Several 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 during the day and in the evening. At first, drivers made do with daytime running lights, but their use turned out to be irrational, since in traffic jams there was a risk of draining the car’s battery, and the light from such light elements did not meet GOST requirements. In this regard, DRLs (DRLs) appeared on store shelves, which differ in the direction of the light beam, making the vehicle much more visible on the road.
According to traffic regulations, 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 PTFs, which are not bright enough. In addition, the color of the light in fog lights is usually yellow, and according to GOST, when driving in the daytime, the use of headlights that shine only with white light is allowed.
Due to numerous shortcomings, it is easier for car owners to choose DRLs that will be installed as separate modules than to rack their brains about how to pass the GTO. However, today such lighting elements as fog lights with daytime running lights have appeared on the market, which are not yet offered to consumers by all companies specializing in automotive optics.
Manufacturers of PTF with DRL
Speaking about manufacturers of PTFs with DRLs, we will not consider Chinese products from nameless companies, which can be found in huge quantities in 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 approach the issue more seriously, today there are 2 companies that occupy leading positions 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, which can be purchased in the Russian Federation. Such pleasure will cost about 16,000 rubles, but if you consider 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 provides a guarantee of up to 5 years for its products.
The range of universal lamps is still quite meager and is represented by Osram LEDriving FOG 101 headlights; many car enthusiasts also purchase products from the LEDriving FOG 201 series. Let's look at the features of these headlights.
Osram LEDriving FOG 101
LED headlights with a diameter of 90 mm are suitable as a replacement for conventional round halogen fog lights. The LEDriving FOG 101 lens is made of high-quality shock-resistant polymer material, and the body is made of aluminum alloy. The headlights of this series are three devices in one: fog lights, running lights and a section for illuminating the turning angle. 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. The headlights come complete with 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 disadvantage is that it is impossible to replace failed individual LEDs.
The manufacturer also offers to familiarize yourself with the list of car models with which these headlights are compatible. To view the official list, click on the picture below (on the arrow in the upper right corner) and download the file that opens.
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If we talk about the headlight installation scheme, then there is practically no need to interfere with the electrical system, so installation can be done independently.
Osram LEDriving F1 (LEDFOG201)
Unlike its predecessor, this PTF model costs almost twice as much (about 7,000 rubles). What is the reason for this 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, if you consider that daytime running lights are designed for illumination during the daytime and must have a color temperature of 5,000 to 6,000 K, then the headlights of this series may well pass for DRLs.
Compared to LEDriving FOG 101, model 201 is packed not in foam rubber, but in regular cardboard. In this case, the kit contains only a plug for the standard foglight 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 rack your brains a little about the installation. The fact is that there are no additional units for these headlights (all the 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 “overdo it.”
In custody
When choosing fog lights with built-in running lights, it is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers. Nameless companies offering counterfeits do not guarantee quality and compliance with the stated characteristics, so with such “analogs” difficulties may arise when passing maintenance.
They tell us that according to the rules, moving vehicles must have daytime running lights or low beam headlights on, which will clearly indicate the car on the roadway.
allows drivers to use fog lights during the day instead of running lights or low beam headlights.
The Administrative Code establishes in two articles penalties for lack of daylight:
- It is said that if the driver simply violated the rules, then he will receive warning or fine.
This could include a situation where the driver forgot to turn on the light.
- says that the same fine can be received if the running lights or low beams are faulty, this is another violation in which operation of the vehicle is prohibited.
Faults include, for example, light bulbs not working or headlights being too dirty.
The Traffic Rules indicate that, subject to safety precautions, you can drive with these faults to a repair site or parking lot. In this matter, the Traffic Regulations and the Code of Administrative Offenses contradict each other.
Punishment for violation
A car driving without lights falls under two articles of the Administrative Code. For driving with the headlights not on, the employee has the right to give a written warning and release the negligent motorist, and may issue a fine of 500 rubles.
If the running lights or low beams are faulty, then driving such a vehicle is prohibited. The Code provides for the same type of punishment: warning or fine of 500 rubles.
There are also several nuances associated with running lights:
- You can receive a fine if drive with running lights in the evening and at night- You should switch to low beam.
- If fog lights were turned on instead of running lights, you should also remember to switch to low beam when evening comes, otherwise a fine cannot be avoided.
- The fine is inevitable if a traffic police officer sees homemade running lights. In vehicles that do not have them, you can install daytime running lights, but you must first obtain permission to do so.
- If the running lights are not installed correctly and blind other drivers, this also falls under the article. There is a standard that describes exactly how these lights should be configured - GOST R 41.48-2004.
Who determines the level of responsibility?
The traffic police officer decides on the spot whether to issue a fine or limit himself to a warning. He looks at the situation how the driver behaves, how often he had violations, other mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
It's more of a human factor. But for the first such violation, you can count on a written warning.
If a car gets into a car with the exterior lights not turned on, it automatically becomes the culprit of the accident! Even if he complied with all other traffic rules and was not actually at fault.
Driving without running lights or daytime running lights turned on automatically creates an emergency situation on the road, because the car becomes less noticeable to other road users.
If the traffic police officer is going to issue a fine, but the driver does not agree, then first the protocol is written, and then a decision is made.
The driver has the right to challenge the decision of the traffic police officer in the traffic police department or in court, if he has arguments in his defense. To do this, the protocol must describe as accurately as possible what the driver disagrees with and what the road conditions were.
It is advisable to provide a photo or video, confirming the absence of a violation. In special cases, even a voice recorder recording of a conversation with a traffic police officer can help the driver! The driver is given only 10 days to challenge.
Penalties for not turning on running lights are small - this is minimum fine for. But the importance of switched on, and most importantly, correctly switched on lights is very often underestimated by road users.
If a car does not have illumination, it can simply not be noticed or be misleading to other drivers. Such carelessness can lead to serious accidents.
Therefore, for your own safety, never forget to turn on your daytime running lights or low beams- make your presence known on the road!
Good afternoon, dear readers.
I think that you have already heard many times that from November 20, 2010 they will come into force and that from this moment on it will be necessary to use Daytime Running Lights.
However, in this article I will not consider the changes in the rules for the use of lighting devices themselves. We will talk about how you can use lighting devices before November 20, and how - after this date.
Those. We'll talk about the best way to transition from driving with your low beams off to driving with your lights on. Let me remind you that there are already less than three months left before these changes to the rules come into force, so it’s time to think about studying and implementing them.
I warn you right away that in this article we will consider the use of lighting devices only in daylight hours.
Use of lighting devices until November 20, 2010
Currently, when driving during daylight hours, some categories of vehicles must turn on low beam headlights. This is evidenced by the paragraph:
19.5. When driving during daylight hours, in order to indicate a moving vehicle, the 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;
- when transporting dangerous, large and heavy cargo;
- when towing motor vehicles (on a towing vehicle);
- when driving outside populated areas.
Please note that the vehicles listed must use low beam headlights. However, this does not mean that other vehicles cannot do the same.
The use of fog lights is described in:
19.4.
- in conditions of insufficient visibility, both separately and with low or high beam headlights;
- instead of low beam headlights in the conditions provided for in paragraph 19.5 of the Rules.
Please note, fog lights can be used. Those. may or may not be used. Accordingly, even if your car is equipped with fog lights, you may never turn them on. Conversely, you can always drive with your fog lights on.
As for daytime running lights, the current version of the traffic rules does not talk about them at all. Well, since this type of lighting device turns on simultaneously with the car engine starting, there is no need to remember about it at all.
Let's summarize. Currently, during daylight hours, lights must be turned on only on vehicles listed in paragraph 19.5. Other vehicles can also turn them on as needed.
Use of lighting devices after November 20, 2010
After November 20, 2010, the text of paragraph 19.5 of the traffic rules will be significantly reduced, however, the group of vehicles that it will cover will increase significantly:
19.5. During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on to indicate them.
Now low beam headlights must be on on all vehicles at all times. He also had an alternative - the use of daytime running lights, which are always on anyway.
As for fog lights, paragraph 19.4 has undergone minor changes:
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.
Therefore, fog lights are also an alternative to low beam.
Let's summarize. After November 20, 2010, each vehicle must have at least one of the following lights on: low beam, daytime running lights, fog lights.
We are switching to new traffic rules
In this part of the article, we will look at how it is better for drivers of various cars to switch to the new traffic rules.
The owners are the luckiest cars with daytime running lights. They don't need to think about anything at all. They can drive under the same rules both before and after November 20.
Although in fact the situation of such cars will even improve, because they will no longer be required to turn on low beams outside the city, when towing, etc.
That is, in such a car you can simply get behind the wheel and drive without thinking about using lights.
The same drivers whose cars not equipped with daytime running lights, it is recommended to switch to new ones as follows.
Approximately 10-15 days before November 20, 2010 i.e. On November 5-10, you need to start using low beam headlights when driving during the day. You can also use fog lights. The choice depends on your preferences.
If there are those interested, they can start using low beam headlights or PTF now; existing rules do not prohibit this.
First of all, let's turn to the main road law -. 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 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 have either low-beam headlights, fog lights, or daytime running lights 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?
Let's say you're buying a car, new or used, and want to determine whether it has DRLs. Running lights are fundamentally different from conventional side lights, both in their greater brightness and mode of operation. Even if the car’s lighting control is in the “OFF” position, when the engine starts, the DRLs light up themselves, and when the headlights are turned on, they either reduce their brightness or turn off completely.
Light and law
Although the Rules have put everything in its place, many motorists who do not yet have standard DRLs are trying. What is the reason? The fact is that the need to burn low beam lamps all day can lead to the fact that you are much more likely (especially if your light sources are halogen) to be left with one functioning headlight. And then any inspector on the road at night can stop such a one-eyed car, fine the driver, and even prohibit further movement. And he will be right! According to paragraph 2.3.1, “it is prohibited to drive with the headlights and tail lights off (absent) in the dark or in conditions of insufficient visibility.”
In other words, either learn to change it in the dark, under the snow, in the cold, and quickly, like assembling a Kalashnikov assault rifle, or take care of the low-beam headlight bulbs. Therefore, during the day I advise you to drive with fog lights or DRLs. The owner can install the latter independently or in a car service center, but the requirements for the placement and brightness of such lights must be met.
What not to do:
- Installation of LED lamps in colorless turn signal lamps, which glow brightly white while driving, until the turn signal is switched on. Then they start flashing orange. Due to the use of LEDs, the idea may fail when meeting with.
- The use of an electronic unit, which, when starting the engine, turns on the high beam lamps (or high beam spirals in combined lamps) with a reduced (40–70% of the nominal) brightness. The headlights are located above the foglights and are therefore better visible. Traffic police officers are unlikely to distinguish them from simply burning low-beam headlights, especially if double-filament lamps of the H4 type are used. And they should not blind oncoming drivers due to reduced brightness. And, naturally, as soon as you turn on the low beam headlights, all the above functions should be disabled.
- Installing powerful LED bulbs instead of “dimensions” (weak incandescent light bulbs). Then it’s enough to turn on the “dimensions” and all problems are solved? Not certainly in that way! Firstly, there may be problems with the traffic police, and secondly, with this mode of use in the car, quite a lot of lamps will be on on the instrument panel and on the rear of the car. And, let me remind you, the side lights in the back will burn and burn out, for which the inspector can arrange for you to spend the night in an open field if the lamp does not light and you do not know how to change it.
I highly recommend (unless you have a system for automatically turning on the lights during the day): mark your car in some way, because surrounding drivers and pedestrians are already accustomed to the fact that the car on the road is quite clearly marked with the help of lighting devices. Therefore, vehicles with unlit lighting equipment are perceived as a kind of ghost that may not be noticed.
And further. switch the DRL to low beam. I have repeatedly seen how the traffic police crew was waiting for drivers who were too lazy to do this at the exit of the tunnel. And remember that you cannot drive around the clock with the DRLs on, because when darkness falls, your car will become a ghost for those driving behind - the side lights in the lanterns do not light up. And the light from the DRLs themselves at night will not be enough to illuminate the way.
I am glad to welcome everyone to our website! Today in the "" section we'll talk about this: isn't it a violation of traffic rules to use fog lights (FTL) instead of daytime running lights (DRLs) 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, low beam headlights or daytime running lights must be turned on on all moving vehicles for the purpose of identifying them.” In this regard, many motorists had counter-questions, namely: is it possible to use dimensions or PTF instead of DRLs and whether this would be a violation of the rules, which could 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 the running lights, and even more so the low beam, during daylight hours? The fact is that studies have shown that when driving along the highway at high speeds, drivers react better to vehicles with DRLs or low beam headlights on. This allows you to notice approaching vehicles in time and perform the maneuver in time. In general, in a word, turning on the lights during the day is aimed at reducing accidents that occur during the daytime.
We seem to have sorted this out, but what about the differences between DRLs or side lights?
The problem is that the design of modern headlights sometimes seriously confuses car owners, who themselves do not fully understand that they have turned on the running lights or headlights. Why is this so critical? Yes, because DRLs are allowed to be used as a light source; this will not be a violation and will not entail penalties. What can’t be said about the “dimensions”; you can’t use them instead of daytime running lights, as well as low beam headlights! That's why this point is very important.
Why are side lights banned, what’s wrong with them? The fact is that “dimensions”, unlike DRLs, serve to designate a vehicle in the dark, but in the daytime they are of little use. The light they emit is not enough during the daytime, because it is very weak and invisible (power is about 5 Watts), so they are prohibited from being used instead of low beams, as well as daytime running lights. Brightness according to GOST (GOST R 41.48-2004) should be in the range from 400 to 800 candelas.
It would seem that everything is simple: there are no daytime running lights - turn on the low lights and live in peace... But, not everything is so simple. The fact is that constantly switched on low beam leads to premature failure of 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 not pleased anyone lately... In short, whatever one may say, it is not profitable to drive with the low beam always on.
What about fog lights, can they be used instead of low beams and DRLs?
This question turns out to be of concern to many and here’s why. The fact is that not everyone has daytime running lights; as we found out, you can’t drive with the lights on, and turning on the low lights is not profitable from an economic point of view. But everyone has a mailbox, and 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 traffic rules.
clause 9.4. 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.
The only caveat is that on some cars, fog lights work exclusively in conjunction with low beam headlights, so many refuse this alternative to daytime running lights.
Let's sum it up
As you can see, there is a way out. You can drive the middle one if you are not too worried about fuel consumption and the depletion of light bulbs. You can also use PTF if they are installed on your car, this will not be a violation of the rules and you will not have any questions from the inspectors. The third option is to install daytime running lights. DRLs consume significantly less energy compared to low beam headlights, as well as PTF, while they shine brighter than their dimensions and are clearly visible at any time of the day - therefore they are the most profitable and acceptable option!