Will I Get Penalized for Driving with Parking Lights On at Night?
3 Answers
Driving with parking lights on at night will not result in penalties. Parking Lights: Parking lights, also commonly known as sidelights, primarily serve to indicate the width of a vehicle to others and are one of the most common lights on a car. Typically, these lights are installed at the edges of the vehicle's headlights, allowing them to display the height and width of the car. They are mainly used during dusk driving scenarios to alert other vehicles and prevent collision accidents. Night Driving Precautions: Pay attention to the use of vehicle lights in different scenarios. Avoid abusing high beams in unnecessary situations. When meeting another vehicle, switch to low beams, reduce driving speed, and ensure driving safety.
I remember when I first started driving, I didn't really understand the rules about car lights either. It was only later that I realized using parking lights at night is actually dangerous and illegal. The law requires the use of low beams or high beams at night, while parking lights are for daytime use to prevent collisions. Their brightness is too low, which can easily lead others to misjudge your position and cause accidents. If caught by the police for such improper use of lights, it's common to get 1-2 penalty points plus a fine. Safety is the top priority—when visibility is poor due to insufficient lighting, the risk of rear-end collisions increases. Developing the habit of checking your lights before driving, switching to auto mode as soon as you get in the car, and regularly testing bulbs and switches during maintenance can save you a lot of trouble.
According to traffic regulations, driving at night with only parking lights on will definitely result in a penalty, and points deduction is inevitable. I always strictly follow the rules when driving. Parking lights are designed for daytime use, and their brightness is insufficient at night, making it seem like no lights are on in dark road conditions, which can easily create safety hazards. Penalties may vary in different regions, but generally, it's a 1-point deduction plus a fine. It's recommended to manually turn on the low beam lights when getting in the car and not rely on parking lights to avoid being caught by traffic cameras and receiving a ticket. Safe driving is not just a personal habit; maintaining the vehicle's lighting system is also crucial.
