Are the Position Lamp and Rear Position Lamp the Same Light?
3 Answers
The rear position lamp is not the same as the position lamp. Below is some related extended information: 1. Function of the rear position lamp: The rear position lamp, commonly known as the small lamp, is mainly used to indicate the presence and approximate width of the vehicle, making it easier for other vehicles to judge during overtaking or meeting. 2. Function of the position lamp: The position lamp is a warning light, usually installed at the edge of the car's roof, to indicate the width of the vehicle. The small lamp serves to alert other vehicles during evening or nighttime driving, helping them determine the relative position and size of the vehicle when meeting or overtaking.
When I first started learning to drive, I also made this mistake, always thinking that the position lights and tail lights were the same thing. Actually, they're not. Position lights refer to the vehicle's overall width-indicating light system, including all front and rear lights, used in dim conditions or fog to help others see the car's outline and position. Tail lights, on the other hand, specifically refer to the light sources at the rear—those small lights on the back of the car that indicate where the rear of the vehicle is located. In my sedan, when I press the switch while driving, both the front and rear lights come on to create the position light effect, while the tail lights are just a part of that, but they are independent bulbs or LED units. This distinction is important because if you mistake tail lights for the entire position light system when replacing bulbs, you might get the wrong parts, affecting nighttime driving safety. I recommend that beginners regularly check the owner's manual or look up diagrams of their car model online to familiarize themselves with the lighting layout faster and avoid unexpected issues. After all, non-functioning lights increase the risk of rear-end collisions—I once nearly had an accident at night because I didn’t check, so learning more basics is always helpful.
After driving for so many years, I've seen countless beginners confuse these issues. The position lights and rear position lamps are definitely not the same thing. The rear position lamp is specifically designed to mark the vehicle's rear position, while the position lights is a general term covering the combined functions of front and rear position lamps. From my experience, in many car models the rear position lamp might be integrated into the tail light assembly, but when functioning independently it only serves to display the rear. For example, when you start the car at night and turn on the position lights switch, both front and rear lights will illuminate, but when you specifically check the rear position lamp, you'll notice it has small filaments or LED points. If the rear position lamp malfunctions, you can simply replace the corresponding bulb without needing to touch the entire system. I recommend regularly checking all lights during routine maintenance using a mirror, especially the rear position lamps which tend to accumulate dust affecting brightness. Long-term neglect might lead to traffic tickets or accidents. Remember, keeping your lights clear for others to see your vehicle is one of the fundamental wisdoms of driving.
