Features of DRL according to the rules of the road

Knowing the rules for installing DRLs on a car is a must. Failure to comply with the regulations entails a fine, even if the light sources are installed, but with violations of the accepted parameters. Understanding the issue is not difficult, there are only a few requirements, knowing which you can eliminate problems and ensure safe movement during the day.

Penalties for running lights

Requirements for the use of DRLs are prescribed in the traffic rules and any violations can result in a fine. Everything is quite simple here:

1. When driving without running lights or other permitted options, a fine of 500 rubles is imposed. Moreover, if the violation is periodically repeated, the amount will not change, a receipt for 500 rubles will still be issued.
2. If a lamp burns out in one of the light sources or the diode in the LED element fails, you will also have to pay a fine of 500 rubles. Everything is the same as in the paragraph above, in case of repeated violation, the amount will not increase.
3. Another reason for a fine (also in the amount of 500 r) is severe pollution of light sources. If you drive on the highway for a long time in the winter or when a lot of dirt rises from the road, the DRLs get dirty so that they are practically invisible. Therefore, from time to time it is worth stopping and checking this moment.
4. If over the past six months the driver has not had traffic violations, the inspector may limit himself to a warning. It is worth remembering this so that when communicating, focus on the fact that there have been no violations for a very long time.

With new cars, everything is much simpler, since DRLs are included in the headlight design.

By the way! If you pay the issued fine within the first 20 days, there is a 50% discount. That is, when the driver does not delay the payment, he can save 250 rubles, which is also important.

Traffic rules for DRL

In the Rules of the Road, the basic requirements for running lights are spelled out in paragraph 19 it is indicated that when driving during daylight hours, the dipped beam headlights or daytime running lights, if any, in the design must be turned on.

If we consider the comments on the traffic rules and study the recommendations of experts, we can distinguish the following options for lighting devices used in the daytime:

1. Standard running lights.
2. Near world.
3. High beam headlights operating at 30% of power.
4. Fog lights.
5. Turn signals on all the time.

Fog lights are allowed as an alternative to DRLs in Russia, but banned in Europe.

Different models have features for using DRLs, so it’s worth figuring out which option will be optimal.It must be remembered that driving with dimensions is a violation of traffic rules, as well as driving with running lights in the dark. They cannot act as a substitute for low beam in conditions of insufficient visibility.

Related video: Running lights instead of dipped beam.

Requirements for DRL according to GOST

In order not to understand the regulatory documentation, you can study the basic GOST standards, collected in one section:

1. The vehicle must be used two identical light sources. You cannot put one element.
2. Minimum distance between DRLs should not be less than 60 cm. It is this parameter that most often causes difficulties, since the width of passenger cars is small and there is not much space for installation. It is necessary to take measurements in advance in order to choose the best location option, if possible.
3. Location height - not less than 25 cm from ground level and not more than 1.5 m (requirements for buses, trucks and large vehicles). For this reason, running lights must not be placed on the lower edge of the bumper.
4. The light source must be located no further than 40 cm from the edge cars. At the same time, there is no minimum indicator, you can put it anywhere, which is also worth remembering.
5. When installed, the emitter is oriented so that the light is directed straight ahead. Cannot be placed with an offset up, down or to the side.
6. Only sources with white or yellowish light are suitable for use as DRLs. Color options are not allowed. At the same time, there are also requirements for brightness, the minimum should not be less than 100 candela, maximum - not more than 400 cd.
7. Daytime running lights should come on automatically when the ignition is turned on.But it is not forbidden to display them on a separate button, the main thing is don't forget to turn on the light at the start of the movement.
8. Scattering angle in the horizontal plane (outward and inward relative to the position of the DRL) must not exceed 20°. And the angle in the vertical plane is limited to 10 °.

Checking the brightness of the equipment is difficult. Therefore, we can proceed from the fact that running lights should be clearly visible - at least twice as bright as the dimensions.

This diagram will allow you to visually see the basic standards for installing DRLs on a car.

How to install

Many drivers do not know how to install and choose running lights so that they are not fined for violating installation rules. It is not difficult to understand the issue, first of all, you need to take into account the requirements for the location, it is also worth remembering the following tips:

1. It is worth choosing only those options that are certified in the country and can be used as DRLs. Usually, this information is always on the packaging or there is a supporting document. Do not order dubious products from China, as they may not meet the standards.
2. It is best to use models with a control unit that automatically turns on the light when the voltage in the on-board network rises above 13 V. This option is connected directly to the battery, which simplifies the system and makes it reliable.
3. Studying the connection diagram included in the kit is mandatory. The most commonly used standard option is shown below. According to it, you can understand the work even for those who do not have experience in installing DRLs.
4. The location is selected, it all depends on the design of the front of the car and the layout of the lighting equipment.It is important to securely fasten the light sources so that they are directed straight ahead. It is better to choose a model for your car so that the appearance after installation is attractive.

The DRL installation scheme is simple, everything you need is included in the kit.

How to avoid violations when installing running lights on a car

It is worth remembering that if the requirements are not met, any inspector can fine the car owner for violating the rules for using DRLs. This applies primarily to the rules of location. If it is not possible to install light sources in accordance with GOST due to the design features of the front of the car, you need to agree on the installation site and obtain official permission. By providing it, any problems can be ruled out.

It is important to fasten the elements correctly, if there are no suitable niches, cuts are made in the bumper exactly to the size of the body. Fasteners are placed from the inside, as a result, a neat version is obtained, almost no different from the factory one.

You should not change the circuit, the easiest way is when the lights turn on automatically when the engine starts. LED elements consume little energy, so there will be no unnecessary load on the system.

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Installing a DRL is not difficult if you understand the issue and follow the location standards established by law. The main thing is to connect the system correctly, close the connections with heat shrink. And if you do not want to put running lights, you must make it a rule to always turn on the dipped beam at the beginning of the movement.