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, it is allowed to use headlights that shine only white light.
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 to replace 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 the LEDriving FOG 101, the 201 model 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.
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 now has 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 together 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.
The Code of Administrative Offenses provides for a fine for driving without the DRLs on during the daytime. Many European and Scandinavian countries have been using similar practices 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 side lights (headlights) that are used for daytime lighting. There are both standard (installed by the factory) and additionally installed ones. Thanks to the use of such dimensions, the vehicle is better visible to 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 amendments were made to the traffic rules, the number of car accidents in our country decreased by half.
The absence of standard running lights entails drivers using other light sources that are not prohibited by law as an analogue. Let's look at the types and classifications of such analogues.
DRL classification
Driving lights- the most effective way to use. 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 better at night.
But as an analogue for DRLs, in the daytime, you can use the high beam in half a channel; this option is interesting because it provides brightness, and due to partial power use, energy consumption is reduced.
If connected correctly, the high beam can be used by 30%, and the switching on can be made automatic, which is what a large number of motorists use. But you should be extremely careful and attentive, since using high beam headlights requires certain knowledge and qualifications.
Low beam headlights- the most common method, which is used as DRL. Since these headlights do not require additional adjustment or intervention from the driver. Just turn it on and you're good to go. The disadvantage of using low beam is the high energy consumption, which can affect the battery charge. Also, according to the law, the use of low-beam headlights as an analogue of daytime running lights is permitted.
Fog lights– the name speaks for itself, this type of size 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 DRLs is not prohibited.
Additional (independent) headlights– the most ideal option for using dimensions as DRLs. These headlights are designed for daytime lighting. As has already been said, such headlights are not installed standard on many cars, and this is precisely the disadvantage 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 should not be done independently, without experience and skills in this direction. The undoubted advantages are durability, brightness, and minimal energy consumption.
There are lamp and LED variations of additional headlights. An absolute plus, and probably the only one, of lamp products is their low cost. LED running lights have advantages such as low energy consumption, high brightness and long service life. Also, the LED variation is much less blinding to oncoming drivers.
- Philips LED DayLight8
- HELLA LEDayFlex 8,
- Osram Led Riving FOG
- EgoLight DRL-D70/DRL-120Р18
Regulatory requirements for DRL
When choosing DRLs for your car, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the headlights must comply with the standards established by GOST.
- Availability of two dimensions on the vehicle. The headlights must be located on the front of the car; to fully verify this condition, the light emitted by the headlights should not be reflected in mirrors or other mirror surfaces.
- At a height of no less than 25 and no more than 150 centimeters from the ground. A distance of no more than 60 centimeters must be maintained between two headlights. From the overall dimensions to the extreme point of the car - no more than 40 centimeters. The direction of the headlights must be forward.
- The daytime running lights should turn on automatically when the ignition is turned on. It also turns off automatically when the car changes to other dimensions, if necessary.
- It is necessary to observe the angle at which the light will come from. Horizontal plane – 200. Vertical plane – 100. Pay special attention to this point, since this is what drivers most often violate.
- And the main parameter is the use of only white lights; you may be fined for using other colors.
Traffic rules requirements
Let's consider the requirements for daytime running lights, which are established by law and specified in the traffic regulations. On November 20, 2010, an amendment was made that requires the use of DRLs during the daytime. In paragraph 3.3. It also says 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, which we studied above, you may also be subject to 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 you follow all the rules.
Please note that even if you installed the DRL with minor violations, and the traffic police did not notice this, the next technical inspection will reveal that the installation was carried out without permission, and this will entail additional costs.
Responsibility for violating traffic rules
For violating traffic regulations, you can receive a fine of 500 rubles from a traffic police officer, and this is for the absence of one headlight. For the first time you can get off with a warning. Let’s also take a quick look at what other types of violations you can get a fine for.
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.