Regarding the headlights of a car and external lighting devices in general, it has not been introduced in our country for a long time. But more recently, an alleged change in the current traffic rules has appeared - the dipped headlights in the daytime in Russia can now be turned off, at least in the summer. According to various sources, the new norms come into force on April 1, 2018. Is it true? We figured out all the changes in the Rules and other regulations!
What's happened?
In mid-March 2018, the network was flooded with news that allegedly from April 1 another change comes into force: the obligation to turn on headlights during the day in Russia has been canceled. There are no references either to the initiators of the bill or to the official documents that change traffic rules. And the news was spread mainly through the Telegram and WhatsApp messengers.
According to the innovation, in our country, from April 1, there is no obligation to turn on the headlights during daylight hours - specifically the dipped beam and even daytime running lights. That is, something happened to paragraph 19.5 of the SDA, which reads:
during daylight hours on all moving vehicles in order to identify them low beam headlights or daytime running lights must be switched on.
According to various sources, the new law has the following types:
- according to the change, it is allowed not to turn on the dipped headlights during the day only in the summer or snowless season - from April 1 to September 30 of each year. The argument is simple: in summer, daylight hours are much longer than in winter, so there is simply no need to use lighting devices;
- you can not turn on the dipped beam, but daytime running lights are a must - a strange, in fact, statement, because today and without changes in traffic rules, this is prescribed;
- the included headlights in Russia were generally canceled in 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 as far back as 2014. And changes specifically regarding the light are not planned.
What will you prove?
Everything is very simple. There are 2 possible "proofs".
Official publication of changes
Since the SDA is formally a by-law, approved by a decree of the Government of Russia, the changes are introduced by the relevant decrees. And to prove that there were no changes regarding lighting devices is easy, knowing how the regulations come into force:
- the resolution is introduced for discussion and adopted,
- further, the published change must be published on one of the official sites of legal information, and such 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 date of their signing are subject to official publication in 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 provided by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.
Accordingly, by going to these sites, we will not find any official decisions there on changing the rules for driving during the day without dipped headlights from April 1, 2018:
- nor on the website of Rossiyskaya Gazeta,
- nor on the website of legal information.
What is true?
It was 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 the traffic rules of Russia remains only a mystery. But the fact remains - in Pridnestrovie, indeed, from April 1 to September 30, you can not turn on the dipped headlights during the day (about this video), but Russian traffic rules have not changed in this regard.
Editions of traffic rules
Another argument against the change in the Rules of the Road is the revision of the SDA. With each change, a new edition takes effect. To date, the most up-to-date database on them is contained on the Consultant Plus website. And here you will find 3 editions: one - which entered into force on March 18, 2018, and 2 more - awaiting this.
But most importantly, none of them has section 19 of the SDA in the list of changes, which just concerns lighting devices.
- the revision, which came into force on March 18, introduced the mandatory requirement for reflective vests,
- the second will take effect on April 28 and marks the appearance of waffle markings at intersections,
- 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 the headlights during the day.
How should lighting devices be used today?
So, traffic rules today regulate the following rules for using headlights.
Night time:
- near and / or rear PTF together with dimensions when parking on unlit sections of roads (the middle one is not necessary to turn on, but the dimensions are mandatory),
- only on unlit roads and only together with near or far.
Insufficient visibility(fog, rain, etc.):
- dipped beam or high beam (see conditions below when high beam must not be used) while driving,
Daylight hours(any of the above):
- Daytime Running Lights,
- dipped headlights,
The rear lights do not need to be turned on during the day.
Tunnels:
- low beam or high beam (see conditions below for not using high beam).
When not to use high beam headlights:
- on the illuminated road in settlements,
- closer than 150 meters from the oncoming lane,
- further than 150 meters from the oncoming lane, if the driver of the oncoming car blinks far,
- in any cases where you can blind the drivers.
It is not forbidden to directly blind pedestrians with distant traffic rules.
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 a neighbor, DRL or fog lights, then you will be fined 500 rubles. This is provided for by the only article in the Code of Administrative Offenses - 12.20, which provides for penalties for any violation of the use of lighting devices - whether it is the absence of light during the day or the failure to turn on the turn signals during maneuvers.
The time to turn on the headlights of a car is not a whim of the driver, but a point clearly stated in the rules of the road. A special section describes all the conditions in which you need to light running lights, high and low beams and fog lights. We will tell you which headlights should be on during the day and what the driver needs to know so that there are no controversial moments on the road.
Points of traffic rules about dipped headlights during the day
Rules of the road, clause 19.5, tell us that any moving vehicle must identify itself with a BS or daytime running lights. Paragraph 19.4 allows the use of fog lamps for marking the vehicle.
For violation of these rules, a written warning from a traffic police officer or a fine under one of two articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation is provided:
- article 12.20 says that if the driver simply forgot to mark his vehicle with light signals, then he may receive a warning or a fine of 500 rubles;
- article 12.5 says that the driver must pay the same fine of 500 rubles if one or both headlights are faulty. In this case, the operation of the car is prohibited until the malfunction is eliminated. The same applies to extremely dirty glass and burnt out light bulbs.
There is also a controversial point that many motorists forget or do not take into account.
During the day, the driver uses foglights and enters the tunnel, and at the exit he receives a fine for headlights that are not included in accordance with the traffic rules. He is stopped by a traffic police officer due to the fact that the driver violated paragraph 19.1 of the traffic rules, which establishes that when entering the tunnel it is necessary to switch from fog lights to dipped beam. The same goes for DHO.
In addition to these rules, the rules of the road allow the use of the BS as an addition to the marker lights (but not instead of them) in conditions of insufficient visibility. This is not so important, since such a car poses a danger primarily to passing vehicles.
What headlights need to travel during the day
At the beginning of 2006, all Russian drivers were required to use BS during the daytime when driving outside settlements. Since 10/20/10, this item has been revised, and now every driver is required to turn on the BS or DRL when driving on any highways.
Failure to comply with these rules is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles or a warning, so motorists had no choice but to start complying with it. However, the debate about how effective and relevant this rule has not subsided. Some said that a car marked with light is easier to see in conditions of insufficient visibility (in fog, in heavy rain, twilight and in the forest), while others complained that due to such a rule, fuel consumption would be higher, and bulbs would burn out more often. Let's try to figure this out.
Should it be included low light during the day
In total, BS bulbs, dimensions and car number plate lighting require about 150 watts of power. Diode DRL lamps - approximately 15 watts. For comparison, an air conditioner requires 4500 watts, about 30 times more. Therefore, an economical motorist should first of all refuse air at a comfortable temperature in the cabin, and not from the included light bulbs. If we translate power into fuel consumption, then BS lamps and the rest of the backlight increase consumption by approximately 100 ml of gasoline per hour.
Why turn on the headlights during the day
It turns out that the motorist loses practically nothing from the included running lights, so it’s worth talking about what he gets, except for the 500 rubles saved on a fine.
There are several situations when a car without headlights is practically invisible, even with DRLs or fog lights on. They are not as rare as they seem.
- In the forest, against the background of trees, the car is already lost at a distance of 150-200 meters - this is the perception of the human eye. This effect can be especially noticed in winter, when an even layer of snow covers the trees and the ground - then all objects on a white sheet seem to be noise. Of course, it is rare to see another car in a dense forest, and usually the speed of a vehicle in such an area is low. But still, you should not save 100-300 milliliters of gasoline and neglect safety.
- When driving on the highway in cloudy weather, the car is still noticeable at a distance of 200-300 meters, especially if it is alone on the road. But as soon as other cars appear, but with the headlights on, it is lost and almost does not stand out from the background. With an increase in the distance to 700-900 meters, even DRLs will not help to distinguish the car.
In general, the included BS lights help not to get lost in the traffic flow and be seen by other drivers when changing lanes. For pedestrians, however, vehicle detection time is critical due to the difference in speed.
If it still seems like you don't need to turn on your headlights during the day in the city, then here is a study by experts that supports turning on the low beam. On average, the probability of an accident for a driver is reduced by 13 percent. This figure is made up of many others: including, the chances of a pedestrian being reduced by 15%, a cyclist - by 10%, frontal and side collisions - by 10%.
The only thing that the included BS is bad for is that it is more difficult to notice brake signals in a dense stream. This can be avoided by installing an additional brake light on the rear window.
conclusions
Daytime running lights consume a minimum amount of energy and practically do not affect the wealth of the motorist. The situation is approximately the same with low beam headlights - constantly on, they will cost the driver 100 milliliters of gasoline every hour, which is approximately 4 rubles.
But by spending these four rubles for every hour of driving, the driver saves something more significant - meters and seconds, which allow him to make the right decision in time and maneuver safely in the stream. This is especially important for pedestrians and in conditions of insufficient visibility: in cloudy weather, fog, rain or in the forest.
Good afternoon, dear reader.
This article will review fine for not turning on the dipped headlights, as well as fines for other violations of the rules for the use of lighting devices.
In 2019 and 2020, all moving vehicles must have lights (daytime running lights, low beams or fog lights) on. And regardless of the time of day and visibility conditions.
Consider the fines for violating the rules for the use of lighting devices:
How to avoid a fine for incorrect use of headlights?
First of all, consider a simple way that will allow the driver to avoid a fine for violating the rules for using lighting devices. For this, it is enough when getting into the car turn on dipped headlights.
3.3. Do not work in the set mode or external lighting devices and retroreflectors are dirty.
The document prohibits the operation of the car in the event of an inoperative headlight or dirty lighting devices. At the same time, the punishment is provided for by part 1 of article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses - a warning or a fine in the amount of 500 rubles.
Let's sum up this article. For violation of the rules for the use of lighting devices in 2019 and 2020, the driver will receive a minimum fine of 500 rubles. However, we should not forget that if the lack of light becomes the cause, then the driver of the car will be recognized as the culprit.
And finally, I suggest you watch a funny video about a driver who forgot to turn on the dipped headlights:
Good luck on the roads!
A fine cannot be imposed for not turning on the dipped headlights on the vehicle while driving, since you can drive on daytime running lights during daylight hours. Link to clause 3.3. The traffic rules are unconvincing and will not pass at the court session, since the clause refers to the established mode of operation, and not to the light bulb, since the latter may not be working, but the mode will not be violated. Let me remind you that there can be two modes on the vehicle - constant and intermittent light. Further, in the described accident, the culprit, most likely, will be recognized as a driver moving along a secondary road, if the incident took place in the daytime, since when asked why the driver did not notice the vehicle moving along the main road, the latter will not be able to say anything worthwhile in justification. If the unfortunate driver answers that I did not see the vehicle during the day because the dipped beam was not turned on, then it is worth doubting his health and prohibiting him from driving the vehicle. He does not notice the vehicle during the day, then talking about pedestrians crossing the roadway is generally not relevant then.
How to behave if a traffic police officer asks to open the trunk?
Dear, tell me if it would be a violation if you yourself install daytime running lights, which are now sold in auto stores, and use them during the day without turning on the dipped beam.
UPD: This information is only a rumor, at the moment the dipped headlights obligatory for all drivers, both in populated and non-populated areas of Russia.
For driving a car in the daytime without lights on, a fine of 500 rubles is provided. However, things may change soon! There were rumors that they want to allow not turning on the headlights during the day from April 1, 2018 to September 30, but the law has not yet been adopted (as of early April).
The use of dipped beam, regardless of the time of day, became mandatory from November 20, 2010. The explanation is simple - a car with the headlights on becomes many times more noticeable on the road, which in turn reduces the accident rate. Despite this, there was news that in the daytime when driving in the village it will be possible not to turn on the lighting devices, but only until September 30. This is due to the increase in daylight hours, inspectors say.
A car with the lights on is more visible on the road, thereby reducing the number of accidents due to banal inattention to almost zero!
Requirements for the use of lighting devices are listed in paragraph 19 of the traffic rules of the Russian Federation. So, at night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, the inclusion of headlights is mandatory! The dipped beam must also be turned on when driving in a tunnel. The rules of the road do not prohibit the use of fog lights instead of low beam or in conjunction with it, but only in conditions of poor visibility.
Do not abuse the high beam, especially if there are cars in the oncoming lane, as this can provoke an emergency!
Sanctions for ignoring the rules for using lighting devices are provided for in Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The violator will face a fine of 500 rubles, but there is a chance to get off with a verbal warning.
If during an accident it is established that an innocent person violated the rules for using light devices, then both drivers will be named the culprits of the incident!
What do car owners think?
The news that from April 1, 2018 it is not necessary to turn on the dipped headlights during the day, drivers perceived it differently.
Many people think that sunlight is enough to notice a moving car. There are those who are sure that the included headlights attract the attention of both drivers and pedestrians, so such amendments are not needed. Some argue that such an innovation is useless by the fact that in many civilized countries the lights are always on while driving, moreover, almost all cars in standard equipment have the option of turning on the headlights at the same time as starting the engine.
TOP violations related to the use of lighting devices
Prior to the entry into force of the amendments, the most common violation in the use of lighting devices was turning off the headlights during the daytime. In addition, drivers
- abuse the high beam;
- misused use "fog";
- turn on only side lights at night.
We repeat, the law on the abolition of the inclusion of dipped-beam headlights in the daytime has not yet been adopted, despite talk about it.
Low beam headlights make the car more visible day and night. In many cases, this saves you from an accident. However, constantly working headlights lead to burnout of the bulbs, create an additional load on the battery, etc. Therefore, not every driver likes this. But if you know what the penalty for the non-included dipped beam is assigned by the traffic police, then there will be no desire to save on light bulbs.
What is considered a violation
There are many situations when it is necessary to use low beam:
The violation itself is expressed as follows:
- dipped beam not included;
- either side lights or high beams work instead.
What is the punishment
Fine
Most drivers are interested in the amount of the fine for driving without light during the day. Therefore, in the future, we will talk about these cases.
The amount of the sanction is 500 rub. (Article 12.20 of the administrative code).
However, if you do not appeal the decision and pay a fee within 20 days, then the amount is automatically reduced to 250 rub.
And, on the contrary, if you delay with payment for more than 70 days, then the amount may triple and reach 1500 rub. That is, the driver will be additionally issued a fine for delaying the main fine. You will get two protocols: for light (500 rubles) and for delay (1000 rubles).
Warning
When the motorist has no other violations, behaves correctly, acknowledged the fact of the violation, then the traffic police officer can issue a warning instead of a fine for driving without dipped beam.
Other sanctions
No other measures of influence on the driver are provided: neither the detention of the car, nor the parking lot, nor the suspension from driving, etc.
Substitute low beam
According to the rules of the road, you can drive with fog lights without dipped beam (clauses 19.4, 19.5 of the SDA). You can also use the daytime running light.
It will not be a violation if you turn on the dipped beam in combination with foglights and running lights.
But you should be aware that in some cars the head fog lights turn on in a single mode with the rear fog lights. This will already be a violation, since the rear ones are used only in unclear weather.
If the headlight does not work
When the driver has only one headlight on, then the traffic police officer will not impose a fine for driving without headlights on. But the driver faces a penalty for driving with a malfunction - a monetary sanction in the amount 500 rub. (part 1 of article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
If 2 headlights do not work, then there will be an addition of punishments (for light and for breakage).
Often, drivers attach their headlights (running, fog) abnormally. This will also be a reason for punishing the installation of non-constructive elements - 500 rub.
How is a violation recorded?
The issue of imposing a fine for not turning on the low beam is dealt with by the traffic police from detection to punishment.
As a rule, after a misconduct is detected on the spot, a decision on administrative responsibility is drawn up.
Not in all cases it is worth agreeing with the traffic police officer.
You can prove a violation of traffic rules for dipped headlights during the day if:
- there are witnesses to the crime;
- driving is recorded on video;
- The driver himself admits his guilt.
Therefore, if no evidence is presented, the driver can safely defend his truth. Such materials are easily challenged in court.
If the fact of violation is undeniable, one should strive to reduce everything to a warning. That is, do not conflict, talk about free driving, remind about the possibility of a warning, etc.
Why do you need headlights during the day
There are several reasons why you should turn on a light fixture:
- often a traffic police officer stops the driver because of the extinguished lights. And, in addition to a fine for driving without headlights, this becomes a reason to look for other violations;
- of course it's a safety issue. You are seen by both the other driver and the pedestrian, which will allow you to avoid many troubles on the road;
- when the light is on, the instrument panel in the cabin is also on. Such information is important to the motorist.
Cancellation of low beam use
Recently, changes have often been made to traffic rules, so many drivers have a question: do I need to turn on the headlights during the day in the city from 2018?
Indeed, the SDA has undergone a number of changes, but this has not affected the procedure for using lighting devices. Therefore, all this is from the category of rumors and assumptions.
So far, there are no prerequisites for this. The obligation to use headlights during the day has existed for 8 years. And from this only a positive effect.
Perhaps this will be removed. To do this, they will issue an official document that will contain information from what date it is possible not to turn on the dipped beam.
