What are parking lights and why they are needed

The parking lights are part of the car lighting system and are 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 standing on the side of the road and in other areas with insufficient lighting.

Definition of the term

Clearance lights are low-powered light sources that are located at the front and rear of a vehicle. And in trucks, buses and some models of cars, they can be on the sides as well. The main purpose - the safety of transport when driving in low visibility conditions or when parking near the roadway.

The parking lights must be switched on when stopping on unlit road sections.

This element of equipment is on all cars, because its presence is stipulated 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 (hence the name), so that other drivers correctly assess its size and maintain a safe distance.

In older cars, the dimensions were often installed separately.

The parking lights are switched on at dusk, in low visibility conditions (fog, rain, snowfall, etc.), also their use is mandatory when passing through tunnels. In addition, they start working automatically when dipped or high beam is switched on.

Lights can be used in conjunction with any type of light, there are no restrictions in this regard.

What are the clearance lights for?

The main purpose, which was conceived for this type of light initially - to mark the 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 the stopped vehicle from afar. Lights must be turned on from dusk until morning, when visibility is normal.

But they are used in the daytime as well, as it increases traffic safety, although during this period the light is not as well visible, especially if the weather is clear. Due to the use of low-power bulbs in the system, they do not so much drain the battery. But if you leave the car for a long time (eg, days), then you can drain the battery, so leave the lights on when the car is stopped for more than a few hours is not recommended.

LED lights are good low power consumption.

On trucks and other large vehicles, this type of illumination serves to indicate the size of transport in low visibility. There most often a lot more bulbs are installed, they are located both at the bottom and at the top. Power requirements and installation details vary from country to country, but in general they are about the same.

Often drivers use the lights as a substitute for running lights. This is wrong and contrary to traffic rules, it can be fined for it. Therefore, to drive during daylight hours should use dipped beam, high beam with reduced power supply or fog lights (in Europe, they can not be used as an alternative to daytime running lights).

Some drivers put bright LED bulbs in the parking lights to improve visibility and use them as running lights. This is also prohibited and may lead to fines or license suspension for six months to a year.

Where are the lights

The location of the lights is usually standard, but there are peculiarities in certain brands of cars. The standard location is in the front headlights and taillights, but there are a few peculiarities that are shown in the photo.

The standard version, which is a light bulb of low power, located in the front headlight in conjunction with the dipped or high beam.

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

The tail lights are always red in color. They can be in the form of a bulb under the red diffuser, and in the form of an LED module.

In trucks, the light sources are not only at the bottom, but also at the top, as well as on the side. To enhance the effect also glued on the surface of the reflective elements.

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

Types of clearance lights

There are several basic options, depending on the location and the requirements that apply to each type. The most common are these varieties:

1. Front. Installed in the body of the headlight, but in some older models were located separately. This variant has the following requirements: the bulb must be of low brightness white or yellow color, this also applies to LED equipment. This is to ensure that drivers understand that it is the front of a standing or moving car. Sometimes the lights are placed in a separate element or combined with a turn signal (as in the domestic "Niva").
2. Rear are located in the lights, most often close to the edge of the car. They must be red, it's a common variant of designation of the rear of the car. There is no requirement for brightness, the main thing is that the light is clearly visible in the dark. You can also find variants with a separate layout, it also does not violate the rules.
3. Side parking lights were put on Japanese cars in the 80s. They had a white light and were needed not only to highlight the stern of the car, but also to increase safety when parking and reversing in the dark.
4. Parking lights on the cab pillars. Used in some older models and were yellow to provide better visibility. Nowadays it can be found in some modifications of vans, minivans and light-duty trucks.
   Moskvich 2140" parking light
5. The side parking lights of yellow or orange color. Mounted on trucks, buses and other large vehicles to highlight the outline and avoid collisions in the dark.
   Lateral dimensions in a truck.
6. Overhead lights are also used on large vehicles. Features of their use differ from the standard and are regulated by special rules.

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

How to use them correctly

Article 19.3 of Russian Road Traffic Rules states that all cars and other vehicles should turn on their position lights when standing or parking in unlit areas at night. This also applies to daylight hours, if visibility is limited due to fog or precipitation.

When the car is standing, you may turn on additional sources - fog lights, dipped beam, etc. There are no restrictions on this, if visibility is very low, the lights alone may not be enough.

Read also

The parking and running lights: what is the difference between them

 

It is also mandatory to include the option under consideration on trailers and semi-trailers during their movement and on vehicles when towing (in this case, an additional emergency alarm is used).

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

You may be fined or even deprived of your license for colored lights.

You can not use the lights as a substitute for the running lightsIt can also be fined. It is forbidden to put colored bulbs in the headlights, also you cannot put bright light sources forward to improve visibility, for that you may even be deprived of your license. At the back the color must be red, other options are not allowed.

It is not necessary to turn on the light option in question when parking in a lighted area of the road or parking lot.

The parking lights need to be used in certain cases, they cannot be an alternative to the parking lights, it is important to remember that. It is necessary from time to time to check the serviceability of light sources to change the failed bulbs. Usually it is easy to do, the main thing is to know what type of bulbs are installed. The lights should be turned on separately, they do not start working when you turn the key, like the running lights.