Daytime running light information

Daytime running lights – light without shadows

In order to better recognize road users in traffic, especially in adverse light and traffic situations, it is required to drive with lights on even during the day. This enables pedestrians and cyclists to see approaching vehicles better. This improves the contrast effect in clouds, sun glare, in wooded areas or when driving along avenues. According to experts, this significantly reduces the risk of accidents. For this reason, some countries, especially Scandinavian countries, have recommended or even made it compulsory to use headlights during the day.

Not a replacement for low beam!

For these reasons, special daytime running lights (TFL) were developed. These have less luminosity than the normal low beam. However, they shine four times more intensely than the parking light. Most TFLs consist of LEDs, as they require considerably less energy and have a longer service life (30 times longer than H7 bulbs). TFLs are designed to make the vehicle more visible. However, the road is not illuminated! – TFLs therefore cannot replace the low beam!

The EU Commission has already set the course for the use of TFLs. In a directive, it stipulates that all newly homologated passenger cars and vans must be fitted with TFLs from February 2011. From August 2012, this will also apply to all new commercial vehicles.

TFLs are currently in great demand as they meet customer requirements in terms of individuality and styling. They are available in a wide variety of versions and designs.

Retrofitting? Only with expertise, please!

At the top of the list of defects in the main inspections carried out by the TÜFA-TEAM are still problems with the vehicle lighting system. The reasons for this lie not least in the parts used for retrofitting the lighting system and their incorrect installation. Unfortunately, there is just as much shadow as light when it comes to the TFLs on offer! The TÜFA-TEAM recommends paying attention to a few important things when retrofitting TFLs:

Lighting systems are parts that require type approval. They must be marked with an approval mark: As a rule, this is a capital E with a small number in a circle next to it.

Modifications to these parts can even lead to the vehicle’s operating license being invalidated if they result in a hazard.

An important point when retrofitting daytime running lights is the installation on the vehicle. The following regulations must be observed:

  • symmetrical arrangement
  • Quantity: 2
  • Mounting height: min. 250 mm, max. 1,500 mm
  • Distance to each other: min. 600 mm,

  • or 400 mm, if vehicle width < 1.30 m

When used as a position light, the minimum overall height must be 350 mm and the point of the illuminated surface furthest from the center of the vehicle must not be more than 400 mm from the outermost point of the overall width of the vehicle.

Another point is the number of installed position lights. Normally, only two position lights may be fitted. A total of four position lights are only permitted if two of them are integrated in the main headlights.

Electrical circuit

Daytime running lights may only be operated on their own and must never be combined with the low beam!

  • TFLs must be switched on automatically when the device that starts or stops the engine is in a position that allows the engine to operate.
  • However, the daytime running lights can remain switched off while the automatic transmission is in the "Park" or "Neutral" position, the parking brake is applied or the drive system is activated but the vehicle has not yet started moving for the first time.
  • With adaptive daytime running lights, the light shines with 100 percent luminosity in normal operation. When the dipped beam is switched on, the daytime running light dims to parking light level and is then legally considered as such.
  • If the daytime running lights are integrated with the direction indicators in the main headlights or if the distance between the TFLs and the direction indicator is less than or equal to 40 mm, the daytime running light unit on this side must go out or the light intensity must be reduced to parking light level when the direction indicators light up.
  • Failure to comply with these regulations when retrofitting daytime running lights will result in a "major defect" rating during the main inspection. A sticker will then not be issued. Even in the event of a traffic accident, retrofitting daytime running lights that do not comply with the regulations could potentially have an impact on the legal assessment of the situation.
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Schlagworte:Daytime running light, Daytime running lights, Lighting, Low beam, TÜFA-TEAM, TÜV SÜD