Marker lights - rules of use

Most drivers do not know how to turn on the parking lights according to the rules, although this is not difficult. This piece of lighting equipment is often referred to simply as the dimensions and is designed to increase safety both during parking and when driving in certain conditions.

Paragraphs from the traffic rules regarding marker lights

It is worth remembering that the dimensions are always included with the dipped or rear headlights. Therefore, when using these modes, they work by default and this is a prerequisite. If any of the bulbs burnt out, the inspector has the right to issue a fine, so you should monitor the condition of the equipment and change the failed elements in a timely manner.

Clause 19.1 states that the dimensions must necessarily work on towed vehicles, trailers or semi-trailers when visibility is limited or movement is carried out at night. On the rest of the transport, the regular light should work at the same time.

On the towed vehicle, not only the alarm system must work, but also the dimensions.

Clause 19.3 obliges all participants in the movement to turn on the dimensions if the car stopped on the side of the road without lighting or in poor visibility (in fog, rain or snow). It is not forbidden to turn on additional light - fog lights or headlights, if this will improve the visibility of the car and increase the safety of movement.

For violation of the rules for the use of lighting equipment, a fine of 500 rubles is usually imposed or a warning is issued - at the discretion of the inspector.

When to enable and when not to enable

If the weather is cloudy or it is raining, you can use the dimensions when moving around the city or highway. This, together with the daytime running lights, will improve the visibility of the car, especially from the rear, since there the car is not indicated by anything in such conditions.

According to the traffic rules, side lights must be turned on when stopping or parking in unlit and poorly lit areas. It was for this that at one time the considered version of the equipment was added to the design of the machine. The light sign significantly reduces the risk of an accident, the car can be seen from afar and other drivers can assess its position relative to the roadway. This also applies during daytime if visibility is impaired for any reason.

The rear lights are always red so that drivers understand which side the car is on.

Another mandatory case in which dimensions should be used is towing trailers, semi-trailers and other similar structures.Towing a vehicle also requires the inclusion of dimensions, together with them they usually use an alarm to focus the attention of other drivers.

By the way! In some models, one dimension lights up brighter than the other if the turn signal is turned on in the corresponding direction when stopped. This allows you to even better highlight the car from the side of the roadway. This option is often used in many European models.

Now in the daytime, cars must move with the running lights constantly on, which are located in front. Some drivers include dimensions, but this cannot be done, as they do not provide the necessary visibility and can not serve as a replacement for DRL. In this case, turn on the dipped beam or fog lights.

Read also

Features of DRL according to the rules of the road

 

Also, you can not use only side lights in the dark, as they do not provide sufficient visibility. They must work together with low or high beam headlights.

Video lesson: Light control in a car.

Types of devices and their device

Dimensions come in different types, as vehicles differ in size and design features. There are several groups, each has its own characteristics that you need to know:

1. Standard front. They are also called parking lights or sidelights. Usually located in the low beam ceiling, for this a small power bulb is used, which illuminates the element during parking. In some cars, the gauge is taken out separately or combined with the turn signal.
2. Front LED. In many modern models, the dimensions are realized due to LED elements, which can have a different shape and size. This part has become a recognizable design element that gives individuality. There are no special requirements for brightness on the front elements, since even dim light is clearly visible in the dark.
   LED elements are not only a safety element, but also a part of the car exterior.
3. Rear. They can be both standard and LED, they work all the time when using low beam or high beam. There are no requirements for brightness, but the light must be clearly visible at night and in poor visibility. In this case, the dimensions are part of the rear light and are most often located closer to the outside to indicate the car better.
   Tail lights can also be LED.
4. Side. They can be located in the front or rear or all over the side of the machine, depending on the size of the vehicle. If the length is 6 meters or more, the minimum number of dimensions on the sides must be at least two. But usually more elements are used to better indicate transport.
5. Upper. Also used on large cars and buses to mark the outlines at night and warn other drivers that large vehicles are moving in the same or opposite direction.
6. Side on cab pillars. Used in older cars. Now they almost never meet.
   View of the gauge on the Moskvich 2140

To improve the visibility of trucks and buses, retroreflective elements are often pasted on them.

Read also

Marking and decoding headlights

 

As for the device, there are several features inherent in the side lights:

1. Typically, the system consists of a reflector, a diffuser and a light bulb. Halogen or LED lamps are used as a light source, the second option is preferable, but not suitable for all models. The design can be included in a headlight or a lantern, or it can be separate, there are no strict restrictions.
2. Front and rear dimensions are used in pairs. Therefore, it is necessary to buy the same light bulbs so that the luminous intensity and the angle of propagation of the luminous flux coincide in them.
3. When choosing bulbs for the rear, remember that the parking lights should not shine brighter than a brake light or direction indicators.

This option was used in some older models.

By the way! To use led light bulbs, in modern machines you will have to install the so-called "tricks" so that a notification of a malfunction does not constantly pop up.

Requirements for the colors of marker lights

There are clear guidelines for the colors of the dimensions, which should be followed:

1. It is necessary to install white or yellow bulbs in front, other options are not allowed.
2. Rear lights must always be red. This is usually achieved by a diffuser in the lantern.
3. The side elements are most often yellow, but in some cases they can be red.

Recommended for viewing: Responsibility for the use of multi-colored dimensions.

Dimensions are in the design of all motor vehicles, since their presence is mandatory in all countries. They may differ in design and light source, but always serve for safety when parking and driving in conditions of poor visibility.