Fog lights can be used as running lights. Is it possible to drive during the day with side lights instead of dipped beam? Regulatory requirements for DRL

I am glad to welcome everyone to our site! Today, under the heading "" we will talk about this: is it a violation of traffic rules to use fog lights (PTF) instead of daytime running lights (DRL) as well as low beam headlights.

You all know that according to paragraph 19.5 of the traffic rules of the Russian Federation "During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must turn on dipped beam headlights or daytime running lights to indicate them." In this regard, many motorists have counter questions, namely: is it possible to use dimensions instead of DRL, or PTF, and whether this will be a violation of the rules, which may entail a protocol and a corresponding fine.

Some motorists were not just confused, they were outraged and puzzled by the question of why turn on running lights during daylight hours, and even more so dipped beam? The fact is that studies have shown that, moving along the highway at high speeds, drivers respond better to vehicles with DRLs or dipped beam headlights on. This allows you to notice the approaching transport in time and perform the maneuver in time. In general, in a word, turning on the light during the day is aimed at reducing accidents that occur during the daytime.

This seems to have been sorted out, but what about the differences between DRLs or parking lights?

The problem is that the design of modern headlights sometimes confuses car owners very seriously, who themselves do not fully understand that they have turned on running lights or dimensions. Why is this so critical? Yes, because DRL is allowed to be used as a light source, this will not be a violation and will not entail penalties. What can not be said about the "dimensions" you can not use them instead of daytime running lights, as well as low beam headlights! That is why this moment is very important.

Why are side lights banned, what is wrong with them? The fact is that "dimensions", unlike DRLs, serve to designate a vehicle in the dark, while in the daytime they are of little use. The light that they emit is not enough in the daytime, because it is very weak and inconspicuous (power of the order of 5 watts), therefore it is forbidden to use them instead of low beam, as well as daytime running lights. Brightness according to GOST (GOST R 41.48-2004) should be in the range from 400 to 800 candela.

It would seem that there are simply no daytime running lights - turn on the dipped one and live in peace ... But, not everything is so simple. The fact is that the constantly on dipped beam leads to premature failure of the lamps, the price of which can reach several hundred dollars. In addition, it has been proven that headlights increase fuel consumption (about 0.5 liters per 100 km), the cost of which has recently made no one happy ... In short, whatever one may say, it is not profitable to drive with the neighbor constantly on.

What about foglights, can they be used instead of low beam and DRL?

This question, as it turned out, worries many, and here's why. The fact is that not everyone has daytime running lights; But everyone has mail for fogs, and besides, they are less voracious in terms of energy consumption. But the question is, is it possible to use PTF instead of DRL? The answer to this question can be found in the SDA.

clause 9.4. Fog lights can be used:

• in conditions of insufficient visibility with low or high beam headlights;
• at night on unlit sections of roads together with dipped or main beam headlights;
• instead of dipped headlights in accordance with clause 19.5 of the Rules.

The only caveat is that on some cars, fog lights work exclusively with low beam headlights, so many refuse such an alternative to daytime running lights.

Summing up

As you can see, there is a way out. You can drive close as long as you don't worry too much about fuel consumption and bulb life crushing. You can also use PTF if they are installed on your car, this will not be a violation of the rules and there will be no questions from the inspectors for you. The third option is to install daytime running lights. DRL consumes significantly less energy compared to low beam headlights, as well as PTF, while they shine brighter than the dimensions and are clearly visible at any time of the day - therefore, they are the most profitable and acceptable option!

In a modern car, as many as 8 different lighting devices are installed (there is also a rear license plate light, but in this case we are not interested in it). And we need to use these 7 lighting devices: headlights, lanterns, fog lights and other things in different ways, depending on as many as 8 conditions. Let's list the lighting devices and the conditions for their use for 2019!

So, in the car there are so-called external lighting devices. These include:

1. headlights: dipped beam;
2. headlights: high beam;
3. rear lights;
4. fog lights (PTF);
5. rear fog lights;
6. parking lights;
7. daytime running lights (DRL).

And among the conditions for the inclusion of certain lighting devices in the traffic rules, there are the following:

1. daylight hours;
2. dark time of the day: illuminated road;
3. dark time of the day: unlit road;
4. poor visibility conditions;
5. standing / moving car;
6. trailer / towed car;
7. populated / not populated area.

Scared? Actually, it's not all that scary. Let's find out when and in what cases you need to turn on fog lights, high or low beam headlights and dimensions. The data is current as of October 25, 2019. For convenience, we will consider the rules for using car lights depending on the time of day and other conditions, and answer some pressing questions. And at the end of the article we will give a table as an easy way to remember when which lights need to be turned on on the car.

What kind of light to use during the day?

During the day, namely, during daylight hours, we can use daytime running lights (19.5 SDA). But instead of DRLs (not only if they are not installed in the car, but also at the request of the driver), you can use dipped headlights or fog lights (19.4 + 19.5 SDA).

During daylight hours (provided that there are no conditions of insufficient visibility), you need to turn on:

• Daytime Running Lights;
• dipped headlights;
• fog lights (but not in conjunction with low beam or DRL).

During daylight hours, you can not turn on:

• high beam headlights;

What kind of light to use at night?

The dark time of the day in the SDA is defined as "the time interval from the end of evening twilight to the beginning of morning twilight" (1.2 SDA). Thus, in the dark time of the day, the night enters completely, the evening from the end of twilight and the morning until the beginning of dawn.

In the dark, you need to include:

• dipped or main beam headlights in motion (see below under what conditions the high beam cannot be used);
• side lights when stopping or parking on the road, as well as on trailers and towed vehicles;
• fog lights - only on unlit sections of roads and only in conjunction with low or high beam headlights.

Also, in the dark, you can turn on, if you have a special spotlight, provided that you are driving outside the settlement and in the absence of oncoming cars.

In the dark, it is forbidden to use:

• high beam headlights:
  • in settlements, if the road is lit,
  • if the oncoming transport is closer than 150 meters to you, or even if further and at the same time blinks its headlights at you,
  • in any other cases when it is possible to blind drivers (namely drivers, not pedestrians) of oncoming and passing cars;
• fog lights - on illuminated roads or on unlit roads without dipped or high beam headlights;
• Daytime Running Lights;
• rear fog lights.

What kind of light to use in low visibility conditions (fog)?

Low visibility conditions are also defined in the Rules, so there is no ambiguity here. These conditions include driver visibility of less than 300 meters in fog, dusk, rain, snow, and the like. In general, if the visibility of the road is less than approximately 300 meters, the only time it is night, then this is a poor visibility condition.

In conditions of poor visibility, you need to include:

• dipped or main beam headlights in motion (see above in the description of lighting in the dark, under what conditions it is impossible to use high beam);
• side lights when stopped and parked - dipped headlights, fog lights or rear fog lights, together with side lights, can also be turned on in conditions of poor visibility (as opposed to dark hours).
• fog lights - only in conjunction with low or high beam headlights (and on roads of any illumination, unlike at night).
• rear fog lights (this is the only condition in which they can be used).

In conditions of poor visibility, do not use:

• fog lights without dipped or high beam headlights;
• daytime running lights.

What kind of light to use in the tunnel?

Traffic rules regulate the mandatory inclusion in tunnels (clause 19.1). The rule here is simple: the conditions for using certain lighting devices are the same as in the dark.

When can you use the "emergency"?

Emergency signaling is also considered a lighting device, and traffic rules clearly regulate the possibility of their use. So, the "emergency" must be included:

• if you get into an accident along with an emergency stop sign (2.5 traffic rules + 7.1 traffic rules);
• when a situation arises when your car is dangerous;
• in case of a forced stop in the place where stopping is prohibited (together with an emergency stop sign);
• when towing on a towed vehicle;
• if you are blinded by oncoming traffic.

When can you blink your headlights?

Yes, most often drivers blink their headlights (one or more short-term switching of headlights from low beam or DRL to high beam) when warning about traffic police officers to oncoming cars. However, traffic rules recommend doing this in completely different cases. In which ones:

• to warn other road users about the start of overtaking;
• if you are blinded by an oncoming vehicle.

At the same time, nowhere in the Rules is there a direct ban on blinking headlights. However, this can be regarded by traffic police officers as a violation of traffic rules, as a result of which you can easily earn a fine of 500 rubles. Think for yourself, because when you blink you turn on the high beam, and in most cases it is forbidden to turn it on.

As you can see, everything is very simple! But let's simplify these Rules for the use of lighting devices even more and present everything in a visual tabular form.

Table footnotes:

1. Instead of low beam headlights
2. Only in conjunction with dipped or high beam headlights

And, finally, an official excerpt from the current traffic rules of 2019, chapter 19 on external lighting devices.

19. Use of external lighting devices and sound signals.

19.1. At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of road lighting, as well as in tunnels, a moving vehicle must turn on the following lighting devices:

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

19.2. High beam must be switched to low beam:

• in settlements, if the road is lit;
• when passing oncoming traffic at a distance of at least 150 m from the vehicle, as well as at a greater distance, if the driver of the oncoming vehicle by periodically switching the headlights shows the need for this;
• in any other cases, to exclude the possibility of blinding drivers of both oncoming and passing vehicles.

When blinded, the driver must turn on the alarm and, without changing lanes, slow down 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 must be switched on on the vehicle. In conditions of insufficient visibility, in addition to the side lights, dipped beam headlights, fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on.

19.4. Fog lights can be used:

• in conditions of insufficient visibility with low or high beam headlights;
• at night on unlit sections of roads, together with dipped or high beam headlights;
• instead of dipped headlights in accordance with clause 19.5 of the Rules.

19.5. During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must turn on dipped beam headlights or daytime running lights to identify them.

19.6. A searchlight and a searchlight can only be used outside built-up areas in the absence of oncoming vehicles. In populated areas, only drivers of vehicles equipped in the established manner with flashing blue beacons and special sound signals can use such headlights when performing an urgent service task.

19.7. The rear fog lamps can only be used in low visibility conditions. Do not connect rear fog lights to brake lights.

The Code of Administrative Offenses provides for a fine for driving without DRLs turned on during the daytime. Many European and Scandinavian countries have been using this practice for many years, and other countries are adopting such policies from their neighbors. It is for this reason that we decided to consider in more detail the concept of daytime running lights, their types, purpose, requirements and other aspects of this topic.

What are daytime running lights

Daytime running lights are marker lights (headlights) that are used for daytime lighting. There are both regular (installed by the factory) and installed additionally. Thanks to the use of such dimensions, the vehicle is better seen by others.

The presence of DRLs improves the visibility of your car to pedestrians and other motorists, this factor significantly reduces the risk of a car accident.

According to statisticians, after the introduction of amendments to the traffic rules, the number of car accidents in our country has halved.

The absence of regular navigation lights entails the use by drivers as an analogue of other light sources that are not prohibited by law. Let's look at the types and classifications of such analogues.

DRL classification

high beam headlights is the most efficient way to use it. This type of headlight is installed on every car, it should be used only in the absence of oncoming cars, in order to avoid dazzling them, and it is better at night.

But as an analogue for DRL, in the daytime, you can use a high beam in half a channel, the option is interesting in that it provides catchiness, and due to the incomplete power of use, energy consumption is reduced.

With the right connection, the high beam can be used by 30%, and make it turn on automatically, which is what a large number of motorists use. But you should be extremely careful and attentive, since the use of high beam headlights requires certain knowledge and qualifications.

Low beam headlights- the most common method that is used as DRL. Since these headlights do not require additional settings and intervention from the driver. Just turn it on and you're good to go. The disadvantage of using dipped beam is the high energy consumption, which can affect the battery charge. Also, according to the law, the use of dipped headlights as an analogue of daytime running lights is allowed.

Fog lights- the name speaks for itself, this type of dimensions is not designed for use as a DRL, it is designed for use in foggy weather and with insufficient visibility. An absolute plus is, of course, energy consumption. The disadvantage of this option is that the headlights are located too low and the light of such headlights is often yellow, which reduces visibility in the daytime. Also, the power of the headlights is lower than in other options. Nevertheless, the use of this type of dimensions, as an analogue of DRL, is not prohibited.

Additional (independent) lights- the most ideal option for using dimensions as a DRL. These headlights are designed for daylight use. As already mentioned, such headlights on many cars are not installed regularly, this is precisely the minus of this option. Connection and installation will require certain costs. It will also be necessary to make changes to the design of the factory assembly of the car, which you should not do on your own, without experience and skills in this direction. Unconditional pluses are durability, brightness, minimum energy consumption.

There are lamp and LED variations of additional headlights. An unconditional plus, and probably the only one, of lamp products is cheapness. LED running lights have the advantages of low power consumption, high brightness and long service life. Also, the LED variation is much less blind to oncoming drivers.

1. Philips LED DayLight8
2. HELLA LEDayFlex 8,
3. Osram Led Riving FOG
4. EgoLight DRL-D70/DRL-120Р18

Regulatory requirements for DRL

When choosing a DRL for your car, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the headlights must comply with the standards established by GOST.

1. The presence of two dimensions on the vehicle. Headlights must be located at the front of the vehicle, to fully verify this condition, the light emitted by the headlights should not be reflected in mirrors or other mirror surfaces.
2. At a height of at least 25 and not more than 150 centimeters from the ground. Between two headlights, a distance of no more than 60 centimeters must be observed. From the dimensions to the extreme point of the car - no more than 40 centimeters. The direction of the headlights must always be forward.
3. The daytime running lights should turn on automatically when the ignition is turned on. Shutdown is also automatic - when the car changes to other dimensions, if necessary.
4. It is required to observe the angle at which the light will come out. Horizontal plane - 200. Vertical plane - 100. Pay special attention to this point, since it is it that drivers most often violate.
5. And the main parameter is the use of lights only white light, for the use of other colors you can be fined.

SDA requirements

Consider the requirements for daytime running lights, which are established by law and specified in the traffic rules. On November 20, 2010, an amendment was made that obliges the use of DRLs during the daytime. In paragraph 3.3. it is also said that you cannot use a vehicle on which the dimensions used to consecrate the vehicle are dirty.

If your DRLs are not installed according to the GOST rules that we studied above, you can also fall under the penalties of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

To install additional headlights that are planned to be used as DRLs, you will need to obtain permission from the traffic police; we do not recommend installing it yourself, even if all the rules are followed.

Please note that even if you installed DRLs with minor violations, and the traffic police did not notice this, at the next technical inspection it will be revealed that the installation took place without permission, and this will entail additional costs.

Responsibility for traffic violations

For violating traffic rules, you can get a fine of 500 rubles from a traffic police officer, and this is for the lack of light from one headlight. For the first time, you can get off with a warning. Let's also take a superficial look at what other types of violations you can get a fine for.

A few years ago, special changes were made to the traffic rules and technical regulations, according to which, since 2010, all car owners are required to turn on the appropriate optics when driving on the roadway, both in the daytime and in the evening. At first, drivers got by with daytime running lights, but their use turned out to be irrational, since in traffic jams there was a risk of discharging the car's battery, and the light from such light elements did not meet the requirements of GOST. In this regard, DRLs (DRL) appeared on store shelves, which differ in the direction of the light beam, due to which the ATS becomes much more noticeable on the road.

According to the SDA, fog lights can be used instead of daytime running lights, but only if they meet certain standards. And, as you know, halogen lamps are most often installed in PTF, which do not differ in sufficient brightness. In addition, the color of the glow in foglights is usually yellow, and according to GOST, when driving in the daytime, it is allowed to use headlights that shine only with white light.

Due to numerous shortcomings, it is easier for car owners to choose DRLs that will be installed as separate modules than to puzzle over how to pass the TRP. However, today such lighting elements as fog lamps with daytime running lights have appeared on the market, which so far not all companies specializing in automotive optics offer consumers.

Manufacturers of PTF with DRL

Speaking about PTF manufacturers with DRLs, we will not consider Chinese products from nameless companies, which can be found in large quantities in the open spaces of online stores offering goods for every taste. Such "super-bright" daytime running lights will cost about 7,000 rubles, and according to representatives of the portals, they will perform a myriad of functions.

If we take the issue more seriously, then today there are 2 companies that occupy a leading position in the production of high-quality optics for cars - these are Osram and Philips. The latter does not yet offer such universal lamps, and Osram, on the contrary, is almost the only company that produces high-quality PTFs with DRLs that can be purchased on the territory of the Russian Federation. Such a pleasure will cost about 16,000 rubles, but given that the products are branded and will last 10 times longer than their Chinese counterparts, then such costs are justified. At the same time, Osram gives a guarantee of up to 5 years for its products.

The model range of universal lamps is still rather scarce and is represented by Osram LEDriving FOG 101 headlights, and many motorists also purchase products from the LEDriving FOG 201 series. Consider the features of these headlights.

Osram LEDriving FOG 101

LED headlights with a diameter of 90 mm are suitable for replacing conventional round halogen foglights. The lens of the LEDriving FOG 101 is made of high quality impact-resistant polymer material and the body is made of aluminum alloy. The headlights of this series are as many as three devices in one: fog lights, running lights and a section for illuminating the angle of rotation. The color temperature of the PTF is 6000 K at a power of 20 W, and the DRL is 5200 K at a power of 14 W. Product warranty - 5 years.

Daytime running lights turn on when the engine is started, and turn off as soon as the dimensions or PTF are activated. The backlight, thanks to the adaptive cornering light function, is automatically activated when the turn signal is turned on. Complete with headlights comes a control unit, a set of fasteners and instructions.

Among the advantages of LEDriving FOG 101 headlights, car owners highlighted energy savings and excellent dust and moisture protection characteristics. The only drawback is that it is impossible to replace individual LEDs that have failed.

The manufacturer also offers to get acquainted with the list of car models with which these headlights are compatible. To see the official list, click on the picture below (on the arrow in the upper right corner) and download the opened file.

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If we talk about the headlight installation scheme, then you practically don’t have to interfere with the electrician, so you can do the installation yourself.

Osram LEDriving F1 (LEDFOG201)

Unlike its predecessor, this PTF model costs almost half as much (about 7,000 rubles). What is the reason for such a difference in price?

The diameter of these headlights is 114 mm, and the warranty is given not for 5, but for 3 years. The differences don't end there. According to the specifications on the Osram website, this model does not function as a DRL. However, given that daytime running lights are designed for daytime lighting and must have a color temperature of 5,000 to 6,000 K, then the headlights of this series may well pass for DRL.

Compared to the LEDriving FOG 101, the 201 is not packaged in foam rubber, but in regular cardboard. In this case, the kit contains only a plug for a standard fog light connector and a coupler. If such shortcomings do not scare you, then you can install this cheaper analogue, although in this case you will have to break your head a little about installation. The fact is that there are no additional blocks for these headlights (all electronics are located inside). One connector on the headlight is different, and an additional wire comes from the second headlight. In this case, the manufacturer decided to "get too smart".

In custody

When choosing foglights with built-in running lights, it is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers. Nameless companies offering fakes do not guarantee the quality and compliance with the declared characteristics, therefore, with such "analogues" it may be difficult to pass MOT.