Turning on headlights on a car: complete instructions with diagrams and tips

Turning on your car's headlights seems like a simple task, but even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes that lead to fines or accidents. For example, forgotten high beams in the city or incorrectly configured fog lights can blind oncoming drivers or go unnoticed by the traffic police inspector. This article will help you understand the types of automotive lighting, the rules for their use and the nuances of control on different models - from VAZ 2110 up to Toyota Camry 2023.

We'll take a closer look at where the headlight switch is located, how to distinguish the symbols on the panel, when to turn on the low or high beams, and what to do if the headlights do not respond to commands. We will pay special attention to common myths - for example, that daytime running lights (DRL) replace low beams at night (spoiler: no!). We will also look at the legal aspects: what fines may be imposed for improper use of lighting and how to avoid them.

Types of car headlights and their purpose

Modern cars are equipped with several types of lighting fixtures, each of which performs its own function. Main types:

• 💡 Low beam — used in urban conditions, on highways with oncoming traffic and at night. Illuminates the road for 40–60 meters.
• 🌃 High beam — turns on on unlit sections of roads without oncoming traffic. The beam range is up to 150 meters.
• 🌫️ Fog lights (PTF) — installed front and rear, improve visibility in fog, rain or snow. Rear PTFs are required when driving in conditions of limited visibility.
• ☀️ Daytime running lights (DRL) — automatically turn on when the engine starts, signaling the movement of the car during the day. Do not replace low beams at dusk!
• 🔦 Side lights — indicate the dimensions of the car in a parking lot or at night. They can be turned on separately from the headlights.

It is important to understand that DRLs and headlights are not a replacement for low beams when driving in the dark or in tunnels. According to the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations (clause 19.5), in such conditions it is mandatory to use low or high beam headlights. Ignoring this rule will result in a fine of 500 rubles (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).

On some models (for example, Volkswagen Passat B8 or Skoda Octavia A7) DRLs are automatically turned off when the low beam is turned on, and on others (like Renault Duster until 2020) - work in parallel. This depends on the design of the lighting system.

Where is the headlight switch located and how to use it

Lighting in most cars is controlled using steering column switch (lever on the steering column) or buttons on the instrument panel. Let's look at typical schemes:

• 🚗 Classic paddle shifter (for example, on Lada Granta or Hyundai Solaris): rotating disk with positions OFF (off), ▲ (dimensions), 💡 (near), 🌃 (distant). The high beam is often turned on by pulling the lever towards you.
• 🔄 Lever with temporary activation of high beam (as in Kia Rio): briefly pulling back the lever turns on the distant one, fixing it in the upper position - permanently turns on the distant one.
• 🔘 Push Button Control (found on Tesla Model 3 or BMW i4): Separate buttons for each light type on the panel or touch screen.

On some vehicles (for example, Mercedes-Benz E-Class) light switch integrated into the system Auto Light Control, which automatically selects a mode depending on the illumination. However, even in such cars it is important to be able to control the headlights manually - for example, if the sensor malfunctions.

To turn on the headlights on a typical car with a paddle shifter:

1. Turn the key in the ignition (or press the START/STOP without starting the engine).
2. Locate the light control lever (usually to the left of the steering wheel).
3. Turn the lever to position 💡 for low beam or 🌃 for the distant one.
4. To temporarily turn on the high beam (for example, when overtaking), pull the lever towards you.

Symbols on the instrument panel: what do the headlight indicators mean?

Indicators are displayed on the car's dashboard indicating that the lights are on. Deciphering them will help avoid mistakes:

Symbol	Meaning	Indicator color	When it lights up
💡	Low beam headlights	Green	When turning on the low beam
🌃	High beam headlights	Blue	When you turn on the high beams
🌫️	Fog lights (front)	Green or yellow	When turning on the PTF
☀️	Daytime running lights (DRL)	Green or missing	When starting the engine (if equipped)
🔆	Automatic lighting (Auto)	Green	When the mode is activated AUTO

Please note: if the panel lights up blue high beam indicator (🌃), but you are driving in the city - this is a traffic violation! In populated areas, high beams may only be used in the absence of oncoming traffic or to give a signal (for example, when overtaking).

On some vehicles (for example, Ford Focus 3) the high beam indicator may flash when the mode is turned on Auto High Beam — automatic switching systems between low and high beam. In this case, the blue symbol lights up only when the distant one is activated.

⚠️ Attention: If the green lights on the panel are on at the same time (💡) and blue (🌃) indicators, this means that you have turned on low + high beam. This mode blinds oncoming drivers and is prohibited in the city. Immediately move the lever to the low beam position!

When to turn on low, high and fog lights according to traffic regulations

Rules for the use of lighting are regulated clause 19 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. Here are the key points:

• 🌇 During daylight hours: mandatory inclusion low beam or DRL (optional). This rule applies all year round, even during the day.
• 🌃 At night: only low or high beam. DRLs and dimensions do not fit!
• 🌁 In conditions of poor visibility (fog, rain, snow): low beam or fog lights. High beams in fog impair visibility!
• 🚗 When driving in tunnels: mandatory inclusion low beam or fog lights.
• 🔦 When stopping or parking in the dark: must be included side lights (if there is no illuminated area).

A critical mistake many drivers make: using only DRLs instead of low beams at dusk or in cloudy weather. Traffic police inspectors regard this as a violation, since the DRLs do not illuminate the road, but only signal that the vehicle is moving.

Fog lights (PTF) can be used:

• Together with low or high beams in poor visibility conditions.
• Separate from headlights during daylight hours (for example, in fog during the day).
• Rear PTFs - only in conditions of poor visibility (fog, snowfall).

⚠️ Attention: Rear fog lights It is forbidden to turn on in urban conditions without fog or precipitation! They blind drivers behind you and can cause accidents. The fine for violation is 500 rubles (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code).

Common mistakes when turning on headlights and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes that lead to fines or create emergency situations. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🚨 Forgotten high beams in the city. Dazzles oncoming drivers and pedestrians. Always switch to low-pass driving when oncoming traffic appears.
• 🌫️ Using high beams in fog. Light reflects off water droplets and creates a “wall of light”, reducing visibility. Only turn it on in fog fog lights or low beam.
• ☀️ Driving with headlights off at dusk. Many drivers rely on DRLs, but they don't illuminate the road. Turn on low beams when visibility becomes poor.
• 🔆 Failure to check the operation of the headlights before the trip. A burnt-out lamp may go unnoticed, which will lead to a fine or an accident.

Another typical problem is Incorrect headlight setting. If the headlights shine too high, they blind oncoming drivers; if it’s too low, they don’t illuminate the road. You can make the adjustment yourself using screws on the headlight (usually they are located on the top and side of the headlight unit) or at a service station.

On vehicles with xenon or LED headlights (for example, Audi A6 or Lexus RX) the system is often installed auto light corrector, which automatically adjusts the tilt angle depending on the vehicle load. If this system is faulty, the headlights may not shine correctly, which will lead to problems during inspection.

What to do if the headlights do not turn on: troubleshooting

If the headlights do not respond when you turn the switch, the reasons may be different - from a burnt-out lamp to a wiring fault. Let's look at typical problems and how to fix them:

• 💡 The lamp has burned out. The most common reason. On modern cars (for example, Toyota Corolla) and the headlight fault indicator on the panel lights up (🚨 with an exclamation point).
• 🔌 The fuse is faulty. Check the fuse box (usually located under the hood or on the instrument panel). The fuse number is listed in the instruction manual.
• 🔋 Problems with the relay. The headlight relay may fail or become oxidized. Check its functionality (you should hear a click when you turn on the headlights).
• 🔧 Oxidation of contacts. Often found on older cars (e.g. VAZ 2107). Clean the contacts on the lamp and in the headlight unit.
• 📉 Switch faulty. If the headlights do not respond to any position of the switch, the problem may be with the switch itself.

To diagnose, follow these steps:

1. Check if other lamps (side lights, brake lights) are on. If not, the problem may be a fuse or wiring.
2. Swap the left and right headlight bulbs. If a headlight that is not working comes on, the problem is in the lamp.
3. Check the voltage at the headlight contacts with a multimeter (should be ~12V when the ignition is on).

If the headlights do not work on a vehicle with automatic lighting (for example, Volvo XC60), the problem may be with the light sensor. In this case, try turning on the headlights manually. If this works, diagnostics of the sensor or control unit is required.

How to check the headlight fuse?

Locate the fuse box (usually under the hood or on the dashboard). In your owner's manual, find the number of the fuse that controls the headlights (for example, F12 or Fuse 15). Remove the fuse and check it visually - if the jumper inside is blown, replace the fuse with a new one of the same rating.

Legal consequences: fines for improper use of headlights

Violation of the rules for the use of lighting is punishable by Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Amounts of fines in 2026:

Violation	Fine (rub.)	Additional measures
Driving without low beams/DRLs during the day	500	Warning or fine
Using high beams in the city with oncoming traffic	500	—
Faulty headlights (lamp does not light up)	500	Prohibition of operation until elimination
Using rear PTF without fog/precipitation	500	—
No low beam at night	500	Warning or fine

Important: if your headlights do not light up due to a malfunction, the inspector has the right prohibit further movement until the problem is resolved (clause 2.3.1 of the traffic rules). In this case, you will either have to repair the headlights on site or call a tow truck.

Particular attention is paid xenon headlights. Their installation is permitted only if they are provided by the manufacturer. Unauthorized replacement of halogen lamps with xenon is punishable by:

• Fine 3,000 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
• Deprivation of rights for 6–12 months upon repeated violation.

This is due to the fact that incorrectly installed xenon blinds oncoming drivers due to incorrect focusing of the light beam.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about turning on headlights

Is it possible to drive with fog lights on instead of low beams?

No, you can't. According to traffic rules (clause 19.5), in the dark or in conditions of poor visibility, be turned on low or high beam headlights. Fog lights can be used additionally to the main lighting, but not instead of it.

Why don't my car's daytime running lights light up?

There are several reasons:

• DRLs can be disabled in the on-board computer settings (on some models, for example, Skoda Kodiaq).
• DRL lamps or LED elements have burned out.
• The lighting control unit is faulty.
• The car is not equipped with DRLs from the factory (older models may not have them).

Check the settings and condition of the lamps. If the DRLs do not turn on when you start the engine, contact an auto electrician.

How do I turn on the headlights on a push-button vehicle (such as a Tesla Model 3)?

On vehicles with touch controls (e.g. Tesla, BMW i4) the headlights are turned on through the menu:

1. Press the button on the screen Controls (Management).
2. Select section Lights (Lighting).
3. Click Headlights (Headlights) and select mode: Auto, On (included) or Off (off).

In mode Auto The headlights turn on automatically when lighting conditions deteriorate.

What happens if you drive with only one working headlight?

This counts malfunction of external lighting devices (clause 3.3 of the List of malfunctions for which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited). The traffic police inspector can:

• Issue a fine 500 rubles.
• Prohibit further movement until the fault is eliminated.

Exception: if the lamp burns out while traveling, you will not be fined, but will be required to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Is it necessary to turn on low beams during the day outside the city?

Yes, it is necessary. According to clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have daytime running lights or low beam headlights on.. This rule applies both in the city and on the highway.