Will I Get Penalized for Driving with Daytime Running Lights at Night?
2 Answers
No penalty, but it poses safety hazards. The function of daytime running lights: Using daytime running lights during daytime driving can reduce traffic accidents by 12.4% and lower the probability of fatal crashes by 26.4%. In reality, daytime running lights have indeed improved road safety, especially in areas with heavy fog, smog, or poor visibility, which are common in some parts of our country. Hazards of using daytime running lights at night: It is not advisable to use daytime running lights at night. On one hand, unlike headlights, daytime running lights do not provide illumination. If you don't turn on your headlights in dark areas, it will not only affect oncoming and preceding vehicles, but the seemingly bright daytime running lights will make it appear as if no lights are on for those inside the car. If the purpose of using daytime running lights at night is to show off, it is irresponsible to both yourself and others. Proper use of vehicle lights ensures driving safety.
I used to wonder about this issue too, until I specifically checked the traffic regulations to understand it clearly. Simply put, daytime running lights (DRLs) are just warning lights for daytime use. They’re not bright enough at night and can’t illuminate the road properly! Traffic police will definitely pull you over if they see this. Although the penalty clauses don’t explicitly state how many points will be deducted, according to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, improper use of vehicle lights can result in a fine of 200 yuan and possible points deduction. Once, while driving at night, I saw a car ahead with only DRLs on—it looked like a ghost in a stretch of road without streetlights, and the car behind almost rear-ended it. My advice is to always turn the light knob to AUTO mode or directly switch on the low beams when starting the car. Nowadays, many new cars come with automatic headlight sensor systems.
