How to convert fog lights to daytime running lights. Running lights, dipped beam and fog lights: what does the SDA say and what threatens to violate the rules? Transition to new rules of the road

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 Russian Federation"During daylight hours, all vehicles in motion shall have dipped-beam headlamps or daytime running lamps switched on for the purpose of identifying them." In this regard, many motorists have counter questions, namely: is it possible to use dimensions or PTF instead of DRL and whether this will not 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), so 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 (approximately 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 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!

They tell us that on moving vehicles, according to the rules, daytime running lights or dipped headlights must be 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 Code of Administrative Offenses establishes in two articles penalties for lack of daylight:

1. It says that if the driver simply broke the rules, then he will receive warning or fine.

   This includes the situation when the driver forgot to turn on the light.

2. says that the same fine can be received if the running lights or dipped beam are faulty, this is another violation in which vehicle is prohibited.

   Malfunctions include, for example, broken bulbs or too dirty headlights.

The Rules of the Road indicate that, subject to safety measures, it is possible to drive with these malfunctions to the place of repair or parking. On this issue, the SDA and the Code of Administrative Offenses contradict each other.

Penalty for violation

A car moving without light is hit by two articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses. For driving with the headlights off, the employee has the right to issue a written warning and release the negligent motorist, or may issue a fine in the amount of 500 rubles.

If the running lights or dipped beam are faulty, then driving on such a vehicle is prohibited. The code provides for the same type of punishment: a warning or a fine of 500 rubles.

There are also some nuances associated with running lights:

1. You can get a penalty if drive with running lights in the evening and at night- You should switch to low beam.
2. If fog lights were switched on instead of running lights, you should also remember to switch to low beam when evening comes, otherwise a fine cannot be avoided.
3. The penalty is inevitable if a traffic police officer sees homemade running lights. In vehicles where they are not provided, daytime running lights may be fitted, but this must first be approved.
4. 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 degree of responsibility?

The traffic police officer on the spot decides whether to issue a fine or limit himself to a warning. He looking at the situation how the driver behaves, how often he had violations, other mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Rather the human factor. But at the first such violation, you can count on a written warning.

If the car gets in with the outside lights not on, it automatically becomes the culprit of the accident! Even if he complied with all other traffic rules and was not actually to blame.

Driving without running lights or daytime running lights on automatically creates emergency on road, because the car becomes less visible to other road users.

If the traffic police officer is going to issue a fine, and the driver does not agree, then protocol is written first 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 judicial order if he has arguments in his defense. To do this, in the protocol it is necessary to describe as accurately as possible what the driver does not agree with, what the road conditions were.

It is desirable to provide a photo or video confirming the absence of a violation. In special cases, even a dictaphone recording of a conversation with a traffic police officer can help the driver! The driver has only 10 days to appeal.

Penalties for non-included running lights are small - this is the minimum fine for. But the importance of switched on, and most importantly, correctly switched on lights is very often underestimated by road users.

If the car is without a designating backlight, it can simply be overlooked or misleading other drivers. Such carelessness can lead to serious accidents.

Therefore, for your own safety, never forget to turn on the daytime running lights or low beam- declare your presence on the road!

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, vehicle 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- most effective method 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 it is better at night.

But as an analogue for DRL, in the daytime, you can use half-channel high beam, the option is interesting in that it provides catchiness, and due to incomplete power consumption, 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 species dimensions is not designed for use as a DRL, it is designed for use in foggy weather and poor 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 power 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 size to extreme point 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 only white light lights, for the use of others color schemes you may 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.

Daytime running lights are devices that perform the function of identifying a vehicle. They make the vehicle catchy and expressive, and accordingly, such a car is easier to see in sunny weather. That is, daytime lights are your personal safety.

• Independent DRLs - LED separate modules in the amount of two pieces, which are placed below the car's optics on the bumper or in the radiator grille.
• Dipped beam - it is allowed to use as.
• PTF - can also be used as daytime running lights.

These are the three most popular daylight elements used and differ in many ways. The most effective are, of course, daytime running lights as independent modules, since they better perform the function of marking the car.

Differences between DRL, PTF and low beam

The table shows that independent DRLs have maximum advantages compared to halogen or xenon PTFs and low-profile lighting. Putting once on your car