Good afternoon, dear reader.
This article will review the rules of the road that apply to the use of vehicle headlights and lights in various driving situations.
Lighting devices are designed both to illuminate the road ahead of the car (to avoid collision with an obstacle) and to indicate the car itself (to avoid collision with other vehicles).
Unfortunately, many drivers do not know the rules for using headlights and flashlights, and therefore do not use all the opportunities provided to them.
- in good visibility;
- at night on an unlit road;
External car lights
At the beginning of this article, a few words about what external lighting devices a car may have. This information is primarily intended for those who are studying at a driving school and do not yet understand what these or other headlights or lanterns are intended for.
Note. The topic “lighting devices” is one of the most difficult in a driving school, because... It is difficult for a driver candidate who has never driven before to remember the similar names of light devices and the rules for their use.
parking lights
Dimensions are small light devices located approximately at the corners of the car (4 pieces in total). They do not shine very brightly and are primarily designed so that drivers of other cars can understand in the dark where your car begins and ends.
As a rule, the car is designed in such a way that when you turn on the low or high beam headlights, the dimensions turn on automatically. That is, low beam without side lights does not work.
Daytime Running Lights
DRLs are light devices in the front of the car (2 pieces), which shine quite brightly. They are designed to improve visibility of the car from the front during daylight hours.
Daytime running lights should not be used at night because... at night, they can blind oncoming drivers due to their high brightness. However, they do not illuminate the road.
In 2021, most cars are equipped with daytime running lights, but such lights are quite rare on cars manufactured before 2010.
Low and high beam headlights
Low beam (2 bulbs) and high beam (2 bulbs) headlights are the main lighting devices that are designed to illuminate the road in front of the car.
In this case, the low beam illuminates the area directly in front of the car, and the high beam illuminates a more distant area. It makes sense to use low beam at low speeds, high beam at higher speeds.
Fog lights
PTF - 2 headlights in the front bumper of a car, designed to illuminate the road in poor visibility conditions.
Fog lights are optional for 2021, so not all vehicle trim levels have them. That is, the car may not have PTF.
Fog light
Fog light - a red light at the rear of the vehicle, designed to improve visibility of the vehicle in poor visibility conditions. This light device is very bright and in good weather it can blind drivers of cars behind.
This lamp is required to be installed on all cars.
Installation and use rules
There are special rules in accordance with which installation is carried out. It is required to carefully study all the main subtleties that in one way or another affect this point.
The main regulatory document regulating this moment is GOST R 41.48-2004. Section No. 6.19 describes all the main points in sufficient detail. It reflects the standards within which all work must be carried out.
It is the angle of inclination of the light-emitting devices that deserves special attention:
- in the horizontal plane the deviation should be 200;
- in vertical – 100.
It is these requirements that are most often violated by drivers during installation. Moreover, traffic police officers pay the most attention to him.
There are also some fixed distances that the installation must fit within. The dimensions look like this:
Moreover, switching on and off must be performed automatically when the engine starts. This rule applies to cars manufactured after 2012. It is determined by clause 6.19.7 GOST.
Moreover, the connection diagram must provide for the moment when the DRLs are turned off when the headlights are turned on. Previously, the use of daytime lights on cars was not required.
Moreover, the adoption of relevant amendments to legislation has taken place relatively recently. It was only in November 2010 that application became mandatory.
Failure to comply will result in severe fines. Its size is determined by the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
Who is prohibited from driving on the sidewalk according to traffic regulations is explained in the article: sidewalk according to traffic regulations. Is it allowed to transport children on a motorcycle according to traffic regulations? Read here.
Driving during daylight hours
In good visibility
When driving during daylight hours, the vehicle must have one of the following lights on:
- low beam;
- Daytime Running Lights;
- fog lights;
If the car has all the listed devices, then it makes sense to use DRL. These lights are brighter and use less electricity.
When driving, the following can also be turned on:
- parking lights.
It is prohibited to use:
- fog lamp.
In case of insufficient visibility
One of the following lighting fixtures must be used:
- low beam headlights;
- high beam headlights.
In this case, the main beam cannot be used:
- in populated areas on illuminated roads;
- when oncoming vehicles pass;
- when blinding drivers of passing or oncoming cars.
Additionally, the car may include:
- fog lights;
- fog lamp;
- parking lights;
- Daytime Running Lights.
Note. The rear fog light is specifically designed for use in conditions of poor visibility, but in practice no more than 10 percent of drivers use it. The rest, apparently, do not know the relevant rules.
Can a traffic cop fine you for PTF instead of DRL?
For using fog lights, motorists are often fined 500 rubles under Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Explaining their actions, traffic cops refer to clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, which does not say that in daylight you can use fog lights instead of DRLs.
However, advanced motorists know that paragraph 19.4 of the traffic rules states when you can turn on the PTF. According to the law, fog lights are used in the following cases:
- in case of poor visibility on the road;
- at night;
- instead of daytime running lights or low beam lights.
Thus, using fog lights during the day is quite legal, since their brightness is enough to attract attention.
In this regard, traffic police officers do not have the right to fine the driver. If a citizen knows the rules and skillfully operates with them, the traffic cops simply wish him a good trip and let him go.
According to the rules of the road, drivers are required to drive with their running lights turned on to attract attention to their vehicle. However, not all motorists have this opportunity, so many use fog lights.
Driving in the dark
One of the following lighting fixtures must be used:
- low beam headlights;
- high beam headlights.
In this case, the main beam cannot be used:
- in populated areas on illuminated roads;
- when oncoming vehicles pass;
- when blinding drivers of passing or oncoming cars.
Additionally you can use:
- fog lights;
- fog lamp (only in case of poor visibility);
- parking lights.
Selection requirements
The choice of source is determined primarily by the design of the car itself. Many modern vehicles require the installation of standard devices. Moreover, the mode of use is indicated on a special panel of the machine.
Thanks to the use of such equipment, rather than low-beam headlights, it is possible to save quite a lot of money. But cars of early years of production were not equipped with this.
Therefore, you have to use low beam to solve the problem of visibility. You need to familiarize yourself in advance with exactly how the installation process is carried out and calculate the load. Since some generators may simply not cope with the presence of an additional consumer.
Therefore, it is important to consult with a specialist. This is the only way to avoid standard mistakes - which often occur.
It is important to note the need to comply with all aspects of the use of additional consumers. If there are certain types of malfunctions, the car will not be operated at all.
A complete list of faults is reflected in a special document. It is determined by clause 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
This section contains a complete list of malfunctions that prevent the vehicle from being operated. For example, it is prohibited to install lighting devices whose mode does not meet the requirements.
It should be noted that if there are any, traffic police inspectors can simply confiscate the car. You will also need to pay for parking fines and car towing.
The main provisions imply deprivation of rights for a period of 6 to 12 months. Drivers of public transport should be especially careful. When transporting large, oversized cargo.
If the installation is carried out independently, then you should adhere to the following diagram:
Separately, you need to dwell on self-made light sources. Since incorrect assembly and connection may cause problems with electrical wiring.
Some manufacturers of additional equipment have proven themselves to be good. For example, this applies to Philips. First of all, they are distinguished by their ease of installation and are well suited for various brands of vehicles.
Many models are also equipped with a shock-resistant case. Which will be especially serious in the conditions of modern road surfaces. The only drawback is the high cost.
But at the same time, the devices are of high quality. That's why you shouldn't save money. The cost can range from 60 to 100% per pair.
The installation kit looks like this:
Stopping and parking a car
At night on an unlit road
Must be included:
- parking lights.
It is prohibited to use:
- fog lamp.
Other lighting devices can be used.
In case of insufficient visibility (during dark or daylight)
Must be included:
- parking lights.
Other lights, including the rear fog lamp, may be used.
Is it possible to install running lights yourself according to traffic regulations?
Self-installation is allowed - as in specialized services. But it is important to note that it is necessary to comply with some installation requirements. In the absence of any violations, traffic police officers will not have any claims against the driver or owner.
When installing, you must comply with GOST requirements. The main ones primarily include this:
- a certain distance of 600 mm must be maintained from the edge of the body to the device;
- in some cases, it is possible to reduce the distance to 400 mm;
- from the ground level to the elements should be in the range of 250-1500 mm;
- the forward direction is mandatory, the location must be on the front of the car body - in accordance with clause 6.19.4.3.
Compliance with these requirements can be checked directly on the road by traffic police inspectors. This point needs to be worked out in advance.
Punishment for turning off headlights
It is worth noting that using a car on the road without such devices is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles. At the same time, it is not allowed to make serious changes to the design of the car itself, as well as certain violations - the angle of inclination, etc.
In some cases, deprivation of a driver's license is expected for a period of 6 months. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with all such nuances and factors in advance.
Knowing the rules will not only help you avoid problems during installation, but also other difficulties. For example, regarding attempts by traffic police officers to apply pressure when stopping. Many drivers simply do not know their rights. Which leads to certain troubles and difficulties.
It is important to understand all GOSTs in advance, as well as study traffic rules. When and with what malfunctions the machine is not allowed to be operated.
There is a fairly wide list of various features and nuances directly related to the use of DRLs, as well as the purchase and installation of such devices.
It is very important to work out in advance all the main points and subtleties that are in one way or another related to the design. It is best to contact a special service station to port additional devices.
The “Give way” sign at an intersection is described in the article: give way according to traffic rules. About the dedicated lane for public transport, see the page.
What a driver must have in a car according to traffic regulations, find out from this information.
Are there any changes in 2021
It is imperative to constantly monitor changes in regulations regarding DRL in 2021.
Basic moments:
- it is not allowed to violate the integrity of the machine’s structure during installation;
- limited angle of location;
- Installation of xenon is possible only in specialized workshops.
All requirements regarding accommodation remained standard. The 2021 edition of the traffic rules does not contain any changes regarding DRLs.
