What lights should be turned on when temporarily parking in the rain?
3 Answers
Temporarily parking in the rain requires turning on the clearance lights and rear position lights. The traffic law stipulates that "during nighttime when streetlights are on, or when driving in conditions of low visibility such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, headlights, clearance lights, and rear position lights should be turned on." This is because visibility is generally very low in such weather. When the rain is heavy, headlights or front fog lights should be turned on. In heavier rain, the rainwater itself obstructs visibility, and water on the road surface splashed by the rolling tires of the vehicle ahead forms a mist, which also significantly affects visibility. In such cases, headlights or front fog lights should be used. Rear fog lights can be turned on during heavy rain. Rear fog lights should only be used when the rain is extremely heavy because the red tail lights already have excellent penetration, and ordinary heavy rain cannot block their light. Rear fog lights are very bright and are designed to penetrate thick fog.
When temporarily stopping in the rain, I always pay attention to which lights to turn on because the wet road surface can create strong reflections, making it hard for others to see my car. When stopping at a red light or briefly pulling over, I usually turn on the low beam and position lights, which make the car more visible in the rain and help prevent rear-end collisions. Once during a heavy rainstorm, I turned on my lights while stopped, and the driver behind me later thanked me, saying they avoided an accident because they saw my lights. I rarely use hazard lights unless it's an emergency stop, as the flashing can easily disrupt traffic. The key to safe driving is increasing visibility, especially in rainy conditions. It's also essential to regularly check if the car lights are functioning properly and replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly—don’t wait until an accident happens to regret it.
Regarding the issue of turning on lights when temporarily parking in the rain, I'll share my perspective purely from a safety standpoint. It's essential to activate your low-beam headlights or daytime running lights, as this significantly enhances your vehicle's visibility to others in rainy conditions. Rain obscures visibility, and having your lights on transforms your car into a luminous point that's easier to spot. Personal experience has taught me that without lights, others may misjudge distances, increasing collision risks. Hazard lights (double flashing) are only recommended in emergencies, such as when stopped on the highway. A simple yet effective habit is keeping your lights on while waiting or parked—it's both conventional compliance and self-protection. Additionally, position lights (parking lights) can provide supplementary visibility, but don't over-rely on hazard lights. Safety is built on attention to detail; cultivating this habit can prevent accidents.
