31 replies to this topic

[S4M]

On my way back home the other night there was an Audi R8 behind me with only its daytime running lights on......Just wondering what the law is on this? Any offences committed and are they classed as side lights only!?

They are bright but being LED's they don't project the light far, people can see him but surly he can't see the way properly in the dark?

Anyone have ideas/opinions on this?

Cheers!

[SC Ben]

Depends where he is - if it's residential, then I can't personally see an issue as there's the requirement to only need sidelights and imo, DRL's are brighter than them...

[Derf]

As above, in lit areas at night, sight lights are sufficient (in law but not in common sense)

[Obsidian_Eclipse]

Makes a change from having all lights (including fog light) like most folk around these parts.

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Edited by Obsidian_Eclipse, 12 May 2012 - 05:22 PM.

[gordon]

Could you not stop them for dazzling other road users as these things are often so bright?

[Gabba]

Could you not stop them for dazzling other road users as these things are often so bright?

daytime running lights are on all the time, the EU has stated all new cars should have daytime running lights, I have no idea if you can turn them off or not as I don't own a car that has them but they do not dazzle. the OP was driving on the unlite road so the other driver had no other lighting to use not even dash board lights I would assume, so if you came across such a muppet what would you do, I know what I would do

[Rinion]

Daytime Running Lights should come on with the ignition, and when you switch on your sidelights they either go out (if they're a separate unit) or reduce in intensity (if they're combined with the sidelights)

Having DRLs on should mean tail lights are not lit, so driving with them at night is an offence for that reason. I haven't checked every vehicle manufacturers spec to find out if any of them illuminate the tail lights

[oilysean]

daytime running lights are front facing only as above, AFAIK, can confirm with Peugeot and Kia anyway.

[S4M]

Thanks for all your replies! A few mentioned about the side lights in residential areas, but daytime running lights don't have rear lights, also coupled with the fact non of the instrument lights on the dash would be lit....in this case it was on the A43, a fast dual carriageway with NO street lighting....guess this also means the VRM would not be lit up at the rear too....so im sure there would be an offence somewhere as a result, but probably not specific for daytime running lights!?

Cheers guys!

[SC Ben]

Nearly all cars with DRL's, have the dash lit as soon as the ignition becomes live - especially on Peugeot/Citroen/Audi/VW/BMW & Vauxhall.

Yes there would be an offence for the rear lights, however, I personally would just be using sensible words of advice. Each to their own mind!

[rosco]

also coupled with the fact non of the instrument lights on the dash would be lit....

Actually, some vehicles do have all the instrument lights on the dash lit at all times: I've been occasionally confused at night with some cars where the dash is lit but not remembered to turn on the vehicle lights.

[Obsidian_Eclipse]

My motorcycle had day running lamps, they were only about 2-3watt and completely pointless. I preferred to have dipped beam on in the day, which wasn't terribly bright anyway. Doing so would illuminate the rear light too. But being on a bike your more vulnerable and need all the visibility you can muster.

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[caveat_civis]

Sidelights, at a minimum, must be used at night according to Highway Code section 113. (Night being the period half-an-hour inside sunrise and sunset.)
If they were only running on DRLs then you'd have a decent case for an offence of due care and attention.

[Wookie]

Daytime Running Lights should come on with the ignition, and when you switch on your sidelights they either go out (if they're a separate unit) or reduce in intensity (if they're combined with the sidelights)

Having DRLs on should mean tail lights are not lit, so driving with them at night is an offence for that reason. I haven't checked every vehicle manufacturers spec to find out if any of them illuminate the tail lights

When DLR's are also side lights, as mentioned above, when turned to sidelight mode the rear lights will come on (as the DLR's dim) so it's quite feasible that a car with just DLR's lit is complying with the law, it's just harder to spot from afar.

[brand b]

On some models the DLRs are seperate to the obligatory lamps, but usually they are dual purpose so as long as the rears are also shown then no offence. Where DLRs were fitted prior to the implementation of the legislation, they were switchable, but post implementation, the switching was no longer an option.
As for due care becasue of no lights - why take that route when there is a right and I'd suggest proper offence under the lighting regs - far easier to prove.

[caveat_civis]

As for due care becasue of no lights - why take that route when there is a right and I'd suggest proper offence under the lighting regs - far easier to prove.

As far as I can see, no offences are defined in the regulations - they simply state what is and what isn't permitted.
As I understood it, a breach of the regulations is used as evidence towards one of the more general offences (e.g. due care and attention). For example, someone who drives with no lights on at night would fit in to the definition of dangerous driving. Am I wrong?

[SBG]

Do cars fitted with DLRs have rear lamps?

[Wookie]

Do cars fitted with DLRs have rear lamps?

Yes, if you mean tail lights. They only come on though when the DLR is switched to side light mode.

[SBG]

Ok so if they are not switched to side lights like the OP is asking i.e. running on DLRs only then it would be an offence no matter what speed limit as you would not be showing rear obligatory lights. ???

[Hotlush]

Surely a DLR is, legally, an optional lamp so they've not got any lights on?

[SBG]

Well Hotlush - I think I agree with you - sidelights 30 and under, otherwise dipped are required

[Derf]

back lights also come on with older Volvo DRL's

[brand b]

As far as I can see, no offences are defined in the regulations - they simply state what is and what isn't permitted.
As I understood it, a breach of the regulations is used as evidence towards one of the more general offences (e.g. due care and attention). For example, someone who drives with no lights on at night would fit in to the definition of dangerous driving. Am I wrong?

The requirement to use lights comes from the RV lighting Regs- so driver who uses veh between sunset/sunrise commits the offence. Reg 24 for sidelights and reg 25 for headlights and the 30mph exmption comes from the RVLRs . (abridged and not cut&paste the whole lot)
As there is a statute to deal with the use of lights, it would take a fair bit of evidence and certainly more than ' it wasn't showing lights' to amount to a S2
DLRs can (often are) be an obligatory front lamp, so they could be used along with rear reds at night.

[Dovahkiin]

Could you not stop them for dazzling other road users as these things are often so bright?

I remember when i was cycling down the motorway i nearly got run over, all because oncoming cars had their lights on bright and blinded me for a few seconds.

Edited by B&Q, 16 May 2012 - 02:21 PM.

[MrDSP]

back lights also come on with older Volvo DRL's

Mine is brand new and rears also come on with DRL