Can you be fined for not having a headlight on?

Fine for a non-working headlight (headlights, dimensions) (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) (video)

Life, to put it simply, is quite diverse.
It is almost impossible to describe all possible situations and conclusions from them. There are simply thousands of them, and even with different prerequisites for what has already developed. Take our already “eaten away” theme with headlights and lighting devices on the car. So if they do not work, that is, they are simply not turned on when driving (low beam, DRLs, fog lights), then the driver faces a fine for failure to comply with clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, under article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. By the way, we have already considered such an example in one of our articles “Fine for not turning on the low beam (Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).” That is, in fact, the driver violates the rules for using light devices on the car.

If the headlights didn’t work before leaving or burned out during the trip, then that’s a different story. Here the driver not only violated the rules for the use of lighting devices in accordance with the traffic rules, but also did not have or does not have the right to operate even a vehicle, in accordance with the “Basic provisions for the approval of a vehicle...”. In this case, another article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation is applied to the violator. It is this option, when the headlight or headlights (dimensions) do not work, that we will talk about in our article.

Which article (document) regulates the fine for a non-working headlight(s)

If the option corresponds to when the headlight does not work at all, that is, it does not shine or does not shine as it should, then there is a clear violation of the “Basic provisions for the approval of vehicles...”. That is, the car should not have been on the road with such defects. This is indicated in clause 3.3 “List of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited.”

As a result, this fine will be issued under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, Part 1 “Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions...”. Now let's figure out what kind of fine can be issued for faulty headlights (dimensions) or even if they are simply dirty.

Fine for a non-working headlight (headlights, dimensions)

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:

If you continue to study Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, you may come across Part 3. It talks about the non-compliance of lighting devices with the prescribed requirements.
If the headlights simply do not work, and have not been subjected to unacceptable modifications, then this does not apply to their inconsistencies, which means this part of the article cannot be applied. Here we can also say that Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses does not apply to Part 1 of Article 12.5. That is, they cannot detain the car or put it in the impound lot. The driver will be able to continue driving to repair the breakdown. In this case, the driver may be issued a second fine, but only after 24 hours.

Here it is also necessary to pay attention to the possibility of issuing a fine for dirty lighting fixtures. The degree of this contamination is identified in an unclear way and with the help of what instruments. So it will be difficult to argue about this with the traffic police officers in this case. However, this is relevant for the case when at night the car’s rear license plate illumination is dirty, and because of this license plate itself is not visible. In this case, a fine may also be issued for an unreadable license plate that is not visible from 20 meters. More details about this in the article “Fine for dirty numbers”.

How to avoid a fine for a broken headlight

The best option to avoid a fine is to do the following.
Initially, communicate politely with government officials and keep yourself in control. Secondly, the driver must emphasize that he himself is surprised that the headlight does not work.
Since the lamp apparently burned out during the trip. When the trip just started, the headlights or headlight were working... Thirdly, Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, Part 1 provides for a warning.
Fourthly, if you have not been held administratively liable for 6 months, then be sure to say so.
As a result, ask the inspector to take all factors into account and issue a warning about the violation, rather than issuing a fine.
Here I would like to immediately say that you should not abuse such trust, since the driver himself should be primarily interested in eliminating the breakdown. His health and life depend on it. What we will talk about next.

Is it possible to continue driving with a non-working (not lit) headlight (tail light)

The situation with such a malfunction in practice and in law is very interesting. It seems that Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Detention of a Vehicle” does not provide for the detention of a car for such a malfunction. However, there is order 664, on “Administrative Regulations. ". It contains very interesting recommendations for a police inspector. They are based precisely on the requirements for prohibiting the operation of a vehicle according to the “List of faults and conditions under which the operation of a vehicle is prohibited”

68. If it is revealed that the driver is driving a vehicle with unlit (missing) headlights and tail lights in the dark or in conditions of insufficient visibility, or the driver’s windshield wiper is inoperative during rain or snowfall, the employee requires that the vehicle be stopped until the relevant malfunctions are eliminated or conditions.
At the same time, parking the vehicle should not pose a threat to road safety. Paragraph 2 of clause 2.3.1 of the Traffic Rules.
The imposition of an administrative penalty does not relieve the driver from fulfilling the duty for which the administrative penalty was imposed.
Part 4 of Article 4.1 of the Code.
If the driver fails to comply with the employee’s legal request to stop moving the vehicle until the faults or conditions specified in paragraph one of this paragraph are eliminated, the employee initiates a case for an administrative offense provided for in Part 1 of Article 19.3 of the Code.

That is, the driver may well be “stuck” all night if he doesn’t fix the headlight and it’s dark outside. Indeed, in this case, conditions when rear lights are not needed will arise only during daylight hours. Thus, a malfunction of the headlight can lead to a whole chain of troubles.

Is it possible to pay a fine for a non-working headlight or clearance with a 50 percent discount?

Since 2016, drivers who violate traffic rules, but are ready to repent and pay a fine, have the opportunity to pay this same fine with a 50 percent discount. For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that such a discount can not be obtained for every fine, but only for “non-serious” forms of traffic violations. So Article 12.5 falls under the same option when the fine can still be paid with a discount of 50 percent, that is, half as much. To do this, you must pay the traffic police fine from the time it appears in the database, but no later than 20 days from the date of its commission. More details about this in the article “How to pay a fine with a 2-fold discount.”

Summarizing the topic “Fine for non-working headlight(s)”

If a headlight or headlights on a car do not work, then several conclusions can be drawn at once.
First of all, it's simply not safe. Especially in the dark, when only one headlight works. If the second one suddenly burns out, it can lead to an accident at high speed. This means it jeopardizes the health and life of the driver and passengers, if there are any in the car. One can only wonder why Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation does not provide for the detention of such vehicles in the dark. After all, this is dangerous not only for the driver and passengers of a vehicle with a malfunction, but also for the road users around it. Secondly, if the headlights or headlights do not work, then this simply threatens with administrative liability in the form of a warning or a fine.
There is nothing good in this either, it is a waste of nerves, time, money. That is why try to monitor the serviceability of the headlights on your car.

Questions and answers on the topic “Fine for non-working headlight(s)”

Question: Can they issue a fine for the fact that 1 headlight on a car does not work?
Answer: Yes, they can. This is a warning or a fine of 500 rubles.

Question: Can a car be detained for a parking fine if the headlight is not working?
Answer: No, Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation does not provide for this, but they may force you to repair the headlight right on the spot or prohibit further movement.

Video about a fine for a non-working headlight

For those who do not like to read, we have prepared a video that fully reflects the essence of the article and talks about a possible fine for a non-working headlight.

Fine for a non-working headlight

There are so many situations that happen on the roads that it is, of course, not possible to foresee everything. During a trip, any breakdown can occur with your car, even if it is in good condition and has recently undergone maintenance. Take the same lighting devices, they can fail while driving. The system cannot be perfect just because you have a completely new car, so the penalties for certain malfunctions may be different.

Under what circumstances will a driver be fined?

You can consider several situations to understand what punishment may follow. For example, if you didn’t bother to turn on the daylight, that means one amount of punishment, but if the headlights on your car stopped shining while you were moving, then the charge may be different, in this case a lot depends on some factors and the mood of the inspector. The driver has no right to drive a faulty car. According to the “Basic provisions for the approval of vehicles...” operation of the vehicle in this case is strictly prohibited.

Important! If the lights do not work properly or have a dirty surface, you must not leave the parking lot.

In this case, the fine will be qualified as an intentional violation.

Fine for a non-working headlight

The law contains an article (12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), which provides for administrative penalties in the form of a fine.

Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, Article 12.5.
Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited, or a vehicle on which the identification sign “Disabled” is illegally installed. Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which, in accordance with the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and duties of officials to ensure road safety, operation of a vehicle is prohibited, with the exception of malfunctions and conditions specified in parts 2 - 7 of this article - entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five hundred rubles.

This punishment is precisely imposed for the presence of malfunctions. That is, the driver knew about their existence, but despite this he drove safely.

The third part of the same article states that lighting devices are not allowed on a car if they do not meet certain requirements. That is, if the headlights do not work, but were not subject to alteration, then the penalties will be the same, but if they do not work and have been altered, then the conversation will be different.

Part 1 states that the car will not be impounded or escorted to a parking lot if the headlight breaks during the trip. You can continue driving; he can be punished with a second fine only after 24 hours if the breakdown is not eliminated.

When it comes to pollution, the situation is very slippery. What kind of device is this that determines the degree? Identification occurs only by the traffic police officers themselves, and this largely depends on his mood. So, only one thing is recommended here - keep the headlights on and clean, then complaints will bypass you.

What can be evidence of wrongdoing?

It is necessary to prove guilt. This requires the officer to provide visual examples of the violation. This could be video footage, photographic documents or witnesses and their testimony. Sometimes completely strangers who have nothing to do with the case are brought in as witnesses. They sign a protocol to “get off”, and then you have to answer to the fullest extent of the law. It is unacceptable. The most important and unfair thing is that the judge is guided by the provided papers and protocols, and rarely “gets into” the driver’s “skin.” If you do not agree with the court's ruling, you can appeal the decision. The protocol itself can be appealed if you believe that it does not correspond to the truth.

It would seem that the amount is not large. Which in our time is 500 rubles. But it's not about losing money, it's about the principle itself. Everyone on the road wants respect and respect for their rights, so when inspectors begin to “pressure” you without any reason, it’s worth fighting for the truth.

• However, you can explain to the police why this or that problem occurred while driving; this also applies to a headlight that is not on. You should politely say that you are moving to a parking lot or service station. service to correct the breakdown. Then perhaps they will scold you, and you will get away with the usual warning.
• It is also possible that the driver will be able to fix the breakdown on his own, then no penalties will be imposed; they are not legal here. This applies to all lights. With one low beam headlight, driving is only allowed up to the point where the fault is corrected.
• A dim headlight may attract the inspector's attention, but, as a rule, the driver is warned before stopping again.
• You should pay attention to the cleanliness of lighting fixtures before leaving on the road or highway.

All these precautions will help you avoid conflict situations and keep you safe on the road. A little thing can sometimes save your life.

List of malfunctions of lighting devices for which operation of the vehicle is prohibited

There is a certain list of rules for the lighting system for any vehicle. If they are not followed, then the driver may face an inevitable fine.

• If the lighting devices do not match the design of the vehicle.
• Headlights are not adjusted according to GOST R 51709-201
• If the headlights are dirty and do not function properly.
• In case there are no lenses on the devices, or they do not match the type of devices.
• Flashing lights and fasteners do not comply with the rules for their installation.
• If the headlights that are in front are any color other than white.
• If the taillights are any color other than white, or red, yellow or orange.

Provided that these rules are followed, the driver will not face a fine. He can safely drive onto the roadway and not worry about attracting the attention of the traffic police. All requirements are legal, and their compliance is necessary for the safety of all types of vehicles. More details on the operation of the machine can be found in the DD rules in paragraph 3.3.

4 Comments “Fine for a non-working headlight”

I think that the traffic police inspector will be right in issuing a fine for a non-working headlight; after all, this threatens the safety of other road users. And the driver must check the serviceability of the car, including the headlights, before driving. It’s another matter if for some reason the headlight stopped lighting while driving, then I think when stopping, the driver can change the light bulb and fix the problem directly in front of the traffic police inspector.

I also had a similar situation, the headlight on my car didn’t work, I thought it was no big deal, I’ll drive for a couple of days, no big deal. The traffic police inspector decided otherwise and gave me a fine.

Wow, such methods have already been introduced. It was interesting to read and find out under what circumstances a fine will be issued. I haven’t had any problems with the headlights yet, and I hope there won’t be any.

I had this situation. When the inspector stopped me there was a burnt out light bulb and I immediately replaced it in front of him. He didn’t issue any fines and let me go in peace).

What are the fines for driving without headlights on in 2020?

Drivers are prohibited from using a vehicle with faulty lighting elements (or their complete absence). Traffic police inspectors can take administrative action even for defective side lights that are located in the rear of the car. If this type of violation is detected, the driver will receive a fine for not using low beams.

Responsibility for violating the rules for using headlights

Keeping the headlights on ensures that the car will be noticed in a timely manner by other road users. This traffic regulation requirement is designed to ensure the safety of drivers on the road, which is especially important at night. It is possible to avoid liability for deviations from the operating regulations of lighting devices only when driving with the lights turned on.

For all other violations, the traffic police officer will punish the driver in accordance with the requirements of the law.

Motorists will receive a fine of 500 rubles in the following circumstances listed below:

• the driver uses only running lights without turning on the low-beam headlights (when driving in low-light conditions);
• the vehicle does not have a lighting device (or operates without meeting the established requirements);
• the motorist uses a car with the lights turned on;
• the owner of the vehicle uses high beam headlights within the city or other populated area, regardless of its size (the main thing is the corresponding road sign notifying the entrance to the NP);
• the motorist uses low-beam headlights during the daytime;
• The vehicle is operated taking into account the incorrect use of fog lighting devices.

Despite the small size of the fine (within 20 days you can pay 50%, which is only 250 rubles), you should not neglect the rules of safe driving. Any violation associated with ignoring the operating rules of lighting devices can lead to an accident on the road.

Fine for driving without lights during the day

Daytime is characterized by a reduced risk of accidents, since all approaching objects are clearly visible in conditions of unlimited visibility.

However, a motorist may receive a fine in cases where the vehicle does not have lights on:

• headlights, which are used to illuminate nearby inverter elements;
• fog lights;
• daytime running.

Most modern cars already have the function of automatically turning on the light mechanisms when the power unit starts operating. This feature not only virtually eliminates the possibility of receiving a fine, but also increases the level of traffic safety.

Older car models require manual activation of the lighting equipment. Drivers do not always notice the violation in a timely manner, for which they receive unexpected fines. This is explained by the fact that in the daytime it is quite problematic to notice unlit headlights. Often, traffic police officers do this earlier than vehicle owners.

The absence of lighting when a vehicle is moving is sanctioned by the state. The prescribed penalty is prescribed in Article 12.20 of the regulatory document of the Russian Federation, regulating the features of administrative proceedings. If the lighting elements are not turned on during the day, the driver will receive a fine of 500 rubles or a warning.

Penalty for turning off headlights at night

Driving by car at night or in conditions of poor visibility requires the use of both low and high beams.

It is important to know: if the car does not have daytime running lights, the driver can use low beam headlights. This circumstance can be classified as forced actions. Taking this condition into account, the likelihood of receiving a fine is minimal. Also, when using low beam, the motorist may not take additional measures when driving in the dark.

If the vehicle has working daytime running lights, the driver should take care to turn on the low beam when evening falls. In case of negligent attitude to traffic rules, the owner of the vehicle will receive a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. This penalty is provided for in Article 12.20 of the main administrative document of the country.

Fine for driving with high beams within populated areas

As you know, in populated areas it is possible to use only low beams. High beams blind and disorient drivers traveling in the opposite direction, resulting in an increased risk of an accident.

It is important to remember in what situations the use of high beam devices is strictly prohibited:

• on sufficiently illuminated sections of the road within cities and other populated areas;
• when passing an oncoming car at a distance of less than 150 meters (the switch to low beam can be carried out earlier if one of the traffic participants asks the other to do so using available signals and signs);
• in other situations in which a motorist may be blinded by the high beams of the lighting devices of an approaching vehicle.

In the vast majority of cases, motorists are brought to justice for this type of offense within the city. When a law enforcement officer stops a violator, the punishment may be limited to a warning, but violators often receive a fine of 500 rubles.

Fine use of fog lights

The use of fog lights located behind the vehicle is only possible in conditions of insufficient visibility of nearby objects. If a motorist uses anti-fog elements in any other situation, he will be subject to administrative sanctions. The inspector may issue a fine of 500 rubles or limit himself to a warning.

Fine for a non-working headlight

Often, owners of vehicles that are not equipped with a system for auto-checking the performance of vehicle devices overlook the malfunction of the lighting device. It is worth noting that a failed headlight or a burnt-out side light does not constitute a violation in the use of vehicle lighting equipment.

When driving with one headlight on, the driver only violates paragraph 3.3 of the traffic rules, which regulates the list of obstacles to using the vehicle legally until the cause of the violation is eliminated. Thus, operation of the car cannot be resumed until the headlight is restored or the light elements are cleaned (the driver cannot use dirty devices, as this impairs the visibility of the signals).

According to part one of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offences, punishment for one faulty headlight is a warning or a fine of 500 rubles.

If the headlight stops working while driving

According to current traffic regulations, motorists have every right to transport their vehicle to a repair site in the event of an unexpected breakdown. Repairs may also be necessary if the vehicle's lighting fixtures are damaged. However, you should also remember the rule reminding you of the need to check the car’s equipment before driving.

Thus, a traffic service employee does not have the right to draw up a decision on a case if the driver noted a violation of the system’s functionality during operation of the car. It is important to focus the inspector’s attention on the fact that at the time of his arrest the motorist was heading to a repair station.

You will not be able to avoid punishment only if the headlight breaks down at night. The dark period of the day is characterized by increased danger. For this reason, the driver cannot legally continue driving with the lights turned off. As of 2019, if faults are discovered while driving at night, the motorist is required to call a tow truck or use towing.

It is important to take into account that it is impossible to continue driving if the lighting device is faulty not only at night, but also when there is insufficient visibility. This category of weather conditions includes snow, fog, heavy rain and other adverse weather conditions. Insufficient visibility is the inability to see objects at a distance of 300 meters.

How to properly use standard daytime running lights

Not all cars are equipped with daytime running lights, despite the fact that this design is convenient and functional. The driver should refrain from attempting to install these elements on his own, since willfully changing the parameters of the car will invariably lead to a fine.

It is almost impossible to hide such innovations in the design. Even if authorized traffic officials are unable to detect a violation, the truth will be revealed during the next technical inspection. It is possible to avoid liability only if permission to carry out changes is obtained in a timely manner.

More modern vehicles are equipped with a daytime running light system. This circumstance prevents the possibility of receiving a fine for driving without lighting devices, since the lights turn on simultaneously with the start of the power unit. Also, when you turn on the low beam headlights, the dimensions instantly become less bright.

This allows the devices to be used as additional dimensions. The inspector cannot hold the driver responsible for driving without headlights, but with working standard daytime running lights.

How to use fog lights

A motorist can use fog lighting as the main lighting when driving during daylight hours. However, clause 19.4 regulates that fog lights are also used when visibility of the space is limited while driving a vehicle.

This lighting can be used in conjunction with the light of the main headlights intended for low or high beam lighting. Clause 19.5 of the traffic rules allows the use of fog lights at night on roads not equipped with lighting. It is also interesting to note the fact that these devices can be used during the day instead of headlights intended for low beam lighting.

Thus, using a vehicle during the day while the fog lights are working is not a sanctioned offense. For this reason, motorists need not worry about receiving a ticket for their lights.

How to avoid being cited for improper use of light

The first rule for avoiding liability for using light without taking into account traffic regulations is to use low beam lighting. During the daytime, the driver can use this device either separately or in combination with other elements.

As of 2019, under any environmental conditions (fog, rain, etc.), drivers have the right to use a combination of low beam and side lights. This combination will eliminate the possibility of receiving a fine at any time of the day.

It is important to know: traffic inspectors cannot legally hold motorists accountable for having low beam lighting. However, this feature will lose relevance if there is a non-working headlight. In all other cases, having the low beam on eliminates the possibility of receiving a fine for improper use of the car's lighting equipment.

Punishment for driving with headlights off in the Russian Federation

• Punishment for driving with headlights off in the Russian Federation
• When not to turn on the headlights
• Fine for a broken headlight
• Fine for driving with headlights off in the dark
• How to appeal

A car with non-working headlights will sooner or later be recorded by traffic cameras or stopped by traffic police. And the driver will have to pay a fine. This article will help you understand what time of day you need to turn on your headlights, what fine you will need to pay for violating this rule, and how you can appeal the penalty decision.

When not to turn on the headlights

Until the end of 2010, drivers were required to turn on their car's headlights only in the evening and at night. But since then, Russian traffic rules have changed. As of 2019, all vehicles moving in or outside a populated area must have low beam headlights on at any time of the day. Daytime running lights (DRLs) or fog lights can replace low beams during the day. The rear marker lights can light up together with the low beam. It turns out that when turning on the ignition, the driver must simultaneously turn on the lights.

In recent years, manufacturers have made this task easier by producing cars equipped with DRLs that light up automatically when the ignition is turned on. On the other hand, they do a disservice to owners of new cars. When driving another car, or when it gets dark, they may forget about the need to turn on the headlights. Conclusion: owners of cars that have built-in automatic DRLs can not turn on low beam headlights during the day. Other cars must drive around the clock with their low beams on. This is the main condition in order not to receive a fine for a headlight or headlights that are not lit.

Fine for a broken headlight

There are times when one headlight does not light up, not because the driver forgot to turn it on, but because it does not work, for example, it is broken, too dirty, or the bulb has burned out. Then Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation is violated, which prohibits driving a vehicle with any defects. It prescribes punishment for this violation in the form of a warning or a fine of 500 rubles.

In principle, a fine can be avoided if:

• Immediately with a traffic police inspector, fix the problem (wipe the dirty headlight, replace the burnt out light bulb with a new one);
• turn on the DRLs or fog lights instead of the faulty ones and convince the road service employee that the breakdown will be repaired in the next 24 hours.

These methods may work during the day, but not in the evening. After dark, driving with non-working lamps is dangerous and prohibited by law, therefore, if the breakdown cannot be quickly corrected, it is better to stop the car on the side of the road, in a non-prohibited place, with the lights on, and leave it until the morning.

Fine for driving with headlights off in the dark

With the onset of darkness, the car's headlights should be on, both low beam and high beam (in poor visibility and in tunnels). DRLs cannot replace them. A driver driving a car equipped with daytime running lights may forget to switch them to low beam when driving on brightly lit city roads. Outside the populated area, he will encounter pitch darkness, which itself will remind him to turn on the lights. The owner of a car without DRLs is unlikely to be fined for driving at night with the lights not on, since he drives with low beams during the day. In the event of an accident, the driver who was driving without proper lighting will be found guilty, even if he is not at fault.

Driving in the dark with non-working headlights refers to the improper use of lighting devices. According to Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code, for such a violation a warning is issued or a fine of 500 rubles is imposed. If an emergency situation occurs due to lights not being turned on, the fine will increase significantly. How much you need to pay depends on the situation.

How to appeal

The violating driver has the opportunity to challenge the penalties imposed on him and avoid them. To avoid missing this chance, he can do the following:

1. Make sure that the inspector correctly draws up a detailed protocol, and sign it only after carefully reading it.
2. Make a video or audio recording of a conversation with a traffic police officer.

If an article has been violated, for which the inspector has the choice of imposing a penalty (warning or fine), the driver who violated the traffic rules for the first time can remind him of this. If the guardian of law and order on the roads decides to issue a fine, then the motorist has the right to go to court or the prosecutor's office to appeal his decision. This is where copies of signed documents and a video recording of a conversation with a state traffic inspector come in handy.

The law provides for a certain period of time for going to court - 10 days from the date of the verdict. A car owner who did not have time to appeal a fine for non-working headlights may have time to reduce the amount of this monetary payment. According to the law, an offender who pays a fine within 20 days after its imposition pays only 50% of the total amount, i.e. 250 rubles.

Although the fine for driving with your headlights off is small, it is best to avoid this penalty. First of all, because driving without turning on the lights is dangerous for the life of the driver, his passengers, and also pedestrians.

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Penalty for driving without daytime running lights

Traffic regulations prohibit the operation of a vehicle with no lights or no lights. This prohibition also applies to side lights located at the rear that are not turned on.

If such a violation is identified by the traffic inspector, the driver will be fined for not turning on the low beams.

Innovations in traffic rules

Changes to the traffic regulations concerning the specifics of the use of lighting devices were implemented on November 20, 2010.

Now, regardless of the time of day and visibility conditions, the low beams must be turned on. The need to adopt such amendments to the traffic rules was due to the fact that a vehicle with its lights on is more visible to others, therefore the number of accidents due to simple inattention is reduced to a minimum. It should be noted that the expected trend was confirmed in practice and the number of accidents during the daytime decreased.

However, many drivers do not comply with generally accepted requirements. The reason for this state of affairs may be simple inattention, a technical malfunction or another reason. However, regardless of this, in case of an offense the driver may be punished. The penalty is determined by Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offences.

When can a driver be issued a fine?

To avoid a fine for incorrect use of lighting devices, the driver must drive with the headlights on for twenty-four hours a day. If this condition is not met, then the driver will have to find out what the fine is for not turning on the low beam. Violation of the rules for operating a vehicle will lead to the fact that in the event of an accident, both participants will be found to be at fault. Even if only one of them is the actual offender. The reason for such a decision may be a non-working headlight.

A fine for improper use of low beams can be issued for various reasons. Below are the most popular options for imposing penalties:

1. Using high beams in populated areas.
2. Incorrect use of the rear fog lamp.
3. Using running lights at night.
4. The low beam is turned off during the day.

1) Using high beams in a populated area

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

2) Incorrect use of the rear fog lamp

The rear fog light is an additional lighting device that can only be used in low visibility conditions. In another scenario, this will be treated as an offense with further sanctions.

3) Using navigation lights at night

In vehicles equipped with running lights, low beam must be used . In this case, daytime running lights must be installed in accordance with all GOST requirements. This refers to their territorial location. The characteristics of light are also taken into account. The correct placement of headlights of this type ensures high-quality illumination of the road surface and does not blind oncoming drivers.

4) Low beam is turned off during the day

Many drivers forget to turn on their low beam headlights when starting to drive during the day. It is very important to activate the lighting devices. Some vehicle models are equipped with an electronic control system that automatically turns on the lighting equipment when the power plant component starts operating.

Features of using standard daytime running lights

The design does not initially provide for daytime running lights on all vehicle models. Independent installation of these lighting elements may ultimately result in the owner of this vehicle being fined. And even if such constructive metamorphoses are not identified during a meeting with a traffic police officer, they will be identified during a routine inspection at a service station. To prevent these actions from being classified as an offense, you must first obtain permission from the relevant authorities to install daytime running lights.

The same brands of cars that have standard installation of daytime running lights can be used by drivers without fear of being fined. Moreover, standard lighting systems are characterized by a special operating mode - they turn on when the engine starts. When you turn on the low beam headlights, the standard daytime running lights also automatically reduce their power and are used as additional dimensions.

Important! When the standard daytime running lights are working, there is no penalty for driving with the lights off.

Features of using fog lights

Fog lights can also be used as daytime running lights. According to paragraph 19.4 of the traffic rules, they are used in conditions of limited visibility. Fog lights can work with low or high beam lights.

In accordance with paragraph 19.5, they can be used in the dark on unlit sections of roads, and also instead of low beam headlights - as an alternative to daytime running lights. This means that driving with fog lights on during the daytime is not an offense, so the question of what the fine for driving them is for drivers loses its relevance.

Punishment

The fine for driving without low beams in 2019 is 500 rubles . This is stated in Art. 12.20 about violation of the rules for using external lighting devices. It is also possible that the driver will get off with a verbal warning. However, provided that the carelessness of the car owner led to an accident, then the amount of the fine will tend to increase.

Fine for a non-working headlight

If one low beam headlight is not on, this also entails a fine. However, the interpretation of this situation may differ slightly from the case described above. Here the driver does not violate the rules for using lighting devices. The subject of the violation in this situation is the requirements of the list of faults, as well as conditions that imply a ban on operating the car.

Given the presence of technical faults, the low beam will still not be turned on. Therefore, in accordance with Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, Part 1, the violator is punished with a fine of 500 rubles due to a non-working or dirty lighting device. An alternative way out of the situation is a verbal warning.

You should pay attention to clause 2.3.1. Traffic regulations, according to which driving with non-working or missing lighting devices at night or in low visibility conditions can be considered an offense.

What's the result?

The fine for a burnt-out low beam bulb is not too high. Despite this, the driver must immediately comply with this rule for operating the vehicle. Working lighting devices make the car more visible on the road, as a result of which the likelihood of an emergency situation is minimized.