At night, in conditions of insufficient visibility, the tunnels turn on

In the dark 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.

All motor vehicles have high or low beam headlights on, bicycles have headlights or lights on, and horse-drawn carriages have lights on, if equipped.

The side lights on trailers and towed motor vehicles are turned on.

Traffic rules 19.2.

High beam must be switched to low beam

High beams should be switched to low beams in populated areas if the road is illuminated.

The high beam must be switched to low beam when passing oncoming traffic at a distance of at least 150 meters 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.

The high beam must be switched to low beam in any other cases to eliminate the possibility of dazzling 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.

Traffic rules 19.3.

When stopping and parking at night on unlit sections of roads, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility, the side lights on the vehicle must be turned on. In conditions of insufficient visibility, in addition to the side lights, low beam headlights, fog lights and tail lights can be turned on. fog lights.

Traffic rules 19.4.

Fog lights can be used

Fog lights can be used in conditions of poor visibility with near or high beam headlights

Fog lights can be used at night on unlit sections of roads in conjunction with low or high beam headlights.

Fog lights can be used instead of low beam headlights in accordance with paragraph 19.5 of the Traffic Regulations - Rules traffic .

Traffic rules 19.5.

During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on to indicate them.

Traffic rules 19.6.

The spotlight and searchlight may only be used outside populated areas in the absence of oncoming vehicles.

In populated areas, only drivers of vehicles equipped in the prescribed manner with blue flashing lights and special sound signals can use such headlights when performing an urgent official task.

Traffic rules 19.7.

Rear fog lights can only be used in conditions of poor visibility. Do not connect rear fog lights to brake lights.

Traffic rules 19.8.

Identification mark Road train must be turned on when the road train is moving, and in the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, in addition, during its stop or parking.

Traffic rules 19.10.

Sound signals can only be used

Sound signals can only be used to warn other drivers of the intention to overtake outside populated areas.

Answer. The rules require that when driving in poor visibility conditions, the use of fog lights only in conjunction with low or high beam headlights.

You can use fog lights in conjunction with low or high beam headlights:

Answer. You can use fog lights both in conditions of poor visibility (snowfall, rain, fog, twilight, when road visibility is less than 300 m), and at night on unlit sections of roads together with low or high beam headlights.

When driving at night on unlit roads, you can use fog lights:

Answer. The rules prohibit the use of fog lights independently at night on unlit sections of roads. You can only use them in combination with low or high beam headlights.

What external lighting devices should be turned on on a vehicle when driving during daylight hours?

Answer. Any of the listed devices have sufficient luminous flux to indicate a vehicle in daytime and can be used by the driver when driving during daylight hours.

The fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on simultaneously:

Answer. Together, fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on not only in fog, but also in other conditions (rain, snow), when road visibility is less than 300 m. In conditions of limited visibility, fog lights are not used, as they will blind the following You drivers.

What external lights should be turned on during daylight hours on motorcycles?

Answer. On motorcycles and mopeds, when driving during daylight hours, low beams or fog lights must be turned on. In this way, it is possible to distinguish small-sized vehicles from the flow of cars and trucks.

Is it permissible to use fog lights instead of low beam headlights during daylight hours?

Answer. In the daytime, the driver can use fog lights to identify the vehicle. instead of low beam headlights, except when driving in tunnels and in conditions of poor visibility.

Turning on which external lights will provide you with the best visibility of the road when driving at night during a heavy snowstorm?

Answer. When driving at night during a heavy snowstorm, high beam headlights will create glare and reduce visibility. In such conditions, it is advisable to use the fog lights in conjunction with the low beam headlights.

19.1. In the dark 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 - 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.

19.2. High beam should be switched to low beam:

in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;

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;

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.

19.3. When stopping and parking at night on unlit sections of roads, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility, the side lights on the vehicle must be turned on. In conditions of poor visibility, low-beam headlights, fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on in addition to the side lights.

19.4. Fog lights can be used:

in conditions of poor visibility 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 accordance with paragraph 19.5 of the Rules.

19.5. During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on to indicate them.

19.6. The spotlight and searchlight may only be used outside populated areas in the absence of oncoming vehicles. In populated areas, only drivers of vehicles equipped in the prescribed manner with blue flashing lights and special sound signals can use such headlights when performing an urgent official task.

19.7. Rear fog lights can only be used in conditions of poor visibility. Do not connect rear fog lights to brake lights.

19.8. The identification sign “Road train” must be turned on when the road train is moving, and in the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, in addition, while it is stopped or parked.

19.10. Sound signals can only be used:

to warn other drivers of the intention to overtake outside populated areas;

in cases where it is necessary to prevent a traffic accident.

19.11. To warn of overtaking, instead of a sound signal or together with it, a light signal may be given, which is a short-term switching of the headlights from low to high beam.

For the driver correct application external lights and sound signals are just as important as a thorough knowledge of road markings and signs. His life, health, integrity of the car (and wallet) and the safety of other road users directly depend on this.

In addition, when using headlights and lanterns, drivers have unspoken “rules of good manners”, following which significantly increases driving comfort and prevents possible conflict situations. Next, learn about the use of external lighting devices and sound signals.

Light and sound devices of the car and their location

We should start with the basics, or rather with what types of headlights and lanterns modern cars are equipped with.

• Low beam headlights– designed to illuminate the road and surrounding area in a relatively small area.

• Headlights high beam – powerful lighting devices that illuminate the roadway over a fairly large area. Due to its high brightness, high beams can blind oncoming drivers.

• Front fog lights– are installed below conventional headlights, creating a wide beam of light that well illuminates the road and the surrounding area in conditions of fog, snowfall and rain.

• Daytime Running Lights– a separate type of headlights, switched on during the day, regardless of weather and visibility, and designed to increase the visibility of vehicles. Most models turn on immediately when the engine starts.

• Tail lights– intended to indicate a vehicle at night or in poor visibility conditions. The color of the lamps is red.

• Brake lights– red lights that come on when the vehicle brakes. They burn much brighter than the side lights. Some cars are additionally equipped with a central brake light.

• Rear fog lights– designate a vehicle in conditions of fog, rain or snowstorm. Not to be confused with brake lights.

• Reversing lights – white, are intended to inform pedestrians and other motorists that the vehicle will be (or is already moving) in reverse.

• Rear reflectors– are used for the same purpose as side lights; they reflect the light falling on them from the headlights of passing cars. May also be known as retroreflectors.

• License plate light– several white lights designed to illuminate the rear license plate of a car.

• Direction indicators, or "turn signals"— amber lights are used to inform about a turn or other maneuver of the vehicle. Installed in the corners and on the sides of the car.

Use of external lighting devices during the day

Clause 19.5 of the Russian Traffic Regulations states that in clear weather and good visibility during the day, low beam headlights must be turned on on all vehicles, and side lights on trailers and towed vehicles.

According to clause 19.4 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations— instead of low-beam headlights, fog lights or daytime running lights, if available, can be used.

Failure to comply with clause 19.5 is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles, but in most cases everything can be done with a verbal warning to the driver from the traffic police.

Clause 19.1 of traffic rules - passage of tunnels. Regardless of whether it is well lit or not, the traffic rules require turning on low or high beam (if there are no oncoming cars) headlights inside it at the entrance. If, before entering the tunnel, only your running lights or fog lights were on, switch to low-beam headlights and turn them off only when you exit.

Often in the daytime visibility deteriorates due to the weather - rain, snow, fog, or simply darkness due to clouds blocking the sun. In the rules in paragraph 1.2, this is described as “insufficient visibility” - when less than 300 meters of the road is visible in conditions of precipitation or twilight.

This should not be confused with limited visibility, when visibility on the road is obstructed by terrain, buildings, roadway geometry, or other vehicles. Also, do not confuse poor visibility with darkness.

Driving when there is insufficient visibility on the road (in fog, rain, snow) In these cases, clause 19.1 of the Traffic Regulations prescribes the use of low and high beam lighting devices. Additionally, you can turn on the front fog lights, but this is not necessary.

When can rear fog lights be used? Clause 19.7 states that they can only be turned on when visibility is insufficient. The rest of the time this is prohibited - they shine very brightly and can interfere with other road users. Also, you cannot turn them on together with the brake lights.

Forced stop on the road in rain, fog, snowstorm or dust storm. Turn on your side lights so you can be seen early. Additionally, you can use low beam and fog lights - the traffic rules allow this.

Rules for using external lighting devices at night

At night, or the dark time of the day, the rules refer to the period of time between the end of the evening and the beginning of the morning twilight. In such conditions, it is mandatory to turn on the headlights and side lights.

The choice of low or high beam depends on the following nuances:

• If you are driving on illuminated roads in locality – You cannot use high beams, only low beams.

• When approaching a vehicle moving in the oncoming lane, the high beams should be switched to low beams at least 150 meters in advance - this way you will not blind the other driver. It’s even better to switch at 200-250 meters.

• If an oncoming vehicle signals by switching or flashing its headlights at a greater distance– turn off the high beams. In such situations, your headlights are most likely poorly adjusted, and they do not so much illuminate the road as they shine into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

• You also need to switch the light in other situations, when there is a threat of blinding other drivers, both oncoming and passing.

What to do if you are blinded? The main thing is not to change lanes, otherwise there is a risk of getting into an accident, hitting a pedestrian or falling into a ditch. The rules require in such a situation to turn on the hazard warning lights, gradually reduce speed and, if necessary, stop.

Forced stop in the dark– be sure to turn on the side lights and, if desired, supplement them with low beams and fog lights.

Table for the use of external lighting devices on roads

Conditions / Light	Daylight time	Night time, on illuminated sections of roads in populated areas	Night time on unlit road sections	Tunnel	Insufficient visibility
Low beam	+	+	+	+	+
High beam	—	—	+	+	+
Fog lights	1	—	2	—	2
Daytime Running Lights	1	—	—	—	—
Rear fog lights	—	—	—	—	+

• “1” - Instead of low beam headlights;
• “2” - Only in combination with low and high beam headlights.

Overtaking and using sound signals

If you are going to overtake a car in front of you, signal not only with your turn signals, but also by flashing your headlights from low beam to high beam. If the maneuver is performed outside the city, then it is permissible to sound a sound signal.

In other situations, a sound signal is given only to prevent an accident or collision with a pedestrian. Otherwise, this is a violation of the rules, for which the traffic police inspector has every right to issue a fine.

Lighting devices - other features of use

Another type of automotive lighting is a spotlight or searchlight.. This is a device that produces a powerful and bright beam of light that can be directed in the desired direction. It is used only outside the city (especially off-road) and provided that there are no oncoming vehicles whose drivers may be temporarily blinded by the spotlight. In the city, such lighting equipment is used only by emergency vehicles.

And for road trains, the rules provide for a special identification mark in the form of three orange lights on the roof of the vehicle cabin. When driving, it should always be on, and at night or when visibility is insufficient, the sign should also work during stops and parking.

There is also a “rule of good manners” that is not regulated in the traffic rules. If you drove past a traffic police post, car accident or other non-standard situation on the road - warn oncoming drivers by flashing your headlights.

It is also considered polite on the road not to use high beams and rear fog lights unless absolutely necessary - they shine too brightly and often blind other drivers. But these rules, unlike the previous one, are already enshrined in the traffic rules.

Video lesson: rules for using external lighting devices and sound signals.

In order to ensure the safety of vehicles on the road, drivers are required to use side lights. If the dimensions are not used in the necessary situations, the traffic police inspector has the right to fine the road user. What are side lights intended for, and in what situations can a car owner incur administrative penalties?

What are side lights?

Parking lights, also known as parking lights, are lights that are located on the sides, front, and rear of a vehicle.

The side lights must be turned on if you are driving in the dark, while braking and stopping, as well as while parking the car on the roadway or side of the road.

Front dimensions

The dimensions located on the front of the car are called sidelights and parking lamps. They are located on the same line along the edges on the front of the vehicle. Dimensions on trucks are located on the fenders. The front marker headlights must glow exclusively white.

According to the traffic rules of the Russian Federation, front lights are turned on at night in conditions of poor visibility together with other optical devices, such as fog lights, high beams and low beams.

Rear dimensions

Rear dimensions are installed in the corresponding part of the car on the sides along one line and are part of the headlights. Rear dimensions should be only red and turns on at night when driving and stopping at the edge of the road. On trucks and buses, the dimensions are installed both in the upper and lower parts.

Drivers often confuse headlights with low and high beam running lights and fog lights, which should not be allowed. Everyone has running lights has its purpose.

What are they needed for?

Side lights are of particular importance when driving a vehicle. Purpose of side lights:

• designation of vehicle dimensions when visibility on the road is insufficient;
• as lighting when stopping;
• attracting the attention of other road users.

When to turn it on?

Situations when it is necessary to turn on the side lights:

1. In case of poor visibility caused by natural phenomena: fog, snow, rain, twilight.
2. When negotiating road tunnels.
3. If you stop on the side of the road in poor visibility conditions.

If the car is equipped with a trailer, then at night in the tunnel in poor visibility conditions the side lights turn on .

In daylight and clear weather, there is no need to turn on the side lights, since they have low power and are practically invisible in sunlight.

Penalty for not included dimensions

The Administrative Code of the Russian Federation does not have a special article that directly concerns side headlights.

Amount of fine

However, in the Code of Administrative Offenses there is a separate article (Article 12.5 Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), which is interpreted as follows: in case of various non-compliances of lighting devices, the main provision on the admission of the vehicle to operation a warning is issued or penalty in the amount of five hundred rubles.

The driver may incur administrative penalties if the dimensions:

• shine with a different light that does not comply with the requirements of traffic regulations;
• polluted;
• does not work.

The decision to impose a fine or issue a warning is made by the traffic police inspector at the place where the driver was detained, guided by specific situation on the road and by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 185. If you were detained by a traffic inspector and you doubt his lawful actions, contact our lawyers for help.

Don't forget that road safety is directly related to the visibility of your vehicle to other road users. Therefore, do not forget about turning on the side lights in a timely manner, especially in foggy conditions.