Marker and running lights: what are their differences
Many drivers do not think about the features of different types of lighting systems. These include running lights and parking lights - the difference between these options is significant and they cannot replace each other. It is important to understand what this equipment is used for and in what conditions it must be used.
What are marker and running lights
Daytime running lights (DRL) are exterior lighting equipment for any type of vehicle. Its purpose is to improve the visibility of the front of the car during daylight hours. The car can be seen much better in any weather, which increases traffic safety.
Dimensions are needed to highlight the car when parking in conditions of poor visibility, as well as at night and during twilight. Their brightness is much lower, this is quite enough to indicate a standing car, in English this option is called "Parking Light".
In this case, different solutions can be used:
- Low beam headlights. This option is most often applicable as DRLs in their absence.Often in such cases, the headlights operate at reduced voltage, which saves electricity and reduces wear on lamps and reflectors, which can fail due to overheating. In some countries, this option is prohibited.
![Marker and running lights: what are their differences]()
Low beam and fog lights are a legitimate alternative to running lights. - Low voltage high beam. This solution is widely used in North American countries. Voltage is applied through a special resistor so that the light intensity does not exceed 1500 candela. Many car manufacturers install this system as standard, so it can be used without any restrictions.
- Fog lights. In Russia, according to the traffic rules, it is allowed to turn on foglights as a replacement for running lights, this ensures good visibility of the vehicle. But in a number of states it is forbidden to turn on the PTF under normal weather conditions.
- Stationary DRL. Separately, this element has become mandatory installed on cars from Scandinavia. Initially, these were headlights with incandescent lamps, but now LED equipment is used with a bright white light that is clearly visible even during the day. At the same time, electricity consumption is minimal, which reduces the load on electrical equipment.
As for the location features, there are several important points:
- The size of lighting equipment should be from 25 to 200 square centimeters according to European rules and from 40 sq.cm. by Russian.
- The brightness of light emission is from 400 to 1200 cd for Europe and from 400 to 800 candela in Russia.
- The installation height of running lights is regulated, they should be located at a level of 25 to 150 cm.
The distance to the edge of the machine must not exceed 40 cm, and between the elements the minimum gap is 60 cm.
The difference between marker and running lights
According to GOST R 41.48-2004, daytime running lights must start working in automatic mode when the ignition is turned on. This is a mandatory requirement in many countries. If there are no separate DRLs, low beam headlights or fog lights can be used. At the same time, the light should be bright enough to provide good visibility both in cloudy weather and on a clear day.
Also, according to GOST, running lights should turn off when the dipped or main beam is turned on. But while driving, they work without fail, regardless of where the vehicle is located - in the city or on the highway. DRLs are not installed on all cars. Older models don't have them at all, but most newer models already have this option.
Marker lights are installed on all vehicles and are used for other purposes. Most often, this is a light bulb of low power, which is located in the low beam headlight, but works separately from it. It is forbidden to use them as a replacement for running lights due to the fact that the brightness of the light is low and the purpose of this element is different.
In some older cars, most often Japanese-made, side parking lights were also installed. They were white and worked both when parked and during parking changes, improving visibility and providing additional security.
Some drivers put bright LED bulbs in the dimensions to use them as a replacement for DRLs. This is prohibited by the rules and entails a fine.
When to include dimensions
Side lights are often referred to as parking lights, according to the rules they are used on standing cars. They must be turned on at night (on sections of roads without lamps is mandatory) and in case of insufficient visibility. This is necessary to make the car visible, to reduce the risk of collision.
The difference between side lights and dipped beam not only in their purpose, but also in brightness. For dimensions, a low-power light bulb is used, which consumes much less electricity and does not drain the battery too quickly. The light is quite dim, but it is clearly visible in the dark.
If white or yellow bulbs are usually placed in front, then the rear dimensions are always red. This is done so that it is clear which side the car is on. This type of light must also be turned on at any time of the day when towing trailers, semi-trailers or disabled vehicles.
parking lights also included during snowfalls and other weather conditions that reduce visibility. In this case, they are used in conjunction with dipped beam, fog lights, etc.
Installing colored light bulbs in the front of the dimensions is prohibited, this can lead to a fine or even deprivation of a driver's license. This also applies to the rear lights, there should be red marker lights.
Understanding the differences between daytime running light and side lights is easy. The main thing is to use each of the options correctly so as not to break the rules.If the car does not have DRL, you can put additional light sources intended for this, this is not prohibited by law.