Should the tail lights be on during the day?

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

The timing of turning on a car's headlights is not a driver's whim, but a clearly stated point in the traffic rules. A special section describes all the conditions in which you need to light the running lights, high and low beams and fog lights. We will tell you what headlights should be on during the day and what the driver needs to know to avoid controversial issues on the road.

Paragraphs of traffic rules about low beam headlights during the day

The Rules of the Road, paragraph 19.5, tell us that any moving vehicle must indicate itself with BS or daytime running lights. Clause 19.4 allows the use of fog lights to identify vehicles.

Violation of these rules is subject to a written warning from a traffic police officer or a fine under one of two articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

Article 12.20 says that if the driver simply forgot to indicate his vehicle with light signals, then he may receive a warning or a fine of 500 rubles;

Article 12.5 says that the driver must pay the same fine of 500 rubles if one or both headlights are faulty. In this case, operation of the vehicle is prohibited until the malfunction is eliminated. The same applies to glasses that are too dirty and burnt out light bulbs.

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There is also a controversial point that many car enthusiasts forget or do not take into account.

During the day, the driver uses fog lights and enters the tunnel, and at the exit receives a fine for not turning on the headlights in accordance with traffic rules. He is stopped by a traffic police officer because the driver violated clause 19.1 of the traffic rules, which stipulates that when entering a tunnel it is necessary to switch from the fog lights to the low beams. The same goes for DRLs.

In addition to these rules, traffic rules allow the use of BS as a supplement to side lights (but not instead of them) in conditions of poor visibility. This is not so important, since such a car poses a danger primarily to passing vehicles.

What headlights should you use during the day?

Failure to comply with these rules is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles or a warning, so motorists had no choice but to start complying with it. However, debate about how effective and relevant this rule is has not subsided. Some said that a car marked with a light is easier to see in conditions of poor visibility (in fog, heavy rain, twilight and in the forest), while others complained that due to such a rule, fuel consumption would be higher and the bulbs would burn out more often. Let's try to figure this out.

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

In total, BS light bulbs, dimensions and license plate lights require about 150 W of power. LED DRL lamps - approximately 15 W. In comparison, an air conditioner requires 4500 watts, approximately 30 times more. Therefore, a thrifty car enthusiast should first of all refuse the air at a comfortable temperature in the cabin, and not the switched on light bulbs. If we translate power into fuel consumption, then BS lamps and other lighting increase consumption by approximately 100 ml of gasoline per hour.

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Why turn on headlights during the day?

It turns out that the car enthusiast loses practically nothing from turning on the running lights, so it’s worth talking about what he gains, besides the 500 rubles saved on a fine.

There are several situations when a car without headlights is practically invisible, even with the DRLs or fog lights on. They are not as rare as they seem.

In a forest against a background of trees, a car is lost already at a distance of 150-200 meters - this is the perception of the human eye. This effect can be especially noticeable in winter, when the trees and ground are covered with an even layer of snow - then all objects on a white sheet seem to be noise. Of course, it is rare to see another vehicle in a dense forest, and usually the speed of the vehicle in such terrain is low. But still, you shouldn’t save 100-300 milliliters of gasoline and neglect safety.

When driving on a highway in cloudy weather, the car is still noticeable at a distance of 200-300 meters, especially if it is alone on the road. But as soon as other cars appear, but with their headlights on, he gets lost and hardly stands out against the background. When the distance increases to 700-900 meters, even DRLs will not help distinguish the car.

In general, turning on the BS lights helps you not to get lost in traffic and to be seen by other drivers when changing lanes. For pedestrians, the time to detect a car is critical due to the difference in speed.

If you still think you don’t need to turn on your headlights during the day in the city, here is a study by experts that supports turning on low beams. On average, a driver's risk of an accident is reduced by 13 percent. This figure is made up of many others: including, the chances of hitting a pedestrian are reduced by 15%, a cyclist - by 10%, frontal and side collisions - by 10%.

The only bad thing about having the BS on is that it’s harder to notice brake signals in heavy traffic. This can be avoided by installing an additional brake light on the rear window.

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Daytime running lights consume a minimal amount of energy and have virtually no effect on the income of the motorist. The situation is approximately the same with low beam headlights - constantly on, they will cost the driver 100 milliliters of gasoline every hour, which is equal to approximately 4 rubles.

But by spending these four rubles for every hour of driving, the driver saves something more significant - meters and seconds, which allow him to make the right decision in time and safely maneuver in traffic. This is especially important for pedestrians and in conditions of poor visibility: in cloudy weather, fog, rain or in the forest.

Should the tail lights be on during the day?

We had an argument here with a friend who was recently fined for... driving with the side lights on in the city during the day!

I went under the article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - 12.20 - Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices, sound signals, hazard warning lights or warning triangles - a warning or a fine of 100 rubles.

I tried to explain to him that the gays had tricked him into stealing money, but he insisted that they recently showed a lawyer on TV who said that yes, they can.
Looked up the rules:

clause 19.5.
“When driving during daylight hours, in order to indicate a moving vehicle, low beam headlights must be turned on: - on motorcycles and mopeds;
- when moving in an organized transport convoy;
-on route vehicles moving along a specially allocated lane towards the main flow of traffic;
- during organized transportation of groups of children;
(as amended by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of January 24, 2001 N 67) - when transporting dangerous, large and heavy cargo;
- when towing motor vehicles (on a towing vehicle);
- when driving outside populated areas. (paragraph introduced by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 14, 2005 N 767)"

clause 19.3. “When stopping and parking at night on unlit sections of roads, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility, the side lights on the vehicle must be turned on. In conditions of poor visibility, low-beam headlights, fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on in addition to the side lights.”

There are no prohibitions anywhere.
But there is a fine. I have always believed that the dimensions and dipped beam during the day - in the city - are a voluntary matter, for those who want to contribute to traffic safety, without fear of extra costs for burnt out light bulbs.
In such a situation, by God, I would start calling the helpline, go for an analysis, etc. Can they really be fined?

Traffic rules chapter 19

Use of external lighting devices and sound signals

19.1. In the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the road lighting, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be turned on on a moving vehicle:

on all motor vehicles and mopeds - high or low beam headlights, on bicycles - headlights or lanterns, on horse-drawn carts - lanterns (if equipped);
on trailers and towed motor vehicles - side lights.

19.2. High beam should be switched to low beam:

in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;
when passing oncoming traffic at a distance of at least 150 m from the vehicle, and also at a greater distance, if the driver of the oncoming vehicle periodically switching the headlights indicates the need for this;
in any other cases to eliminate the possibility of blinding drivers of both oncoming and passing vehicles.

If blinded, the driver must turn on the hazard warning lights and, without changing lanes, reduce speed and stop.

19.3. When stopping and parking at night on unlit sections of roads, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility, the side lights on the vehicle must be turned on. In conditions of poor visibility, low-beam headlights, fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on in addition to the side lights.

19.4. Fog lights can be used:

in conditions of poor visibility with low or high beam headlights;
at night on unlit sections of roads in conjunction with low or high beam headlights;
instead of low beam headlights in accordance with paragraph 19.5 of the Rules.

19.5. During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on to indicate them.

19.6. The spotlight and searchlight may only be used outside populated areas in the absence of oncoming vehicles. In populated areas, only drivers of vehicles equipped in the prescribed manner with blue flashing lights and special sound signals can use such headlights when performing an urgent official task.

19.7. Rear fog lights can only be used in conditions of poor visibility. Do not connect rear fog lights to brake lights.

19.8. The identification sign “Road Train” must be turned on when the road train is moving, and in the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, in addition, while it is stopped or parked.

19.10. Sound signals can only be used:

to warn other drivers of the intention to overtake outside populated areas;
in cases where it is necessary to prevent a traffic accident.

19.11. To warn of overtaking, instead of a sound signal or together with it, a light signal may be given, which is a short-term switching of the headlights from low to high beam.

Should the tail lights be on when the running lights are on?

Traffic rules: driving with daytime running lights turned off

And most importantly, the expected trend was confirmed in practice and the number of accidents on the roads during the daytime decreased significantly. However, most drivers do not comply with the legal requirements.

The reason for this may be simple inattention, a technical malfunction of the car or another reason.

However, regardless of this, in case of violation the driver faces punishment. When can a driver be punished with a fine, and is this possible?

Should the tail lights be on during the day?

That is, the car should not have been on the road with such defects.

Now let's figure out what kind of fine can be issued for faulty headlights (dimensions) or even if they are simply dirty.

First, let's quote part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, it will clarify a lot for us: Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which, in accordance with the “Basic Provisions ... is prohibited ...”, entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles If If you continue to study Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, you may stumble upon Part 3.

Is it possible to drive during the day with side lights instead of low beams?

So, paragraph 19.5 states: “During daylight hours, low-beam headlights or daytime running lights must be turned on on all moving vehicles for the purpose of identifying them.”

At the same time, the Rules clearly allow for one possibility of replacing the low beam - clause 19.4. allows the use of fog lights instead of low beam headlights. Thus, during the day you should have either low beam headlights, fog lights, or daytime running lights on in front.

There is no mention in the traffic rules that there are enough side lights during the day.

How to distinguish side lights from DRLs?

What are daytime running lights for?

In this case, the headlights are not energy-consuming. If the vehicle moves around the city, where there are regular traffic jams and traffic lights in which you need to stand idle, then under these conditions the battery partially loses its charge and is discharged.

The generator does not have time to recharge the battery, and the load of all turned on electrical devices makes itself felt. Old vehicles may not be able to cope with such a constant electrical load, so both the generator and the battery can quickly fail, and problems with wiring may arise. DRLs consume significantly less electricity than car headlight bulbs. In this regard, factories began to integrate daytime running lights into front lighting devices. As for side lights, their light brightness is significantly low, so they will simply be invisible and, accordingly, there will be no effect from them.

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

He is stopped by a traffic police officer because the driver violated clause 19.1 of the traffic rules, which stipulates that when entering a tunnel it is necessary to switch from the fog lights to the low beams.

The same goes for DRLs. In addition to these rules, traffic rules allow the use of BS as a supplement to side lights (but not instead of them) in conditions of poor visibility. This is not so important, since such a car poses a danger primarily to passing vehicles.

At the beginning of 2006, all Russian drivers were required to use BS during the daytime when driving outside populated areas. As of October 20, 2010, this paragraph was revised, and now every driver is required to turn on the headlights or DRLs when driving on any highway. Failure to comply with these rules is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles or a warning, so motorists had no choice but to start complying with it.

When and at what time should you turn on the low and high beams, fog lights and daytime running lights?

But instead of DRLs (not only if they are not installed in the car, but also at the driver’s request), you can use low beam or fog lights (19.4 + 19.5 traffic rules). During daylight hours (provided that there are no conditions of insufficient visibility), you need to turn on:

(but not in combination with low beams or DRLs).
Daytime Running Lights;
dipped headlights;

During daylight hours you should not turn on:

rear fog lights.
high beam headlights;

The dark time of the day in the traffic rules is defined as “the period of time from the end of the evening twilight to the beginning of the morning twilight” (1.2 of the traffic rules). At night you need to turn on:

dipped or high beam headlights while driving (see below under what conditions high beams cannot be used);
side lights when stopping or parking on the road, as well as on trailers and towed vehicles;

Why are daytime running lights needed?

In this regard, many car factories began to build DRLs into cars.

Most cars in use have fairly high power and torque. All this allows them to quickly accelerate to high speeds and perform various maneuvers. If, while one car is performing a dangerous maneuver, the other driver does not notice the vehicle coming towards you, an accident may occur.
It seems that during the day in the sunshine the car is clearly visible. But the glare from the windows and mirrors of cars coming towards you dulls visibility. In this case, DRL can protect you from an accident.

This will be interesting: Latest changes in traffic rules 2019:

Side lights of vehicles according to traffic regulations

Thanks to the side lights, the car is clearly visible at night.

These devices are not replaced by side lights. The traffic police inspector will consider the fact an administrative offense with corresponding consequences.

Novice drivers often make the mistake of not making a distinction between side lights and other lighting devices: daytime running lights and fog lights. This is a misconception: each device has its own functional purpose. In addition, the light emitted by daytime running lights is much brighter.

Side lights according to their functional purpose and placement are:

Fines for running lights

If you made a trip in the daytime without the low beams on or without DRLs, then you will be fined in the amount of 500 rubles, or a warning for the first time.

Should the tail lights be on when the DRLs are on?

Rules for installing DRLs Excerpt from “State Standard of the Russian Federation GOST R 41.48-2004 (UNECE Rules N 48)”: 6.19.1 Installation Optional on cars. Prohibited on trailers. 6.19.2 Number Two. 6.19.3 Installation diagram No special requirements. 6.19.4 Placement 6.19.4.1 Width - the point of the surface visible in the direction of the reference axis, furthest from the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle, must be at a distance of not more than 400 mm from the edge of the overall width of the vehicle. The distance between the inner edges of two visible surfaces must be at least 600 mm. This distance can be reduced to 400 mm if the overall width of the vehicle is less than 1300 mm. 6.19.4.2 In height - at a distance from 250 to 1500 mm above ground level. 6.19.4.3 In length - on the front of the vehicle.

It is better to choose more expensive, but high-quality devices with durable operation.

Is it possible to put LED lamps in the headlight?

Car head optics today have many technology options that have their own advantages and disadvantages. The head light must be efficient and bright enough, but not draw power from the generator.

When installing any other solutions other than factory lamps, you may upset the power balance and get certain problems due to poor-quality light and excessive power consumption.

It prohibits the use of a vehicle if the headlights are not working or the light fixtures are dirty.

In this case, the punishment is provided for in Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and can also be issued in the form of a warning or an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles.

In addition, you should pay attention to paragraph 2.3.1. rules of the road, which prohibits driving with the headlights and tail lights off or missing in the dark or in conditions of poor visibility.

Well, finally, I suggest you watch a funny video about a driver who forgot to turn on the low beam headlights:

Good luck on the roads!

Installation rules, DRL connection diagrams and fines

Daytime running lights (DRLs) in headlights, fog lights, turn signals, installed separately, and wherever they are not installed.

Should the tail lights be on when the DRLs are on?

the light is very bright, it will completely replace the halogen versions of daytime running lights and eliminate the need to always drive with low beam headlights on;
diode lamps practically do not burn out, only low-quality diodes may fade over time, but failure is not expected in the coming years;
LED optics are also better suited to various conditions of use; LED technologies have a wider range of applications than most modern solutions.

As you can see, in most cases it is worth installing LED lamps in daytime running lights, which will demonstrate your presence on the road to other drivers as efficiently as possible and will seriously increase safety, especially on the highway. Despite all their benefits, LED lamps will not consume much electricity; they can always be turned on as soon as the engine starts.

The reason for making such a decision may be a faulty headlight.

You can be fined for improper use of low beam headlights for various reasons. The most common situations for which you may be fined are described below

Use in populated areas with high beams.
Incorrect use of rear fog lights.
Use of running lights in the evening.
The low beam is not on during the day.

And now about everything in more detail:

When entering a populated area or a well-lit road, the driver must switch from high beam headlights to low beam. Otherwise, a fine will be imposed on him.

Incorrect use of rear fog lights.

In some situations, the vehicle may even be sent to an impound lot.

If you want your running lights to comply with traffic rules and GOST, you should pay special attention to their selection. After all, a lot will depend on what kind of road running light you decide to install on your car.

The highest quality products are produced by companies such as Hella and Philips Osram. It is worth choosing them not only because they meet all the standards, but also because they can make your journey on the roads as safe as possible.

There are usually no problems with the products of the brands presented above when the car is diagnosed at a service station. Homemade devices cannot meet all requirements.

Usually there are no difficulties with installing DRLs.

However, let's look at situations in which a fine can still be imposed on the driver:

Agree, the size of the punishment for the violation in question is not large.

Replacing the turn signal lamp:

This lamp is very easy to replace and it is also located in a more convenient place, which cannot be said about the lamp that goes to the low and high beam, which in order to replace many different parts needs to be removed, so to replace the turn signal lamp you just need to first find where it is with you, after finding the lamp socket, turn it counterclockwise (see photo 1) and remove it with the lamp, then from the inside of the headlight (see photo 2), as soon as it is removed, grab the turn signal lamp bulb with your hand and turn it counterclockwise (see photo 3) and thereby separate the lamp and bulb from each other (see photo).

According to the rules of the International Convention on Road Traffic, Chapter 2, Article 32, paragraph 7

Thus, if a car is equipped with running lights, the driver has a choice. It can turn on low beam headlights during the day. Can turn on running lights and side lights.

Just turning on the running lights is not enough according to the international convention that the USSR signed, and now the Russian Federation has joined it. It turns out that Russian Road Traffic Regulations do not require drivers to turn on their side lights at the same time as turning on their running lights.

This degrades safety compared to international requirements.