The features of the traffic lights according to the rules of the road

Know the rules for installing parking lights on the car is a must. Failure to comply with the regulations entails the imposition of a fine, even if the light sources are installed, but with violations of the accepted parameters. To understand the issue is not difficult, there are only a few requirements, knowing which you can avoid problems and ensure safe driving during the day.

Fines for running lights

Requirements for the use of daytime running lights are spelled out in the traffic code, and any violations may result in a fine. Here everything is simple enough:

1. Driving without running lights on or another permitted option imposes a fine of 500 rubles. Moreover, if the violation is repeated periodically, the amount will not change, will still be written out a receipt for 500 p.
2. If one of the light sources burned out a lamp or failed diode in the LED element, you will also have to pay a fine of 500 rubles. Here everything is the same as in the paragraph above, in case of repeated violation, the amount will not increase.
3. Another ground for a fine (also in the amount of 500 rubles) - heavy contamination of light sources. If you drive on the highway for a long time in winter or when a lot of dirt rises from the road, the lights get so dirty that they are almost invisible. Therefore, it is worth to stop and check it from time to time.
4. If the driver has not had any traffic violations for the last six months, the inspector may only give a warning. It is worth to remember it, in order to accentuate the fact, that there were no violations for a long time.

With the new cars, everything is much easier, since the headlights are included to the design.

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

Rules of the Highway Code for traffic lights

In the traffic rules of the road the main requirements for running lights are spelled out in clause 19 It is stated that when driving during daylight hours, the vehicle must be equipped with dipped beam headlights or daytime running lights, if available.

If you consider the comments to the ATC and examine the recommendations of experts, we can distinguish these options lighting devices used during the day:

1. Regular running lights.
2. Middle-beam lights.
3. High beam headlights, working at 30% of the power.
4. Fog lights.
5. Turn signals turned on all the time.

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

In different models, there are peculiarities of the use of flasher lights, so it is worth to understand which option will be optimal. It should be remembered that driving with lights is a violation of traffic laws, as well as driving with running lights at night. They cannot be a substitute for dipped beam in low visibility conditions.

Video on the subject: Running lights instead of dipped beam.

Requirements for DRLs according to GOST

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

1. The vehicle must use Two identical light sources. Put one element is not allowed.
2. The minimum distance between the lights must not be less than 60 cm. It is this parameter most often causes difficulties, since the width of passenger cars is small and there is not much space for installation. You need to measure in advance to choose the best location, if possible.
3. The height of the location - at least 25 cm from ground level and no more than 1.5 m (requirements for buses, trucks and large vehicles). For this reason the running lights must not be positioned at the lower edge of the bumper.
4. The light source must be located no further than 40 cm from the edge of the machine. In this case, there is no minimum figure, you can put it in any place, which is also worth remembering.
5. When installing, the emitter is oriented so that the light is directed strictly forward. It must not be mounted with the beam pointing upwards, downwards or sideways.
6. Only sources with a white or yellowish light are suitable for use as an LED. Colored variants are not allowed. At the same time there are requirements for brightness, the minimum must not be less than 100 candelas, the maximum - no more than 400 cd..
7. Daytime running lights must come on automatically when you turn on the ignition. But it is not forbidden to put them on a separate button. don't forget to switch the lights on at the beginning of your journey.
8. Diffusion angle in the horizontal plane (outward and inward with respect to the position of the lights) should not exceed 20°.. And the angle in the vertical plane is limited to 10°.

It is difficult to check the brightness of the equipment. Therefore, we can assume that the running lights should be clearly visible - at least twice as bright as the parking lights.

This diagram will clearly see the basic standards for the installation of parking lights on the car.

How to properly install

Many drivers do not know how to install and choose running lights, so as not to be fined for violation of the rules of installation. To understand the issue is not difficult, first of all you need to consider the requirements for the location, it is also worth remembering these tips:

1. It is worth choosing only those options that are certified in the country and can be used as a DXO. Usually the data on this is always on the package 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 exceeds 13 V. This option is connected directly to the battery, which simplifies the system and makes it reliable.
3. Studying the wiring diagram that comes with the kit is a must. Most often the standard version shown below is used. It can be used to understand the work even by those who have no experience in installing the lights.
4. Select the location, here everything 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 strictly forward. It is better to select the model for your car, so that the appearance after installation will be attractive.

The scheme of installation of the sidelights is simple, everything you need is in the kit.

How to avoid violations when installing running lights on the car

It is worth remembering that in case of non-compliance with the requirements, any inspector can fine a car owner for violating the rules for the use of daytime running lights. This applies primarily to the norms of location. If you can not put light sources according to GOST because of the design features of the front of the car, you need to coordinate the place of installation and obtain official permission. If it is granted, you can avoid any problems.

It is important to mount the elements correctly, if there are no suitable niches, make cuts in the bumper exactly the size of the body. From the inside is put fasteners, the result is a neat version, almost indistinguishable from the factory.

It is not necessary to change the scheme, it is easiest when the lights turn on automatically when you start the engine. LED elements consume little power, so there will be no unnecessary load on the system.

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It is not difficult to install the sidelights, if you understand the issue and comply with the norms of the location 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 should make it a rule to always turn on dipped beam at the beginning of the movement.