
Understanding that when to turn on the side lights, is a basic skill for any driver with a valid license. This is not just a matter of compliance with the letter of the law, but also an element of driving culture that allows other road users to adequately assess the dimensions of your vehicle in low-light conditions.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the scenarios for using dimensions, based on current legislative standards. We'll look at the differences between daylight, twilight and total darkness, and also cover specific situations such as driving in tunnels or being stopped at the wrong place.
Basic traffic rules requirements for the use of dimensions
According to the basic provisions for the admission of vehicles, side lights are intended to indicate the general dimensions of the vehicle at night. The rules require that they be turned on not only at night, but also in conditions of poor visibility. Insufficient visibility refers to a situation where the driver cannot clearly distinguish road users or road elements at a distance of less than 300 meters.
It is important to distinguish low beam headlights and dimensions. If during daylight hours the running lights or low beam headlights are sufficient to indicate a vehicle, then with the onset of twilight the picture changes. The driver must switch to a mode that ensures visibility of the car from all sides, which is provided by the rear dimensions in conjunction with the front lights.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on only the side lights when driving at night outside populated areas is prohibited, as this does not provide sufficient illumination of the road ahead. Dimensions serve to indicate, not to illuminate, the path.
There is a common misconception that dimensions are needed exclusively for a parked car. In fact, a moving car must also be marked with dimensions if it is moving in conditions where there is not enough natural light for safe driving, even if the low beam headlights are not yet turned on for some reason (although traffic regulations require low beam or DRL).
Traffic in tunnels and illuminated areas
Particular attention should be paid to the rules for using lighting devices when entering a tunnel. Even if the tunnel is equipped with bright artificial lighting, Traffic rules require switching on low beam headlights or daytime running lights. However, the side lights in this situation are also activated automatically or must be turned on manually if the vehicle design provides for their separate control.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that in a well-lit tunnel it is enough to turn off all the lights, relying on the tunnel lighting lamps. This is a big mistake. Side lights in conjunction with the low beam, they make the car visible to drivers following behind, especially when exiting a tunnel, where there is a sharp change in brightness.
- 🚗 When entering the tunnel, turn on the lights in advance, before the visibility zone.
- 🚙 Do not rely on automatic light sensors, they may work late.
- 🚌 In long tunnels, make sure that both the front and rear lights are on.
On illuminated sections of roads in populated areas, the use of lights without low beams is also not allowed when it comes to driving at night. The law requires that a car be visible not only by its outline, but also have an active light signaling system indicating its presence in traffic.
If you are driving on a lighted road in the city at night, make sure that your marker lamp has not burned out. Police often stop cars precisely because of one non-working light bulb, which is technically a malfunction of the lighting devices.
Stopping and parking in the dark
One of the most critical points is stop and parking on the road at night or in poor visibility conditions. If you are forced to stop on a roadway or on the side of the road where there is no lighting, turning on the side lights becomes a mandatory safety requirement. This allows other drivers to see a stationary object long before they reach it.
According to clause 7.1 of the traffic rules, when stopping and parking at night on unlit sections of roads, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility, the vehicle must be turned on side lights. In populated areas where the road is illuminated, parking with the lights turned off is allowed, but only if the car does not create interference and is parked according to the rules.
| Situation | Lighting | Required lights mode |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Dark time of day | Low beam + Dimensions |
| Parking | Unlit area | Side lights (required) |
| Parking | Illuminated area | Dimensions are not required |
| Fog | Day/Night | Low beam + Fog lights |
If you leave your car overnight in a yard or in a parking lot where there is no street lighting, leaving the lights on means protecting your car from being hit. However, it is worth remembering the charge battery. Long-term operation of incandescent lamps can discharge the battery in a few hours.
⚠️ Attention: Leaving a car with the lights on for a long time (more than 30-40 minutes on old batteries) is risky. Use LED lights or make sure the battery is in good condition before parking for long periods with the lights on.
Using clearances when towing
The process of towing a motor vehicle requires increased care and compliance with special lighting rules. When a vehicle is towed, it becomes less maneuverable and its marking on the road is critical. Side lights of the towed vehicle must be in good working order and turned on so that drivers behind understand that a hitch is moving ahead and not a single vehicle.
If the electrical wiring of the towed vehicle is faulty and the lights do not light up, the Rules require the installation of a special sign or the use of portable lights. However, ideally, before starting towing, the driver should check the functionality of all lighting equipment. This applies not only brake lights, but also turn signals with dimensions.
At night, towing without the lights on on the vehicle being towed is almost tantamount to creating a “ghost” on the road. Other road users may not immediately understand that the length of the object ahead is longer than standard, which, when overtaking, can lead to a fatal error in calculating the distance.
☑️ Check before towing at night
Side lights and low visibility conditions
The term "low visibility" is often confused with darkness, but the two are not always the same thing. Fog, rain, snow or blizzards can drastically reduce visibility even in broad daylight. In such conditions Traffic rules are required to turn on the low beam headlights, but the side lights must also function normally.
The use of only side lights in heavy fog or rainfall is strictly prohibited, as they do not penetrate the veil of precipitation. In such cases it is necessary to use fog lights in combination with low beam. Dimensions serve as a background designation, which may simply not be visible in difficult weather conditions.
Therefore, in good visibility, even if it is drizzling, you should return to the standard scheme: low beam + dimensions.
Why are the dimensions difficult to see in fog?
Side lamps have low power and diffuse light. In fog, light reflects off water droplets, creating a wall of light. Fog lights have a flat beam and a yellow spectrum, which scatter less and provide better illumination of the edge of the road.
Technical faults and liability
Operating a vehicle with faulty lights is prohibited. If your lamp burns out side light, this is the basis for prohibiting further movement until the malfunction is eliminated (according to the List of malfunctions for which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited). Although in practice a warning or a minimal fine is often issued for one non-working light bulb, the risk of creating an emergency remains high.
Modern cars with LED optics and complex diagnostic systems can block certain functions or display errors on the dashboard if even one LED in the chain of dimensions burns out. This is done for safety so that the driver is immediately aware of the problem.
The fine for driving a vehicle with faulty external lighting devices (except for cases of using headlights at night) is provided for in Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Usually this is a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. However, if the lack of dimensions led to an accident, liability may be reclassified.
⚠️ Warning: Replacing side light bulbs with light emitting diodes (LED) in headlights designed for incandescent bulbs may result in a glare effect for oncoming drivers and a fine for illegal modification of lighting devices. Use only certified lamps.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to drive during the day with the headlights on instead of the DRLs?
No, during daylight hours, daytime running lights (DRLs) or low beam headlights must be turned on to identify your vehicle. Side lights are not bright enough during the day to serve as a vehicle identification function at speed, and their use in place of DRLs is an offense.
Do I need to turn on my headlights if I'm stuck in traffic at night?
Yes, if you are on the roadway, even in a traffic jam, you must be marked. Usually, in a traffic jam, the low beam is on, which automatically turns on the headlights. You can turn off the lights only when you come to a complete stop and turn off the engine if you are in an illuminated area, but it is not recommended to do this in traffic.
What is the penalty for leaving the lights on while the engine is running?
Turning on the lights while the engine is running is not in itself a violation. It is a violation to drive or park in the dark. without included dimensions. If you left the car with the lights on and walked away, and the battery was discharged, causing interference, this may be considered a violation of stopping/parking rules.
Is it possible to use the dimensions when driving in the rain during the day?
When it rains, even during the day, visibility is reduced. The rules require low beam headlights. The dimensions will also light up. It is impossible to use only markers in the rain, as they do not provide sufficient markings and lighting necessary for safe movement.
What to do if the light bulb burns out and there is no spare bulb?
If the gauge has burned out, movement to the parking or repair site is allowed only with the necessary precautions. At night, it is better to call a tow truck or replace the lamp on the spot. If this is not possible, you can temporarily use a flashlight or reflective elements, but this does not relieve you of responsibility for the technical serviceability of the vehicle.