Understanding Daytime Running Lights

The purpose of daytime running lights is not to illuminate the front vision, but to make your vehicle more visible to approaching drivers and pedestrians. As a result, daytime running lights shine in a forward direction rather than downwards like headlamps and fog lights.

 

Despite the lack of government action, most new passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks sold in the U.S. are equipped with daytime running lights. You may also hear them referred to as "iconic lights". These low-wattage white lights will automatically light up when you start your vehicle. Daytime running lights are usually located around the headlights, near the front fascia on the side of the vehicle.

 

Daytime driving lights can be called the "bear lights" of headlights. That is, they are neither too bright nor too dark. They illuminate exactly the front of the car and are somewhere between stop lights and low beams.

 

Daytime Running Light for Toyota 

What are daytime running lights used for?

 

The purpose of daytime running lights is not to illuminate the front vision, but to make your vehicle more visible to approaching drivers and pedestrians. As a result, daytime running lights shine in a forward direction rather than downwards like headlamps and fog lights.

 

Daytime running lights work best when the ambient light is dim, such as dusk, dawn, cloudy, etc. This is the main reason why the Scandinavian country, which is known for its short days and nights, is keen to make the installation of daytime running lights mandatory.

 

One unexpected benefit of daytime running lights (at least for automakers) is that they create another avenue for brands. This is where the term "iconic headlights" comes from. Audi was the first to create a unique daytime driving light pattern for most of its models. In addition, daytime driving lights can make your car or truck look more technologically and luxurious.

 

Daytime Running Light

 

How daytime running lights differ from other vehicle lights?

To clarify the unique role of DRLs, let's compare them to other common vehicle lighting systems:

 

Daytime running lights and headlights:

Brightness: Daytime running lights are significantly less bright than headlights, providing only enough light to ensure daytime visibility without causing glare.

Purpose: Headlights illuminate the road ahead, while daytime running lights simply make the vehicle more visible.

Operation: The DRL starts automatically with the engine, while the headlights usually need to be started manually or triggered in low-light conditions.

 

Daytime running lights and fog lights:

Positioning: Daytime running lights are usually installed higher in the vehicle, while fog lights are installed lower to reduce fog or mist.

Features: Fog lights are designed to improve visibility in specific adverse weather conditions, while daytime running lights improve visibility in normal daytime conditions.

Fog Light

 

Daytime Running Lights and Parking Lights:

 

Intensity: Daytime running lights are brighter than parking lights and are mainly used to indicate stationary vehicles.

Usage: Parking lights are used when vehicles are parked or driving at low speeds, while daytime running lights are used for vehicles that are driving during the day.

 

 

How do I use daytime running lights?

 

There's not much of a learning curve here. The daytime driving lights operate completely independently. When you activate the ignition, they will light up; When the front headlights are on, they turn off. With no daytime running light switches, the driver has no real control over the operation of the daytime running lights.

 

In certain situations, such as when parked and the engine is running, your vehicle may offer a way to turn off the daytime driving lights. However, the exact steps vary depending on the model.

 

Can I turn off my daytime running lights?

 

While daytime running lights (DRLs) are not mandated by law, few people are able to turn them off. Daytime driving lights will turn on when the vehicle is started and will only turn off when the vehicle is turned off. Only some automakers offer daytime running light off switches in some models, such as Volkswagen, Subaru and Toyota. According to Toyota, some models, such as the 2000 Toyota 4Runner, 1999-2000 Toyota Camry, and 1999-2000 Toyota Corolla, are equipped with a "Daytime running lights off" setting on the headlight control knob.

 

Can I add daytime running lights to my car?

 

Yes, if your vehicle doesn't have daytime running lights, you can add them to it. Unless you are an experienced DIY master, we do not recommend that you install it yourself. While installing a universal daytime running light system isn't a brain surgery that can be done in an afternoon, it's your vehicle's electrical system. Any misstep can have a negative impact on the entire electrical system. In addition, whether you install it yourself or by a professional installer, you must follow specific regulations regarding the location and orientation of your daytime driving lights.

 

Do you need daytime running lights?

 

Now let's talk about the need for daytime running lights. Visually, the front lighting helps pedestrians and other drivers see the vehicle ahead. However, the results of studies on the effectiveness of daytime running lights during the day are inconsistent. As noted above, the U.S. government does not consider it necessary to make daytime running lights mandatory.

 

Statistical Evidence 

 

Although the government claims that there is not enough evidence to support the mandatory use of daytime running lights, some evidence does exist. A 2010 publication by the Minnesota Department of Transportation noted that daytime running lights reduced the number of daytime accidents from 5 percent to 10 percent. A 2008 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that for light trucks and vans, daytime running lights reduced accident rates by 5.7 percent.

 

Dim ambient light – When there is enough light and headlamps are not needed, but the light gradually decreases, daytime running lights will at least have some effect. Daytime running lights can increase the likelihood that drivers will spot oncoming vehicles, especially dark-colored vehicles.

 

Insurance discounts – Some insurance companies may offer discounts to vehicle drivers who use daytime running lights. Such discounts may vary from state to state.

 

They look cool – there's no doubt about it: today's daytime running lights add a touch of brilliance by making cars, trucks, and SUVs look more technologically advanced.

 

Is it illegal to drive a vehicle without daytime running lights?

 

No. Because DRLs are not mandated by the government, it is not illegal to drive a vehicle in the United States that has a DRL burned out or is completely missing.

 

What is the future of daytime running lights?

 

Whether or not the government changes its mind and mandates the installation of daytime running lights, there is no reason to think that it will disappear. Automakers have been looking for economies of scale, i.e., reducing their prices by installing the feature on more vehicles. Even in the aftermarket, daytime running lights are already relatively cheap. It makes sense that manufacturers continue to make it a standard feature on vehicles sold in the U.S. market to help bring down the price of daytime running lights in the market.

 

As an Automotive Lighting Manufacturer, we can supply daytime running lights and fog lights with OEM/ODM service. We have been a famous brand on Auto lamp industry in China.

 

Whether you're a fleet manager looking to improve your vehicle's safety, a car enthusiast curious about the latest automotive technology, or just a casual driver looking to learn more about your vehicle's performance, Carri is here to help. Contact us today to understand your vehicle lighting needs and we'll be happy to help.