Several years ago, special changes were made to the traffic rules and technical regulations, according to which, since 2010, all car owners are required to turn on the appropriate optics when driving on the roadway both during the day and in the evening. At first, drivers made do with daytime running lights, but their use turned out to be irrational, since in traffic jams there was a risk of draining the car’s battery, and the light from such light elements did not meet GOST requirements. In this regard, DRLs (DRLs) appeared on store shelves, which differ in the direction of the light beam, making the vehicle much more visible on the road.

According to traffic regulations, fog lights can be used instead of daytime running lights, but only if they meet certain standards. And, as you know, halogen lamps are most often installed in PTFs, which are not bright enough. In addition, the color of the light in fog lights is usually yellow, and according to GOST, when driving in the daytime, it is allowed to use headlights that shine only white light.

Due to numerous shortcomings, it is easier for car owners to choose DRLs that will be installed as separate modules than to rack their brains about how to pass the GTO. However, today such lighting elements as fog lights with daytime running lights have appeared on the market, which are not yet offered to consumers by all companies specializing in automotive optics.

Manufacturers of PTF with DRL

Speaking about manufacturers of PTFs with DRLs, we will not consider Chinese products from nameless companies, which can be found in huge quantities in online stores offering goods for every taste. Such “super-bright” daytime running lights will cost about 7,000 rubles, and according to representatives of the portals, they will perform a myriad of functions.

If we approach the issue more seriously, today there are 2 companies that occupy leading positions in the production of high-quality optics for cars - these are Osram and Philips. The latter does not yet offer such universal lamps, and Osram, on the contrary, is almost the only company that produces high-quality PTFs with DRLs, which can be purchased in the Russian Federation. Such pleasure will cost about 16,000 rubles, but if you consider that the products are branded and will last 10 times longer than their Chinese counterparts, then such costs are justified. At the same time, Osram provides a guarantee of up to 5 years for its products.

The range of universal lamps is still quite meager and is represented by Osram LEDriving FOG 101 headlights; many car enthusiasts also purchase products from the LEDriving FOG 201 series. Let's look at the features of these headlights.

Osram LEDriving FOG 101

LED headlights with a diameter of 90 mm are suitable as a replacement for conventional round halogen fog lights. The LEDriving FOG 101 lens is made of high-quality shock-resistant polymer material, and the body is made of aluminum alloy. The headlights of this series are three devices in one: fog lights, running lights and a section for illuminating the turning angle. The color temperature of the PTF is 6000 K at a power of 20 W, and the DRL is 5200 K at a power of 14 W. Product warranty - 5 years.

Daytime running lights turn on when the engine is started, and turn off as soon as the dimensions or PTF are activated. The backlight, thanks to the adaptive cornering light function, is automatically activated when the turn signal is turned on. The headlights come complete with a control unit, a set of fasteners and instructions.

Among the advantages of LEDriving FOG 101 headlights, car owners highlighted energy savings and excellent dust and moisture protection characteristics. The only disadvantage is that it is impossible to replace failed individual LEDs.

The manufacturer also offers to familiarize yourself with the list of car models with which these headlights are compatible. To view the official list, click on the picture below (on the arrow in the upper right corner) and download the file that opens.

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If we talk about the headlight installation scheme, then there is practically no need to interfere with the electrical system, so installation can be done independently.

Osram LEDriving F1 (LEDFOG201)

Unlike its predecessor, this PTF model costs almost twice as much (about 7,000 rubles). What is the reason for this difference in price?

The diameter of these headlights is 114 mm, and the warranty is given not for 5, but for 3 years. The differences don't end there. According to the specifications on the Osram website, this model does not function as a DRL. However, if you consider that daytime running lights are designed for illumination during the daytime and must have a color temperature of 5,000 to 6,000 K, then the headlights of this series may well pass for DRLs.

Compared to LEDriving FOG 101, model 201 is packed not in foam rubber, but in regular cardboard. In this case, the kit contains only a plug for the standard foglight connector and a coupler. If such shortcomings do not scare you, then you can install this cheaper analogue, although in this case you will have to rack your brains a little about the installation. The fact is that there are no additional units for these headlights (all the electronics are located inside). One connector on the headlight is different, and an additional wire comes from the second headlight. In this case, the manufacturer decided to “overdo it.”

In custody

When choosing fog lights with built-in running lights, it is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers. Nameless companies offering counterfeits do not guarantee quality and compliance with the stated characteristics, therefore, with such “analogues” difficulties may arise when passing maintenance.

First of all, let's turn to the main road law -. So, paragraph 19.5 states: “During daylight hours, low-beam headlights or daytime running lights must be turned on on all moving vehicles for the purpose of identifying them.” At the same time, the Rules clearly allow one possibility of replacing the low beam - clause 19.4. allows the use of fog lights instead of low beam headlights.

Thus, during the day you have either low-beam headlights, fog lights, or daytime running lights in front. There is no mention in the traffic rules that there are enough side lights during the day.

How to distinguish side lights from DRLs?

Let's say you're buying a car, new or used, and want to determine whether it has DRLs. Running lights are fundamentally different from conventional side lights, both in their greater brightness and mode of operation. Even if the car’s lighting control is in the “OFF” position, when the engine starts, the DRLs light up themselves, and when the headlights are turned on, they either reduce their brightness or turn off completely.

Light and law

Although the Rules have put everything in its place, many motorists who do not yet have standard DRLs are trying. What is the reason? The fact is that the need to burn low beam lamps all day can lead to the fact that you are much more likely (especially if your light sources are halogen) to be left with one functioning headlight. And then any inspector on the road at night can stop such a one-eyed car, fine the driver, and even prohibit further movement. And he will be right! According to paragraph 2.3.1, “it is prohibited to drive with the headlights and tail lights off (absent) in the dark or in conditions of insufficient visibility.”

In other words, either learn to change it in the dark, under the snow, in the cold, and quickly, like assembling a Kalashnikov assault rifle, or take care of the low-beam headlight bulbs. Therefore, during the day I advise you to drive with fog lights or DRLs. The owner can install the latter independently or in a car service center, but the requirements for the placement and brightness of such lights must be met.

What not to do:

• Installation of LED lamps in colorless turn signal lamps, which glow brightly white while driving, until the turn signal is switched on. Then they start flashing orange. Due to the use of LEDs, the idea may fail when meeting with.
• The use of an electronic unit, which, when starting the engine, turns on the high beam lamps (or high beam spirals in combined lamps) with a reduced (40–70% of the nominal) brightness. The headlights are located above the foglights and are therefore better visible. Traffic police officers are unlikely to distinguish them from simply burning low-beam headlights, especially if double-filament lamps of the H4 type are used. And they should not blind oncoming drivers due to reduced brightness. And, naturally, as soon as you turn on the low beam headlights, all the above functions should be disabled.
• Installing powerful LED bulbs instead of “dimensions” (weak incandescent light bulbs). Then it’s enough to turn on the “dimensions” and all problems are solved? Not certainly in that way! Firstly, there may be problems with the traffic police, and secondly, with this mode of use in the car, quite a lot of lamps will be on on the instrument panel and on the rear of the car. And, let me remind you, the side lights in the back will burn and burn out, for which the inspector can arrange for you to spend the night in an open field if the lamp does not light and you do not know how to change it.

I highly recommend (unless you have a system for automatically turning on the lights during the day): mark your car in some way, because surrounding drivers and pedestrians are already accustomed to the fact that the car on the road is quite clearly marked with the help of lighting devices. Therefore, vehicles with non-lit lighting equipment are perceived as a kind of ghost that may not be noticed.

And further. switch the DRL to low beam. I have repeatedly seen how the traffic police crew was waiting for drivers who were too lazy to do this at the exit of the tunnel. And remember that you cannot drive around the clock with the DRLs on, because when darkness falls, your car will become a ghost for those driving behind - the side lights in the lanterns do not light up. And the light from the DRLs themselves at night will not be enough to illuminate the way.

A modern car has as many as 8 different lighting devices installed (there is also a rear license plate light, but in this case we are not interested in it). And we need to use these 7 lighting devices: headlights, flashlights, foglights and other things in different ways, depending on as many as 8 conditions. Let's list lighting devices and the conditions for their use for 2019!

So, the car has so-called external lighting devices. These include:

1. headlights: low beam;
2. headlights: high beam;
3. taillights;
4. fog lights (PTF);
5. rear fog lights;
6. parking lights;
7. daytime running lights (DRLs).

And among the conditions for including certain lighting devices in the traffic rules, there are the following:

1. daylight hours;
2. dark time of day: illuminated road;
3. dark time of day: unlit road;
4. low visibility conditions;
5. standing/moving car;
6. trailer/towed vehicle;
7. populated/non-populated area.

Are you scared? It's actually not all that scary. Let's find out when and in what cases you need to turn on fog lights, high or low beam headlights and dimensions. Data current as of October 25, 2019. For convenience, we will consider the rules for using car lights depending on the time of day and other conditions, and answer some pressing questions. And at the end of the article we will provide a table as a simple way to remember when which lights need to be turned on on the car.

What light should I use during the day?

During the day, namely, during daylight hours, we can use daytime running lights (19.5 traffic rules). But instead of DRLs (not only if they are not installed in the car, but also at the driver’s request), you can use low beam headlights or fog lights (19.4 + 19.5 traffic rules).

During daylight hours (provided that there are no conditions of insufficient visibility), you need to turn on:

• Daytime Running Lights;
• dipped headlights;
• fog lights (but not in combination with low beams or DRLs).

During daylight hours you should not turn on:

• high beam headlights;

What light to use in the dark?

The dark time of the day in the traffic rules is defined as “the period of time from the end of the evening twilight to the beginning of the morning twilight” (1.2 of the traffic rules). Thus, the dark time of the day includes the entire night, evening from the end of twilight and morning until the beginning of dawn.

At night you need to turn on:

• dipped or high beam headlights while driving (see below under what conditions high beams cannot be used);
• side lights when stopping or parking on the road, as well as on trailers and towed vehicles;
• fog lights - only on unlit sections of roads and only in combination with low or high beam headlights.

Also, in the dark, you can turn on a special spotlight if you have one, provided you are driving outside a populated area and in the absence of oncoming cars.

In the dark it is forbidden to use:

• high beam headlights:
  • in populated areas, if the road is lit,
  • if oncoming traffic is closer than 150 meters to you or even further and at the same time flashes its headlights at you,
  • in any other cases when it is possible to blind drivers (namely drivers, not pedestrians) of oncoming and passing cars;
• fog lights - on illuminated roads or on unlit roads without low or high beam headlights;
• Daytime Running Lights;
• rear fog lights.

What light to use in conditions of poor visibility (in fog)?

The conditions of insufficient visibility are also defined in the Rules, so there is no ambiguity here. These conditions include driver visibility of less than 300 meters in fog, twilight, rain, snow, and the like. In general, if the visibility of the road is approximately less than 300 meters, the only time it is night, then these are conditions of insufficient visibility.

In conditions of insufficient visibility, you need to turn on:

• dipped or high beam headlights when moving (see above in the description of lighting at night, in what conditions you cannot use high beams);
• side lights when stopping and parking - low beam headlights, fog lights or rear fog lights together with side lights can also be turned on in conditions of poor visibility (as opposed to the dark).
• fog lights - only in combination with low or high beam headlights (and on roads of any illumination, as opposed to the dark).
• rear fog lights (this is the only condition in which they can be used).

In conditions of insufficient visibility, you cannot use:

• fog lights without low or high beam headlights;
• daytime running lights.

What light should I use in the tunnel?

Traffic regulations regulate the mandatory inclusion in tunnels (clause 19.1). The rule here is simple: the conditions for using certain lighting devices are the same as in the dark.

When can you use the emergency lights?

Hazard alarms are also considered a lighting device, and traffic regulations clearly regulate the possibility of their use. So, the emergency lights need to be turned on:

• if you get into an accident along with a warning triangle (2.5 traffic rules + 7.1 traffic rules);
• if a situation arises where your car poses a danger;
• when forced to stop in a place where stopping is prohibited (together with an emergency stop sign);
• when towing on a towed vehicle;
• if you are blinded by oncoming traffic.

When can you blink your headlights?

Yes, most often drivers blink their headlights (one or more short-term switches of headlights from low beam or DRL to high beam) when warning oncoming cars about traffic police officers. However, traffic rules recommend doing this in completely different cases. Which ones:

• to warn other road users about overtaking;
• if you are blinded by an oncoming vehicle.

At the same time, nowhere in the Rules is there a direct prohibition on blinking headlights. However, traffic police officers may regard this as a violation of traffic rules, as a result of which you can easily earn a fine of 500 rubles. Think for yourself, when you blink you turn on the high beam, but in most cases it is prohibited to turn it on.

As you can see, everything is very simple! But let's simplify these Rules for the use of lighting devices even further and present everything in a visual tabular form.

Conditions/light	Daylight time	Dark time of day, illuminated sections of roads in populated areas	Dark time of day, unlit sections of roads	Tunnel	Insufficient visibility
Low beam	+	+	+	+	+
High beam	-	-	+	+	+
Fog lights	+ 1	-	+ 2	-	+ 2
Daytime Running Lights	+	-	-	-	-
Rear fog lights	-	-	-	-	+

Table footnotes:

1. Instead of low beam headlights
2. Only in combination with low or high beam headlights

And, finally, an official excerpt from the current 2019 traffic regulations, Chapter 19 on external lighting devices.

19. Use of external lighting devices and sound signals.

19.1. In the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the road lighting, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be turned on on a moving vehicle:

• on all motor vehicles - high or low beam headlights, on bicycles - headlights or lanterns, on horse-drawn carts - lanterns (if equipped);
• on trailers and towed motor vehicles - side lights.

19.2. High beam should be switched to low beam:

• in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;
• when passing oncoming traffic at a distance of at least 150 m from the vehicle, and also at a greater distance, if the driver of the oncoming vehicle periodically switching the headlights indicates the need for this;
• in any other cases to eliminate the possibility of blinding drivers of both oncoming and passing vehicles.

If blinded, the driver must turn on the hazard warning lights and, without changing lanes, reduce speed and stop.

19.3. When stopping and parking in the dark on unlit sections of roads, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility, the side lights on the vehicle must be turned on. In conditions of poor visibility, low-beam headlights, fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on in addition to the side lights.

19.4. Fog lights can be used:

• in conditions of poor visibility with low or high beam headlights;
• at night on unlit sections of roads in conjunction with low or high beam headlights;
• instead of low beam headlights in accordance with paragraph 19.5 of the Rules.

19.5. During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on to indicate them.

19.6. The spotlight and searchlight may only be used outside populated areas in the absence of oncoming vehicles. In populated areas, only drivers of vehicles equipped in the prescribed manner with blue flashing lights and special sound signals can use such headlights when performing an urgent official task.

19.7. Rear fog lights can only be used in conditions of poor visibility. Do not connect rear fog lights to brake lights.

I am glad to welcome everyone to our website! Today in the "" section we'll talk about this: isn't it a violation of traffic rules to use fog lights (FTL) instead of daytime running lights (DRLs) as well as low beam headlights.

You all know that according to paragraph 19.5 of the traffic rules of the Russian Federation, “During daylight hours, low beam headlights or daytime running lights must be turned on on all moving vehicles for the purpose of identifying them.” In this regard, many motorists had counter-questions, namely: is it possible to use dimensions or PTF instead of DRLs and whether this would be a violation of the rules, which could 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 the running lights, and even more so the low beam, during daylight hours? The fact is that studies have shown that when driving along the highway at high speeds, drivers react better to vehicles with DRLs or low beam headlights on. This allows you to notice approaching vehicles in time and perform the maneuver in time. In general, in a word, turning on the lights during the day is aimed at reducing accidents that occur during the daytime.

We seem to have sorted this out, but what about the differences between DRLs or side lights?

The problem is that the design of modern headlights sometimes seriously confuses car owners, who themselves do not fully understand that they have turned on the running lights or headlights. Why is this so critical? Yes, because DRLs are allowed to be used as a light source; this will not be a violation and will not entail penalties. What can’t be said about the “dimensions”; you can’t use them instead of daytime running lights, as well as low beam headlights! That's why this point is very important.

Why were side lights banned, and what was wrong with them? The fact is that “dimensions”, unlike DRLs, serve to designate a vehicle in the dark, but in the daytime they are of little use. The light they emit is not enough during the daytime, because it is very weak and invisible (power is about 5 Watts), so they are prohibited from being used instead of low beams, as well as daytime running lights. Brightness according to GOST (GOST R 41.48-2004) should be in the range from 400 to 800 candelas.

It would seem that everything is simple: there are no daytime running lights - turn on the low lights and live in peace... But, not everything is so simple. The fact is that constantly switched on low beam leads to premature failure of lamps, the price of which can reach several hundred dollars. In addition, it has been proven that headlights increase fuel consumption (about 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 low beam always on.

What about fog lights, can they be used instead of low beams and DRLs?

This question turns out to be of concern to many and here’s why. The fact is that not everyone has daytime running lights; as we found out, you can’t drive with the lights on, and turning on the low lights is not profitable from an economic point of view. But everyone has a mailbox, and 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 traffic rules.

clause 9.4. Fog lights can be used:

• in conditions of poor visibility with low or high beam headlights;
• at night on unlit sections of roads together with low or high beam headlights;
• instead of low beam headlights in accordance with paragraph 19.5 of the Rules.

The only caveat is that on some cars, fog lights work exclusively in conjunction with low beam headlights, so many refuse this alternative to daytime running lights.

Let's sum it up

As you can see, there is a way out. You can drive the neighbor if you are not too worried about fuel consumption and the degradation of the life of light bulbs. You can also use PTF if they are installed on your car, this will not be a violation of the rules and you will not have any questions from the inspectors. The third option is to install daytime running lights. DRLs consume significantly less energy compared to low beam headlights, as well as PTF, while they shine brighter than their dimensions and are clearly visible at any time of the day - therefore they are the most profitable and acceptable option!

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 conditions. That is, daytime lights are your personal safety.

• Independent DRLs are individual LED modules of two pieces, which are placed below the car's optics on the bumper or in the radiator grille.
• Low beam - may be used as .
• PTF - can also be used as daytime running lights.

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

Differences between DRL, PTF and low beam

Characteristic	DRL	PTF	Low beam
Automatic switching on	Yes. The advantage of daytime lights is that these devices provide automatic activation with the start of the generator, that is, the engine. This way you will never forget to turn them on, which is very important.	No. This is a disadvantage, since you can forget to turn on the PTF and thus not only worsen road safety, but also increase the risk of being fined.	No. The low beam does not turn on automatically and drivers often forget to activate it, which can result in a fine, not to mention the fact that safety is reduced.
Glow source	The source of illumination in daytime running lights is LEDs. These are innovative light bulbs with increased brightness and other characteristics.	Halogen or xenon (rarely). Often, fog lights use halogen lamps, which do not have high brightness and performance capabilities.	Halogen or xenon. The low beam on older car models is halogen, on new ones it is .
Chroma (Kelvin temperature and color)	White. Standard for DRL is a temperature of 5000-6000K.	Yellow or white (rare). Fog lights often use yellow bulbs of 2400-3200K, which cope better with fog. But, if there is xenon, then the Kelvin temperature is 4300.	Yellow or white.
Brightness or light intensity	LED lamps guarantee a maximum luminous intensity of 400Cd to 1200Cd, which ensures good intensity and therefore better brightness of the machine.	Halogen lamps do not make the car bright and the yellowish light during the day does not produce results. Xenon is more visible in sunny weather.	Halogen provides the minimum light intensity, xenon provides higher light intensity, with brightness up to 3200 Lumens.
Device power	The power of LED modules is minimal, up to 1.5 W per source. This eliminates interference or breakdowns in the electronics.	Power – 55W and above. Xenon power is 35W as standard.	Halogen and xenon consume 55/35W, respectively.
Operational life	High-quality LED modules can last up to 50 thousand hours. On average, manufacturers note the shelf life of their devices from 10 thousand to 30 thousand hours.		Halogen – from 500 hours. Xenon – up to 4000 hours.
Efficiency of use	Effective because bright snow-white light copes better with sunny weather. The devices provide maximum safety for drivers.	The efficiency is low, which is not only due to the light sources and their lower brightness, but also to the low location of the fog lights.	Does not provide good performance since the yellowish warm light inherent in halogen will not provide much visibility on a sunny day. Xenon does a better job, but can blind oncoming drivers.
Fuel consumption	Since the power of LED DRLs is minimal, fuel consumption due to the operation of these lamps is not affected, that is, it does not increase.	Average fuel consumption.	High fuel consumption, since lamps (especially halogen) are not designed for constant use both day and night.
Appearance	They have a stylish look. Each model has different design features. Modules can be solid - square, rectangular, round. They can be separate, that is, separate LEDs connected to each other by a flexible wire, so you can choose their shape yourself.	PTF are often oval or round headlights, which also look good in a car and give its optics a modern and attractive look.	An ordinary headlight that lacks style and luxury.
Additional functionality	Some models of daytime lights work not only as DRLs, but can also provide PTF and dimensions modes, and with reduced power consumption.	Provides only fog light mode.	They only perform the function of lighting the highway at night.

The table shows that independent DRLs have maximum advantages compared to halogen or xenon PTFs and low-beam lighting. Once installed on your car