Daytime running lights (DRLs) are lights on the front of a vehicle that automatically turn on and off to improve visibility during daylight hours . DRLs illuminate continuously while driving and increase safety by making vehicles more visible in daylight .
1. Features of Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
✅ Switches on automatically when starting the engine → No manual operation required.
✅ Located at the front of the vehicle → Usually integrated into the headlight units.
✅ Energy-efficient LED technology → Bright light with minimal energy consumption.
✅ Mandatory on new cars in the EU since 2011 → All new passenger cars and light trucks must have DRL.
✅ Works during the day only → Turns off or dims when low or high beam is turned on.
2. Benefits of Daytime Running Lights
🌞 Improves daytime visibility → Other road users see vehicles faster.
⚡ Low energy consumption → Usually LEDs, so it has little impact on fuel consumption.
🛑 Reduces the number of accidents → Studies show that DRL helps prevent collisions during the day.
🚦 Automatic operation → No manual operation required.
3. Difference between DRL and other headlights
| Feature | Daytime running lights (DRL) | Low beam | High beam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usage | During the day | At night or in poor visibility | Only on dark, empty roads |
| Automatically? | Yes | No | No |
| Colour | White or light blue | White or yellow | Bright white |
| Placement | Front of the car | Front and sometimes back | Front |
| Goal | Daytime visibility | Road lighting | Long-range lighting |
📌 DRL is not a replacement for low beams . In fog, rain, or twilight , low beams must be switched on .
4. DRL and Tail Lights: How Do They Work?
🔹 Standard DRL systems do not have rear lights → Only the front lights are on during the day.
🔹 Modern cars with automatic headlights also switch on the rear lights in the dark.
🔹 Manually switching on dipped beam is still mandatory in poor visibility (fog, rain, twilight) .
💡 Please note: Some drivers think their headlights are on at night because the DRL is on, but their taillights often stay off!
5. Types of daytime running lights
🔹 LED DRL → Bright, energy efficient, long life.
🔹 Halogen DRL → Less energy efficient, but still effective.
🔹 Integrated DRL in headlights → In modern cars.
🔹 DRL light signature (for premium brands) → Design lighting that makes the brand recognisable.
6. Rules and regulations for DRL
📌 Mandatory in the EU since 2011 for all new passenger cars.
📌 In many countries no replacement for low beam in bad weather → Manual activation of low beam required.
📌 Some countries require DRL on motorcycles for extra visibility.
💡 In short:
Daytime running lights (DRL) are automatic, energy-efficient lights on the front of vehicles that improve visibility during the day . DRL helps prevent accidents but does not replace low beam headlights in bad weather or at night.