Is it possible to drive with high beams during the day? When should you turn on which headlights? Is it possible to drive during the day with high beams?

I turned on the high beams in the city, but recently I gave a ride to a friend and he said that this is prohibited by the rules. Now I’m wondering whether it’s legal to use high beams in the city and whether they’ll give me a fine next time.

The use of external lighting devices on a car is regulated by Article 19 of the Road Traffic Regulations.

Paragraph 2 of this article states

when passing oncoming traffic at a distance of at least 150 m before vehicle, and also for more, if the driver of the oncoming vehicle periodically switching the headlights indicates the need for this;

That is, by turning on high beams in the city under any circumstances, you are violating traffic rules and they can impose on you administrative penalty.

However, there are conditions under which high beam headlights can also be used in the city. This is indicated in paragraph 1 of the same article

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

on all motor vehicles - high or low beam headlights

That is, when there is insufficient road lighting, the rules allow the use of high beams in the city. At the same time, again, in order to prevent accidents, it is necessary to carefully monitor the road and avoid blinding drivers of oncoming vehicles.

Not turning on the low beam is one of the most common reasons stopping cars by traffic inspectors.

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Rules traffic The use of cars with unlit lighting devices is limited. In this case, it does not matter whether such devices are installed on the car at all, whether they are in good condition or not.

Several years ago, significant changes were made to the rules of the road, according to which all drivers of vehicles can only travel with low beam headlights, fog lights or running lights on. As traffic police officers say, driving a car with the lights on makes it more noticeable on the roads and in populated areas, regardless of the time of day.

Fine for not turning on low beams

Most drivers do not pay attention to the importance of this requirement of the traffic rules and do not turn on their low beams when they start driving their car. In some cases, the lack of low beam may be the cause of faulty lighting fixtures or wiring.

The traffic rules clearly state that driving on city roads and highways without low beams on is prohibited. In its absence, the driver is held liable:

1. In the form of an official warning from a traffic police officer.
2. In the form of a fine of 500 rubles.

If traffic inspectors notice a car on the road without lights on, they have the right to stop it.

Most car enthusiasts agree that you can drive with the fog lights on without turning on the low beam. According to traffic rules, such headlights can be used instead of low beams during daylight hours, since they also make it possible to detect a car and make it more visible on the road.

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A car can also be stopped if the low-beam headlights were switched on within the visibility range of the vehicle by traffic police officers. In this case, the driver will get off with a warning.

It is the responsibility of the car owner to check the serviceability of the car before each start of driving. daylight. Driving with side lights is prohibited, except when they are turned on together with other lighting.

Responsibility for partially turning on the low beams

There are cases when a driver drives a car in which one low beam headlight or one of the running lights is broken. In this case, the second headlight is in working condition and turned on.

Despite all the explanations of the person driving the vehicle, the traffic police officer who noticed such a car will still issue him a resolution to bring him to administrative responsibility in the form of a fine of 500 rubles. The reason for such a fine will not be a violation of the rules for operating the vehicle, but a violation of the requirements contained in the list of faults.

There are practically no differences between such grounds, however, in such a situation, the driver has more opportunities to receive not a fine, but an oral warning.

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As a rule, traffic police officers issue a fine for such a violation if the car is driven in poor visibility conditions or at night.

A traffic police officer can offer the driver the following options for troubleshooting:

1. Replacement on site. If it only takes five minutes to fix the problem, the traffic inspector cannot issue a fine. For example, if the fog light in a car has burned out, the driver can drive the vehicle with the low beams on. In this case, the malfunction will be eliminated, and the owner of the car will not receive a decision to impose a fine.
2. If the driver manages to correctly convey to the inspector the reason why one of his headlights does not light up, he may be released to the place where the fault is corrected. For example, if a lamp burns out while driving and the car owner does not have a spare lamp to replace it, he can proceed to the repair site. In such a situation, no fine is issued.
3. Drawing up a protocol and bringing the driver to administrative responsibility. If a traffic police officer begins to draw up a protocol, but the driver does not agree with it, he may not put his signature on this document. In addition, the driver has the right to appeal the decision of the traffic police officer within 10 days.

High beam fine

Is it possible to travel with high beam during the day? Most drivers, especially those who often travel outside populated areas, do not attach much importance to this and always drive their car with the high beams on.

Meanwhile, the traffic rules require that driving in a populated area using high-beam lighting is prohibited.

If traffic inspectors stop a vehicle on a lighted city road with its high beam headlights on, the person control car, will be brought to administrative liability in the form of a fine of 500 rubles.

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What can be evidence of an offense?

The principle of the presumption of innocence operates in Russian administrative legislation. In accordance with this principle, traffic police officers must prove that the person they stopped violated the requirements of the law. The driver does not have to prove his innocence.

To prove that the person driving the vehicle actually committed a punishable act, traffic police officers must present visual evidence:

If traffic inspectors do not have any evidence, all doubts are interpreted in favor of the person driving the car. That is why the driver needs to carefully look at what exactly the policeman writes in the protocol and not put his signature on this document if he has a vision of what happened.

The same applies to witnesses, to whom police officers rarely explain the situation and simply ask them to sign an already completed report.

Judicial practice shows that judges always side with traffic police officers, ignoring evidence from the driver. So it is better to take care in advance to indicate at the time of drawing up the protocol that the situation was described incorrectly.

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If the person driving the vehicle does not have any complaints against the traffic police officers, and he does not want to appeal the decision to prosecute, the driver can pay a fine to the traffic police. This can be done after 10 days from the date of receipt of the resolution in any way convenient for the person.

If the driver does not pay the fine within two months, additional penalties may be taken against him.

In order not to prove your innocence and not pay fines, you must check the serviceability of your car’s lighting system before each trip.

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High beam

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on all motor vehicles and mopeds - 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.

(as amended by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated January 24, 2001 N 67)

in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;

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in any other cases to eliminate the possibility of blinding drivers of both oncoming and passing vehicles.

in conditions of insufficient visibility, both separately and 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 the conditions provided for in paragraph 19.5 of the Rules.

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12. Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices, sound signals, hazard warning lights or signs emergency stop warning or fine of 100 rubles.

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I don’t want to adjust it yet, because I plan to remove the spacers, they bother me, but I just can’t choose all the time

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19.2. High beam should be switched to low beam:

in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;

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You can drive around the city at 6 am in traffic.

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Something seems to me that it’s impossible, either it’s a neighbor or there’s nothing! Dimensions are used when parking!

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although dimensions are better than nothing (for me personally)!

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Hello everyone! I decided to ask if it’s possible to drive around the city with high beams? The thing is that I have spacers and because of them the headlights shine downwards, just a meter ahead, at night you can’t see anything, sometimes I drive with high beams because it doesn’t bother anyone and doesn’t blind anyone, but here’s how traffic police will react to it. There is a penalty for this.

I also have spacers. BOSCH headlights allow you to do this!!!

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Article 12.20. Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices, sound signals, hazard warning lights or warning triangles

19.2. High beam should be switched to low beam:

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in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;

Article 12.20. Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices, sound signals, hazard warning lights or warning triangles

Yes, it’s all said here. That you are subject to violations of the Code of Administrative Offenses 12.20 for 100 rubles.

19.2. High beam should be switched to low beam:

in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;

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when passing oncoming traffic at a distance of less than 150 m from the vehicle, as well as 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.

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But who determines whether it is dark in a particular place or not?

Pillars with burning light bulbs stand (m.b.)

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Vitalsonchik 02 Feb 2009

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AlexXx 02 Feb 2009

Damn, why drive around the city with a distant driver? I also have spacers and the headlights also shine a meter. There is enough lighting around the city that you can see everything even without headlights. only many economists don’t turn on the headlights at all, like why can I see everything anyway. idiots. They can see it, but they can’t see them, turned on the low beam + sometimes the fogs and drove off, if it’s really bad, I lit it up a little and turned it off.

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Vitalsonchik 04 Feb 2009

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In Moscow there may be plenty of lighting, but in Ufa there is not. In Rostov, only 5-6 avenues are properly lit.

So what? like now we have to blind others because of this? If cars drive once an hour, then of course you can turn it on, but if the flow is normal, then the oncoming headlights illuminate everything perfectly.

What will it be like to drive during the day with high beams?

At night 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 and mopeds - high or low beam headlights, on bicycles - headlights or lanterns, on horse-drawn carts - lanterns (if equipped);

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Trailers and towed motor vehicles have parking lights.

High beam should be switched to low beam:

1. in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;

2. 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;

3. in any other cases to eliminate the possibility of blinding drivers of both oncoming and passing vehicles;

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

And about the daytime there is nothing in the PPD, I was sent to draw up a protocol, began to hesitate, sent nah, in short, I left and the guy stayed.

12.20 Violation of the rules for using external lighting devices, sound signals, hazard warning lights or warning triangles, warning or fine of 100 rubles.

but I think we already have a warning, it’s like something obviously incredible.

19. Use of external lighting devices

a) on all motor vehicles - low (high) beam headlights;

The rules also prohibit movement in tunnels with lighting devices turned off due to sudden changes in illumination when entering and exiting the tunnel, regardless of the presence of artificial lighting in the tunnel. Due to a sudden change in illumination, the driver may briefly lose control of the road situation, which is unacceptable from the point of view of ensuring road safety.

The light must also be switched at a greater distance if the driver of an oncoming vehicle indicates the need for this by periodically switching the headlights.

In conditions of insufficient visibility, it is allowed to additionally turn on the low beam or fog lights and rear fog lights.

If the side lights are faulty, the vehicle should be moved off the road, and if this is not possible, it must be marked in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 9.10 and 9.11 of these Rules.

In conditions of insufficient visibility, it is not necessary to turn on the low or high beam headlights, therefore, in such conditions, fog lights can be used either separately or together with them.

Please explain what you mean by the term “extra. low beam headlights"??

Is it possible to use additional low beam headlights, during the day in non-city areas, instead of the main ones? Thank you.

If yes, DRL, if not, near

Use it, but don't forget to turn on low/high as soon as the LIT section of the road ends.

Rules clause No. 19.5. states: Fog lights can be used in conditions of insufficient visibility, both separately and with low or high beam headlights, and in the dark on unlit sections of roads - only together with low or high beam headlights. So, I want to argue: YOU CAN USE FOG LIGHTS WITHOUT A MIDDLE LIGHT, BUT 1) under conditions of insufficient visibility and 2) and in the dark - ON LIT AREAS OF THE ROAD, because what is not prohibited is permitted)))

replacing low beam lamps

headlight standards reverse

Hello! Read the discussions below! It is forbidden!

Hello! I'm from Ukraine! I have a ZAZ 1102 (Tavria) that has been discontinued, can I install the DRLs myself and how to do it correctly? if not, why not!?

This is exactly the same as adding red lights - will they be considered brake lights? Or put xenon in the interior lighting lamp - will it be considered a head light?

Turn on your low beams as required by law. Headlights last almost as long as Chinese LEDs and they cost the same - but with a head light you can at least be seen.

And now the definitions:

Daytime running lights(eng. Daytime running lights, DRL) - external lighting devices designed to improve the visibility of a moving vehicle from the front during daylight hours.

parking lights can be part of a block headlight, or also in the form of a separate flashlight with a white glow. Installed in pairs on both sides of the car and in one line. The main purpose of side lights is to lightly indicate the dimensions of the car, and also as parking lighting.

And the most important thing - traffic rules:

“The use of DRL provided by the MANUFACTURER is allowed.”

Conclusion - low beam.

Please tell me, I have a VAZ 2101 with built-in lights (dimensions) in the headlights. Is it possible to install LED lights instead of headlight bulbs, and will this be considered DRL? http://www.drive2.ru/users/reg.

I can’t find the answer anywhere, is it possible to drive only with the lights on during the day (in the city, in the summer outside the city.)

Liability is provided under Article 122 Part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses http://monolith.in.ua/pdd-shtr.

WHEN LEAVING FROM THE STORE ON IN THE DARK TIME

I CUT DIMENSIONS INSTEAD OF LOW BEAM - TELL ME WHAT IS THE PENALTIES FOR SUCH A VIOLATION AND THE GAI WAS STOPPED

The traffic regulations clearly state “low beam headlights,” and factory DRLs are also allowed. But will the inspector be able to prove that your fog lights are not DRLs?

The cost of headlight and fog lamp bulbs is almost the same, but it is usually more difficult to change the bulbs in fog lights. Maybe it makes sense to use low beams, as the rules require?

Question. Is it possible to use factory-installed white fog lights instead of DRLs?

You can get into a misunderstanding - a protocol for using special signals. If you drive with blue stripes, the inspector will take a photo on your camera or even worse - the visor is in fixation mode and there will be a greater opportunity in court to hit the jackpot in the form of a fine of 50 thousand UAH.

To avoid misunderstandings, it is better to go to the traffic police and ask this question. Because Now there is a lot of noise around this, but there are no explanations from the traffic police.

And if at night, when I turn on the headlights, the LED strip in front under the grille lights up in blue, so can I drive? + with high or low beam headlights?

You can install them, but you cannot use them as DRLs.

Hello! I have a question, I’m from Ukraine! Is it possible to put a blue or white diode strip on the front of the car under the front grille of a VAZ 2102? thank you in advance!

Which document requires the switching on of low beam headlights on cars during the daytime from 01.10?

It is permitted to use any lighting devices provided by the manufacturer.

Is it also illegal to install fog lights on older cars?

No, this is not a violation.

Is it a violation to use low beams within the city?

This is prohibited by clause 31.4.3 a) of the Traffic Regulations of Ukraine (http://monolith.in.ua/pdd-tehn.). This re-equipment must be agreed upon with the traffic police (http://monolith.in.ua/pdd-vopr.).

Hello! I'm from Ukraine! I have a VAZ2107, can I install DRLs myself and how to do it correctly? if not, why not!?

Absolutely true, because DRLs are not provided on this vehicle. Alexander Legkov wrote this.

Why turn off the DRLs? What nonsense? Most new cars have a DRL that turns on when the engine is started and cannot be turned off (there is no switch). What exactly do DRLs interfere with? Or does it mean that this brand of car is not provided with DRLs and was installed by the owner independently without complying with the standards?

Above the cabin truck There are two headlights installed by the manufacturer. Is it prohibited to use them to illuminate the road?

My pleasure! We are always happy to help you!

Thanks for the answer. It will not be possible not to include it because according to GOST of Russia (the requirements of which are met by European standards) do not have a DRL switch, but turn on when the engine starts (they turn off, respectively, when you turn off the engine). I understand everything, I’ll pull it out and, from a very zealous traffic cop, I’ll cover it with black film. Thanks again for your answer.

Hello! I think it will be enough to simply not turn them on!

Hello! I'm from Russia. This year I am planning a trip to Ukraine to visit relatives. I installed daytime running lights on my car (which is allowed in Russia). Question: “Will I violate the traffic rules of Ukraine if I put the DRLs in a non-working state (pull out the fuse) or, in order to avoid violating them, I will need to remove the daytime running lights from the car altogether.”

IT IS FORBIDDEN. The Rules clearly state - DRLs or low beam headlights.

Hello! Is it possible to use side lights as daytime running lights, for example Nissan Qashqai

Are you reading or looking at pictures? Although with

The pictures make it all clear! About low beam - only in the areas specified in Chapter 9, paragraph 9.8.

Clause 9.8 “From October 1 to May 1, all motor vehicles outside populated areas must have daytime running lights on, and if they are not included in the design of the vehicle, low beam headlights.” (No. 111 dated 02/11/2013)

“From April 15, 2013, it will be necessary to turn on daytime running lights or low beam headlights outside the populated area” - is this throughout the year or during a specific period of the year?

Please read the answers below.

New rules have come into force in Ukraine, but it’s still not clear whether you can drive with white-light foglights during the day instead of low beams?

Good afternoon No you can not.

Good afternoon. Please tell me whether it is possible to use fog lights installed by the manufacturer in place of the low beam headlights.

If I install DRLs on my car myself, will I be able to drive with them? Or should they only come from the car manufacturer's factory?

It is forbidden. You can turn on low beams instead of DRLs.

Is it possible to use self-installed fog lights as running lights?

Will it be possible to prohibit the installation of running lights on old cars (where they are not provided for by the design of the vehicle)

Is it forbidden to install green light bulbs instead of the standard parking light bulbs at the front of a VAZ 2106?

Good afternoon From April 15, 2013, it will be necessary to turn on daytime running lights or low beam headlights when outside a populated area.

I have a question: is it true that outside the city you need to turn on the lights.

Resolution No. 111, which came into force on April 15, introduced a special term: “road train (transport train)” - a mechanical vehicle connected to one or more trailers using a coupling device. If your vehicle falls under this definition, then identification marks necessary to install.

I have a question: what should cars do that do not have an auto train sign, i.e. not provided by the manufacturer (MAN-F 2000) / Do you need to install them yourself?

Low beam - fine for driving with headlights not on

All motorists understand that turning on headlights makes the vehicle more visible on the road, thereby reducing the risk of an accident. But it's no secret that burning headlights increase fuel consumption, so some drivers try to save on gasoline. Others simply forget about the need to identify themselves on the road.

The sad statistics of road accidents that occur because one driver failed to notice another car, unfortunately, does not in any way force motorists to be more careful. Therefore, several years ago, the traffic rules were changed - drivers were required to use lighting devices at all times, regardless of the time of day. Let's discuss what penalties await those who ignore traffic rules.

When should you turn on your headlights?

Since the fall of 2010, all vehicles driving on the road during daylight hours must identify themselves using low-beam headlights or daytime running lights (clause 19.5 of the traffic rules). Also, in accordance with paragraph 19.4, it is allowed to use fog lights instead of low beam headlights. Now that more than seven years have passed since the innovation, most motorists have adapted to this requirement. What is it connected with? Of course, with road safety.

It is logical that weather conditions during the day are not always pleasing to drivers - snow, rain, and fog are possible, which often lead to difficulties in detecting other cars on the roadway. In winter, during snowfall, you may simply not notice, for example, a white car on the road, but in spring, against the backdrop of the melting roadside, they are difficult to distinguish gray cars. In such situations, turning on the headlights will help avoid an accident. That is why traffic regulations oblige drivers to always turn on low beam headlights or daytime running lights.

Important: in modern cars Daytime running lights turn on automatically when the driver turns the ignition key. That is, once you start the engine, you don’t have to worry about lights if you are going to travel during the day. Moreover, the running lights turn off automatically if the low beam headlights are turned on. If the machine is not equipped automatic system turning on and off the running lights, then, as a rule, drivers prefer to purchase a special module - when correct installation its operation will not contradict current laws.

Thus, the question of when to turn on the headlights can be answered unequivocally - depending on the situation, any of the lighting devices should always be on when the vehicle is moving.

Fine for driving without lights

The sanctions applied to motorists who neglect external lighting devices are defined in Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and are an administrative fine of 500 rubles or a warning. Of course, most drivers expect that they will not meet traffic police officers on the road, and if they do, they will get away with a verbal reminder about the need to use headlights, but this is not always possible - if the lack of light led to an emergency situation, then a fine for not turning on headlights cannot be avoided. And in the event that an accident occurs, even if you were not the culprit, the lights turned off can become the basis for the insurance company’s claim against you.

Fine for a non-working headlight

Anything can happen on the road, since no one is immune from force majeure situations. Let’s imagine a fairly common scenario: a person went to work in the morning in a completely serviceable car, but in the evening it suddenly turned out that one headlight was not working, that is, the light bulb had simply burned out. Or such bad luck happened to one running light. What to do? Will there be punishment if an unlucky driver is stopped by a traffic police officer? It is clear that in the case under consideration, the motorist does not formally violate the requirement for the use of external lighting devices - only one headlight is on. But not everything is so simple, since there is a list of malfunctions and conditions that do not allow continued operation of the machine. This includes non-functioning or simply dirty headlights. Responsibility for such an offense is established in Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - the driver will receive a warning or a fine for a non-working headlight in the amount of 500 rubles. That is, in essence, the penalties for driving without lights and for a headlight that does not function normally are similar.

Fine for having high beams on

Usually you can't do without high beam headlights if you travel at night on poorly lit suburban roads that are characterized by low intensity traffic flow. In other words, if your car is alone on the roadway, then you can and should turn on the high beam headlights, otherwise it’s easy to get into an accident if you don’t see in time, for example, a bend in the roadway or a pothole in the roadway. However, we must remember that high beams blind other drivers, depriving them of the ability to adequately assess the road situation. Therefore, the traffic rules clearly state situations when high beams should be switched to low beams:

• If you are driving on a lit road in a populated area.
• If another vehicle is moving towards you. Moreover, it is worth keeping in mind that you need to switch the high beam to the low beam not only at a distance of 150 meters from another car, but also at a greater distance, when the driver of the oncoming car indicates the need for this action by successively blinking the headlights several times.
• If there is a possibility that your headlights will blind other motorists moving in either the same or oncoming directions.

Important: if the driver was nevertheless blinded by the high beams, then he must turn on the emergency lights, reduce the speed, remaining in his lane, and then smoothly stop.

Thus, if, due to forgetfulness or inattention, you do not switch the high beam headlights to low beam when entering a street illuminated by lanterns in a populated area or when oncoming traffic appears on the road, then you will face either a warning from the traffic police inspector or a monetary penalty of 500 rubles It is also worth remembering that high beams interfere with other drivers, which can easily provoke an accident.

Fine for not turning on low beams

The extent of responsibility for driving without lights was discussed above. Let's consider in what situations drivers are more likely to face sanctions for not turning on the low beams? There are two most common options:

1. A car enthusiast simply forgets to turn on the low beam headlights, since during the day their absence is usually not too noticeable.
2. The driver drove during daylight hours with daytime running lights, and when it got dark, he simply did not remember to turn on the low beams.

Despite the seemingly insignificant nature of the offense (well, I forgot, who doesn’t?), a fine for not turning on the low beams cannot be avoided if you are caught by the traffic police. However, under favorable circumstances, it is possible to get by with a warning.

FAQ

Since the external lighting devices that vehicles are equipped with are quite varied, many motorists have difficulty choosing - which headlights should be turned on in a particular situation? Let's discuss the most popular questions.

What headlights should you use during the day?

Paragraphs 19.5 and 19.4 of the traffic rules state that driving during the day, that is, during daylight hours, is possible if the vehicle is marked with the following lighting devices of the driver’s choice:

• Daytime Running Lights;
• Low beam headlights;
• Fog lights.

When can you turn on high beam headlights?

High beams are allowed to be used on unlit roads both outside the city limits and in populated areas. But it is important to remember: if the roadway is illuminated, then the high beams need to be changed to low beams. This is also necessary when you might blind oncoming or passing drivers.

Is it possible to use fog lights instead of low beams?

According to the traffic rules, namely clause 19.4, fog lights are allowed to be used in three cases:

• Together with high or low beams, if the road situation is characterized by insufficient visibility or it is dark on the street, and the car is moving along an unlit roadway.
• Instead of low beam headlights during daylight hours.

That is, it is absolutely legal to turn on fog lights during the day as an alternative to low beam headlights or daytime running lights. Rear fog lights are used only in conditions of poor visibility.

Is it possible to use standard running lights instead of low beams?

Most vehicles are now equipped with standard running lights that turn on automatically when the engine starts. This is very convenient, as it does not require effort - you do not need to frantically remember and control whether the headlights are on? However, these lighting devices can only be used during daylight hours. The need to switch daytime running lights to low beam is due to the fact that the former have a strong intensity to ensure the visibility of the vehicle in the daytime, so they, like high beam headlights, can blind other drivers.

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Of course, a fine for not turning on headlights is unlikely to frighten motorists with its size, especially since sometimes it can be avoided by getting off with a warning. But the use of lighting devices is necessary primarily for drivers, since burning headlights make vehicles more visible on the roadway, and this significantly reduces the likelihood of an accident.

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We turn on the high beams at night, when there is insufficient visibility and in tunnels. At the same time, the Rules allow the use of low beams in these cases.

We switch far to near in the following cases:

When passing oncoming traffic (150 meters before the oncoming car);

When passing oncoming traffic at a greater distance, if the driver of the oncoming car “blinked” his headlights at you;

In all cases when your distant driver may be oncoming;

In populated areas, if the road is lit.

You can use your high beams when overtaking. Paragraph 19.11 of the traffic rules allows the driver to “blink” his headlights to warn of overtaking.

Low beam

Controversial issues

Let's look at typical cases when a traffic police inspector accuses a driver of violating the rules for using lighting devices.

The Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation provides for liability for such a violation in the form of a warning or a fine of 500 rubles (Article 12.20).

1. You see a traffic police crew in an ambush and warn other drivers by “blinking” your high beams. Such actions are not prohibited, since there is no direct prohibition on them in the traffic rules.

2. At night, when entering a populated area along a lighted road, you did not switch to the near one. For this, you will be reasonably held accountable, since the need to switch to a nearby vehicle is established by clause 19.2 of the traffic rules. If the road is not lit, you can continue driving with high beams.

3. During daylight hours, to indicate a vehicle on the road, you drive with front fog lights and also drive through a tunnel. As you exit, an inspector stops you. The punishment will be fair. Indeed, according to paragraph 19.4, fog lights can be used instead of low beams, while paragraph 19.1 speaks of the need to turn on high or low beam when driving through a tunnel.

By the way, the same situation occurs when driving with DRLs. When entering a tunnel, you need to turn on the low or high beam. You cannot drive through the tunnel with DRLs.

4. If you do not switch from high to low when driving oncoming in the dark, the punishment will be fair. Even if people you meet don’t ask you to do this, clause 19.1 of the traffic rules states the need to switch to the next one at least 150 meters from the oncoming car.

5. During the day in a populated area, you drive with high beam headlights. In this case, there is no violation, since there is only one direct ban on the use of high beams in a populated area - darkness and a lit road.

6. Driving around the city at night with DRLs will incur a fine. In this case, traffic regulations clearly require that either the low beam (if the road is lit) be turned on, or the high beam if there is no lighting in the populated area.

7. If one headlight on your car does not work (it doesn’t matter whether it’s low beam or high beam), you will be held accountable under another article - Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (the punishment is the same - a warning or a fine of 500 rubles).

P.S. This, of course, is not all situations that occur on the road. If you have your own options, write in the comments and we’ll discuss.

How to use car lights correctly How to use car lights correctly

Regarding car headlights and external lighting devices in general, it has not been introduced in our country for a long time. But just recently there was an alleged change in current traffic rules– low-beam headlights can now be left off in the daytime in Russia, at least in the summer. According to various sources, the new norms will come into force on April 1, 2018. Is it true? We have figured out all the changes to the Rules and other regulations!

What's happened?

In mid-March 2018, the network was overwhelmed with news that supposedly another change would come into force on April 1: the obligation to turn on headlights during the day in Russia was abolished. There are no references either to the initiators of the bill or to the official documents amending the traffic rules. And the news was spread mainly through Telegram and WhatsApp messengers.

According to the innovation, in our country, from April 1, there is no obligation to turn on headlights during daylight hours - specifically low beam and even daytime running lights. That is, something happened to clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, which reads:

during daylight hours on all moving vehicles for the purpose of marking them Low beam headlights or daytime running lights must be turned on.

According to various sources, new law has the following types:

• According to the change, it is allowed not to turn on low beam headlights during the day only in the summer or snowless seasons - from April 1 to September 30 of each year. The reasoning is simple: in summer the daylight hours are much longer than in winter, therefore there is simply no need to use lighting devices;
• You don’t have to turn on the low beams, but daytime running lights are definitely necessary - a strange statement, in fact, because today, even without changes to the traffic rules, this is prescribed;
• In Russia, headlights on have been completely abolished during the daytime - that is, in any season on any car you can not use external lighting devices (except turn signals, of course) during the day.

This is true?

No. It is not true. Low beam headlights or DRLs still need to be turned on during daylight hours. No new laws regarding external lighting devices have been introduced either since April 1, 2018, or... even back in 2014. And changes specifically regarding light are not planned.

How can you prove it?

Everything is very simple. There are 2 possible "proofs".

Official publication of changes

Since the traffic rules are formally a by-law approved by a decree of the Russian Government, changes are introduced by the relevant resolutions. And it’s easy to prove that there were no changes regarding lighting devices, knowing how the regulations come into force:

1. the resolution is introduced for discussion and adopted,
2. further, the published change must be published on one of the official websites of legal information, and these are regulated by Presidential Decree No. 763 of May 23, 1996 on the procedure for the entry into force of legislative acts.

Paragraph 2 of this Decree tells us the following:

2. Acts of the President of the Russian Federation and acts of the Government of the Russian Federation within 10 days after the day of their signing are subject to official publication in the Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the Collection of Legislation of the Russian Federation and on the Official Internet Portal of Legal Information (www.pravo.gov.ru), the functioning of which is ensured federal Service protection of the Russian Federation.

Accordingly, by going to these sites we will not find any official resolutions on changing the rules for daytime driving without low beam headlights from April 1, 2018:

• not on the website Rossiyskaya Gazeta,
• nor on the legal information website.

What's the truth?

They were allowed to drive during the day without headlights - this is the truth. But not in Russia. The corresponding decree was issued by the authorities of Transnistria, an unrecognized state of the Moldavian Republic... 2 years ago

How this news suddenly spread to Russian traffic regulations remains a mystery. But the fact remains - in Transnistria, indeed, from April 1 to September 30, you can not turn on low beam headlights during the day (video about this), but Russian traffic rules in this regard have not changed.

Revisions of traffic regulations

Another argument against changes in the Traffic Rules is the edition of the traffic rules. With each change, a new edition comes into force. Today, the most up-to-date database on them is contained on the Consultant Plus website. And here you will find 3 editions: one that entered into legal force on March 18, 2018, and 2 more that are pending.

But most importantly, none of them has in the list of changes section 19 of the traffic rules, which specifically concerns lighting devices.

1. the edition, which came into force on March 18, made reflective vests mandatory,
2. the second will take effect on April 28 and marks the appearance of waffle markings at intersections,
3. the third – from July 1 and will regulate the environmental class of cars.

As you can see, no changes have been introduced to the traffic rules since April 1, 2018, and you still need to turn on your headlights during the day.

How should we use lighting devices today?

So, the traffic rules today regulate the following rules for the use of headlights.

Night time:

• near and/or rear PTFs together with dimensions when parking on unlit sections of roads (it is not necessary to turn on the near ones, but the dimensions are required),
• only on unlit roads and only together with a neighbor or a distant driver.

Insufficient visibility(fog, rain, etc.):

• low or high beam (see below conditions when you cannot use high beam) when driving,

Daylight hours(any of the following):

• Daytime Running Lights,
• dipped headlights,

There is no need to turn on the taillights during the day.

Tunnels:

• low or high beam (see below for conditions when high beam cannot be used).

When not to use high beam headlights:

• on an illuminated road in populated areas,
• closer than 150 meters from oncoming traffic,
• further than 150 meters from the oncoming traffic, if the driver of the oncoming car blinks his headlights,
• in any case where you may blind drivers.

Direct blinding of pedestrians by distant traffic regulations is not prohibited.

What is the fine if you drive during the day without headlights?

If you drive on December 24, 2019 without any light at all - regardless of whether it is low beam, DRLs or fog lights, then you will face a fine of 500 rubles. This is provided for by the only article in the Code of Administrative Offenses - 12.20, which provides for penalties for any violations of the use of lighting devices - be it the absence of light during the day or the failure to turn on turn signals during maneuvers.

On July 1, 1994, it came into legal force, which approved not only the traffic rules (hereinafter referred to as the Rules), but also:

• Basic provisions for admission...;
• List of faults and conditions... (hereinafter referred to as the List).

Dear readers! The article talks about typical ways to resolve legal issues, but each case is individual. If you want to know how solve exactly your problem- contact a consultant:

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Section 19 of the Rules and Section 3 of the List fully regulate the rules for the use of headlights, lanterns, sound signals and other lighting devices, as well as colors approved for use.

What color is allowed

The colors allowed by the Rules are specified in clause 3.6. List.

Front

In ab. 2 clause 3.6. The list says that the front of the car must be equipped with headlights that produce only:

• white;
• yellow;
• or orange light.

Otherwise, operation of the vehicle is prohibited, and administrative proceedings are initiated against the driver (see below for possible sanctions).

Reflectors located at the front must only have White color, other shade is prohibited.

Low beam

In relation to low beam, the List does not establish separate ban. That is, low-beam headlights should only emit a white, yellow or orange tint, the rest are prohibited.

Similar requirements are defined for high beams, that is, the light bulb must emit white, orange or yellow color.

Behind

In ab. 3 clause 3.6. The list indicates what color the lighting devices installed at the rear of the vehicle should emit.

As a rule, two rear lights are installed on a car, which contain various blocks with light bulbs:

• side lighting (the weakest in power);
• fog light;
• brake signal;
• reverse;
• turn signals.

The rear light compartment used to signal the start of reversing must emit only white light, otherwise operation of the motor vehicle is prohibited.

The same requirement applies to light bulbs illuminating the state register sign– they must also emit only a white tint – others are prohibited.

In other compartments of the rear light, the use of 3 colors is allowed:

• red;
• yellow;
• or orange.

However, the List does not indicate that any signals should only be of a certain color.

This means that the turn signals can be red, yellow or orange. When using any of these colors the driver will be considered to have completed traffic rules requirements, and there will be no liability.

The same applies to the dimensions and brake lights - they can be yellow, orange or red.

In practice, it turned out that:

• the dimensions have a red, not very bright light;
• brake lights have a red tint (more pronounced than the side lights);
• turn signals – yellow or orange;
• the rear fog lights are the brightest red color (brighter than the side lights and brake lights).

Please also note that the reflectors at the rear can only be red.

Fog lights

Fog lights, as a rule, are an additional element of the vehicle and are not required for use according to the Rules.

In other words, if the car has additional headlights, the driver must use them in accordance with the established requirements; if they are not there, it’s okay, there will be no liability.

PTFs refer to front lighting devices. There are no special color requirements for “foglights”.

This means that PTF, like low and high beam headlights, should only have:

• or white;
• or yellow;
• or orange.

Otherwise, the driver faces the same responsibility as for using low beam (high beam) headlights that do not meet the color requirements.

When do you need to turn on which headlights according to traffic regulations?

In Section 19 of the Rules, a citizen can obtain all the information he is interested in regarding the procedure for using lighting devices.

In the city

There are not many regulations in Section 19 of the Rules that regulate any differences in the use of headlights and lanterns in the city and outside it.

During the daytime

According to this article, sanctions may be as follows:

• or a warning issued in writing in accordance with the regulations;
• or a monetary penalty in the amount of 500 rubles, charged in accordance with.

As we noted above, for any violation of clause 19.1. – clause 19.11. Rules, the driver will incur one of the specified sanctions, that is, for, for example:

• driving with fog lights at night (without low beams turned on);
• failure to switch from high to low when an oncoming vehicle is at a distance of less than 150 meters;
• driving during the day without the PTF or low beams on at all;
• turning on the rear fog lights in any conditions except poor visibility, etc.

The traffic police inspector will have to decide what exactly to apply to the driver - a warning or a fine - immediately on the spot - when drawing up the resolution (). When choosing a sanction, the inspector must be guided by the requirements, and also take into account whether the driver has mitigating or aggravating circumstances (and).

If the inspector imposes a fine, it can be paid with a 50 percent discount if you make the payment within the first 20 days after the decision is made (Administrative Offenses Code).

These types of liability are valid in the event that the driver violates the rules for using headlights and lanterns. For non-compliance of lighting devices with established requirements, liability is much stricter.

For example, if the headlights emit a red light, the punishment will come according to the Code of Administrative Offences. The sanctions are as follows:

• cancellation driver's license for a period of six months to 12 months;
• + additional punishment in the form of confiscation of headlights that do not meet the requirements.

The same part says that exactly the same responsibility awaits those who install lighting devices with a color of lights or operating mode that does not comply with Section 3 of the List.

The legislator did not clearly indicate whether this provision applies only to the front ones or to the rear ones too (and why the red light devices were included in a separate formulation in the first place).

It seems that deprivation + confiscation also awaits those whose turn signals, parking lights and rear brake lights are a color other than red, yellow or orange (as well as those whose reverse lights are any color other than white).

In practice, deprivation usually awaits those who install xenon or headlights with a color that does not meet the requirements. Behind tail lights sanctions usually come under Part 1 of Art. 12.5. Code of Administrative Offenses – warning or penalty of 500 rubles. A novice driver may get confused about the legal requirements - what to turn on and when.

Therefore, our editors present a convenient table for all occasions: