What are marker lights and why are they needed

Side lights are part of the vehicle lighting system and are available in all models without exception. This option is used in certain conditions to reduce the risk of accidents and to indicate a vehicle that is parked on the side of the road and in other places with insufficient lighting.

Definition of the term

Side lights are low power light sources that are located in the front and rear of the car. And in freight transport, buses and some models of cars, they can be on the sides. The main purpose is the safety of transport when driving in conditions of insufficient visibility or when parking near the carriageway.

Side lights must be switched on when stopping on unlit sections of roads.

This element of equipment is on all cars, since its presence is provided for by the legislation of all states.The configuration and execution may vary, there is only one requirement - the designation of the dimensions of the car (where the name came from), so that other drivers correctly assess its dimensions and maintain a safe distance.

In older cars, the dimensions were often set separately.

Side lights are switched on at dusk, in conditions of insufficient visibility (fog, rain, snowfall, etc.), and their use is also mandatory when driving through tunnels. In addition, they start working automatically when you turn on the dipped or main beam.

You can apply dimensions in conjunction with any type of light, there are no restrictions on this.

What are marker lights for?

The main purpose that was originally conceived for this type of lighting was to designate a car standing on the side of the road. That is, a dim light draws the attention of other road users and allows them to see a stopped vehicle from afar. It is mandatory to turn on the dimensions from the twilight period until the morning time, when visibility returns to normal.

But they are also used during the day, as this increases traffic safety, although during this period the light is not seen so well, especially if the weather is clear. Due to the use of low power bulbs in the system, they do not put the battery so hard. But if you leave the car for a long time (for example, for a day), then you can put the battery in, so leaving the dimensions turned on on a muffled car for more than a few hours is not recommended.

LED dimensions are good low power consumption.

On trucks and other large vehicles, this type of illumination serves to indicate the size of vehicles in conditions of insufficient visibility.There are most often many more light bulbs installed, they are located both in the lower and in the upper part. Requirements for power and features of the installation differ in different countries, but in general they are approximately the same.

Often drivers use dimensions as a replacement for running lights. This is wrong and contrary to traffic rules, a fine can be imposed for this. Therefore, for driving during daylight hours, it is worth using dipped headlights, high beams with reduced power supply or fog lights (in Europe they cannot be used as an alternative to daytime running lights).

Some drivers put bright LED bulbs in the dimensions to improve visibility and use them as running lights. This is also prohibited and may result in both a fine and deprivation of rights for a period of six months to a year.

Where are

The arrangement of dimensions is usually standard, but there are features in cars of certain brands. The standard is the location in the headlights and taillights, while there are several features that are shown in the photo.

The standard version, which is a low-power bulb located in the headlight together with a dipped or main beam.

In modern cars, dimensions are most often implemented in the form of LED backlighting. It not only consumes little electricity, but also performs a decorative function, making this or that brand recognizable.

In the rear lights, the dimensions are always red. They can be either in the form of a light bulb under a red diffuser or in the form of an LED module.

In trucks, light sources are located not only from below, but also from above, as well as from the side. To enhance the effect, reflective elements are also glued on the surface.

And buses should also be equipped with additional lights so that drivers can assess the dimensions of the transport from afar.

Varieties of marker lights

There are several main options, depending on the location and requirements that apply to each species. The most common types are:

1. Front. They are installed in the headlight housing, but in some older models they were located separately. This option is subject to the following requirements: the light bulb must be of low brightness white or yellow, this also applies to LED equipment. This is necessary so that drivers understand that this is the front of a standing or moving car. Sometimes the dimensions are taken out in a separate element or combined with a turn signal (as in the domestic "Niva").
2. The rear ones are located in the lamps, most often closer to the edge of the car. They should be red, this is the generally accepted way to designate the rear of the car. There is no requirement for brightness, the main thing is that the light is clearly visible in the dark. There may also be options with a separate layout, this also does not violate the rules.
3. Side parking lights were put on Japanese cars in the 80s. They had white light and were needed not only to highlight the stern of the car, but also to increase safety when parking and reversing at night.
4. Parking lights on cab pillars. Used in some older models and were yellow for better visibility. Today they are found in some modifications of minibuses, minivans and light trucks.
   Rack "Moskvich 2140"
5. Side marker lights yellow or orange.They are installed on trucks, buses and other large vehicles in order to highlight the outlines and avoid collisions at night.
   Lateral dimensions in a truck.
6. Upper dimensions are also used on large vehicles. Features of their use differ from the standard ones and are regulated by special rules.

Several varieties can be used in one vehicle, there are no restrictions in this regard.

How to use correctly

Article 19.3 of the Rules of the Road of the Russian Federation determines that all cars and other vehicles, when stopping or parking in unlit areas in the dark, must turn on the parking lights. This also applies to daylight hours if visibility is limited due to fog or precipitation.

On a stationary car, you can also turn on additional sources - fog lights, low beam, etc. There are no restrictions on this, if visibility is very low, dimensions alone may not be enough.

Read also

Marker and running lights: what are their differences

 

Also, the option under consideration must be turned on on trailers and semi-trailers during their movement and on vehicles when towing (in this case, an alarm is additionally used).

As for liability, a fine of 500 rubles can be issued for parking in an unlit area without parking lights. Moreover, there is no separate article on this matter, the penalty is imposed on violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices.

For color dimensions, they can be fined or even deprived of their rights.

Do not use dimensions as a replacement for running lightsYou can also be fined for this.It is forbidden to put colored bulbs in the headlights, it is also impossible to put bright light sources in front to improve visibility, they can even deprive you of your license for this. The back color must be red, other options are not allowed.

It is not necessary to turn on the light option under consideration when parking on an illuminated section of the road or parking lot.

Marker lights need to be used in certain cases, they cannot be an alternative to DRLs, this is important to remember. It is necessary from time to time to check the health of the light sources in order to change the failed light bulbs. Usually this is not difficult to do, the main thing is to know what type of lamps are installed. The dimensions must be turned on separately, they do not start working when the key is turned, like running lights.