Daytime running lights - what is it? Photo, video

We all remember that in 2010 a new requirement appeared in the SDA, which caused a lot of controversy and misunderstanding among drivers - at any time of the year during the day it is necessary to turn on daytime running lights, but if they are not provided, then either fog lights or dipped beam should be on.

This innovation was motivated by the fact that with the included DRL or dipped beam, the car will be very easy to notice with peripheral vision both in the city and beyond. We have already described in detail on our Vodi.su autoportal fines for driving with headlights off and what requirements are put forward in the traffic police for navigation lights.

Despite the fact that this amendment began to be applied more than four years ago, many drivers are interested in the question - what are daytime running lights (DRL), can they be used instead, for example, dimensions, or do you need to somehow modify the head optics system, connect LED lights and so on.

The question is really serious, especially since fine for violation - 500 rubles. There is also a fine for non-compliance of optics with the requirements of GOST, again, you will have to pay 500 rubles.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that in the design of many cars there are no special running lights and drivers have to constantly turn on the dipped beam or fog lights (SDA clause 19.4). On the track, the energy generated by the generator is enough to keep the headlights always on. But in constant city traffic jams, when driving at low speeds, the generator does not produce enough electricity, and the voltmeter shows that the battery is starting to discharge. Accordingly, its resource and service life are reduced. Owners of domestic cars, for example VAZ 2106, face such a problem.

At the same time, the traffic police state directly that DRLs are not dimensions, sidelights and various handicraft lighting devices installed without approval.

Marker lights have low power and are practically invisible during daylight hours, so they are not allowed to be used as such.

And for the installation of devices not provided for by the regulations, a fine is also imposed.

DRL definition

To answer the question, let's take a look at Technical regulation on the safety of wheeled vehicles. In it we will find all the information that interests us.

First we see the definition of the concept of DRL:

• “These are vehicle lamps that are installed in its front part, not lower than 25 centimeters above the ground and not higher than 1,5 meters. The distance between them must be at least 60 centimeters, and the distance from them to the extreme point of the vehicle must not exceed 40 centimeters. They are directed strictly forward, turn on simultaneously with the ignition on and turn off when the headlights are switched to low beam.

Also in this document they write that if the DRL design is not provided, the dipped beam or fog lights should always be on - at any time of the year during daylight hours.

Drivers are encouraged to use LEDs because they use 10 times less energy than halogen or incandescent bulbs. Almost all modern cars have LED daytime running lights.

The document also states that special, officially approved sets of lights for installation on the front bumper can be purchased on sale. Below are several applications, which say in particular that the installation of LED lights, if they are not provided for in the original design of the car, is optional - that is, optional. But in this case, as a DRL, you need to use the dipped headlights.

Also, the appendices explain in more detail the rules for installing daytime running lights on vehicles with different overall dimensions. We will not give these explanations, because they are very easy to find.

There is also another important circumstance - daytime running lights should emit white light. Its slight deviations towards other colors of the spectrum are allowed - blue, yellow, green, purple, red.

SDA on daytime running lights

To better understand this issue, you can open the Rules of the Road of the Russian Federation and find clause 19.5. Here we will find a lot of useful information.

First of all, DRLs are needed to ensure the visibility of vehicles and the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. If drivers neglect this requirement, then according to Code of Administrative Offenses 12.20 they must be prepared to pay a fine of 500 rubles.

Next comes a long list of all vehicles that are required to drive with DRLs: mopeds, motorcycles, route vehicles, cars, convoys, trucks, when transporting children and passengers, and so on.

The following paragraph is the rationale for this requirement:

• motorcycles and mopeds - it is difficult to notice from afar, and with the included DRLs they will be easily distinguishable;
• route vehicles - to warn other road users about their approach, to prevent reckless actions by other drivers;
• attention is especially focused on the transportation of children;
• be sure to turn on DRL when transporting dangerous goods, oversized cargo, and so on.

Thus, from the SDA we can conclude that this requirement for the use of DRLs really makes sense and must be adhered to. In addition, during an accident, the culprit can always appeal to the fact that due to the fact that the daytime running lights of the victim were not on, he simply did not notice him.

Can I install daytime running lights myself?

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