The rules of the road strictly regulate the requirements for the use of dipped and high beams, as well as the use of other lighting devices in vehicles. If you violate the rules, the driver faces a fine. According to the SDA, lighting devices are used not only at night and with poor visibility, but also in the daytime, in settlements and beyond.
Paragraph 19 of the SDA
According to the rules (SDA), lighting devices are used at different times of the day, and for each case, its own requirements for the use of light in transport are prescribed. Details of each case are described in subparagraphs 19.1-19.11.
Subclause 19.1
According to traffic rules, light devices in the dark (at night and at dusk), and also subject to insufficient visibility, are used regardless of the level of illumination of the road, in addition, they are used in tunnels. In these cases, the vehicle must include:
- on trailers and towed vehicles - side lights;
- on mechanical means, dipped or main beam lights must be switched on, and on bicycles - lights or headlights.
In case of violation of the rules, the offender shall be fined in accordance with article 12.20.
Requirement 19.1 is intended to improve visibility of vehicles in the stream, as well as to ensure visibility at a stop. This paragraph refers only to front lighting devices, namely a lamp for illuminating a vehicle number, headlights and, of course, rear position lamps, which are connected in one circuit. Instead of passing beam it is allowed to use foglights, but at night it is forbidden to use such lights.
When towing in towed vehicles, position lamps must be switched on. They are used for improved vision of vehicles during overtaking or passing traffic.
It should be understood that the danger on the road is that driver who rides at dusk without the headlights turned on, and even more so if he moves along an unlit road. Dangerous vehicles whose headlights are dirty. Dust, oils and other impurities refract light, which is why the headlights begin to dazzle other participants in the movement.
Subclause 19.2
The use of light devices according to the SDA provides for the moments of switching the low beam to the main and back. So, switching is performed in the following cases:
- Turn on the dipped beam in the settlements if the road is well lit.
- Switch the light when driving oncoming vehicles at a distance of not less than 150 m or more.
- They switch the light when overtaking, as well as when following behind the other participants in the movement, so as not to blind them through reflections in the mirrors.
If the driver is suddenly blinded, he is obliged to turn on the emergency lights, reduce the speed and stop. With this action, the lane does not change.
Subclause 19.3
When parking or stopping in the dark on an unlit road, according to the SDA, the lights are always on. In such cases, the rules provide for the use of marker lights. If the visibility is insufficient, then along with the side lights, the dipped headlights, rear and front fog lights are switched on.
Subclause 19.4
According to the SDA, light devices, namely fog lights, are used only in the following cases:
- together with dipped or main beam with insufficient visibility;
- on unlit roads with high or low beam;
- foglights may be used instead of dipped beam in accordance with 19.5.
Subclause 19.5
In daylight, all appliances must have lights on. SDA provide for the use of not only near, but also daytime running lights, fog lamps. Light must be on:
- on mopeds, motorcycles, in the transport of dangerous goods, towing;
- on route vehicles;
- when driving outside settlements.
On January 1, 2006, the rules were amended. Now, even outside the settlements, drivers must turn on the light in the daytime, so that the car is more visible to other participants in the movement.
Subclause 19.6
Additional external lighting devices for traffic regulations can be used outside the settlements, and only in the absence of other participants in the movement. The headlight seeker and searchlight are used in settlements only by drivers of vehicles on which a blue flashing light and a special sound signal are installed, and only during a job assignment.
Subclause 19.7
According to the SDA, the use of external light devices, namely the rear foglights, is possible only if there is insufficient visibility. By law, fog lights must not be connected to brake lights.
Subclause 19.8
When the road train is moving, the identification mark “road train” must be included. It is used not only at night, but also with insufficient visibility, for the time of a stop or parking of a road train.
Subparagraph 19.9 was removed from the rules on July 1, 2008.
Subclause 19.10
This subclause governs the use of sound signals. So, the rules say that drivers can use a sound alert when overtaking outside settlements. Using a signal allows you to alert drivers of your intentions to overtake a moving vehicle ahead.
In settlements and outside settlements, the signal can be used to prevent accidents. In other situations, the use of sound alerts in settlements is prohibited.
Subclause 19.11
When overtaking, in addition to the sound signal, outside the settlements, drivers can use the switching of light from near to far. This method is widespread when warning about overtaking.
In the daytime, the headlamps can be short-lived, and in the dark - multiple. Such a signal will warn another traffic participant about the intention of overtaking. Usually the blinking of headlights is performed until the signal is perceived. For example, a driver listens to music and does not hear a sound alert about overtaking. When switching the headlights, he will pay attention to the car and reduce the speed or shift to the right to enable another participant to overtake the movement. At the same time, in order for the driver of the overtaken transport to understand the intentions of the other driver, the overtaking driver must turn on the indicator.
To better understand traffic rules about lighting fixtures, you should watch this video.
Summary
When using the dipped and main beam (if necessary), it is worth briefly switching the headlights to attract the attention of drivers nearby. When overtaking, it is impossible to use high beams only in the dark, as it can blind another driver. Far include only after overtaking or at the moment when the overtaking ahead of other vehicles, but has not yet returned to its lane.
In case of violation of traffic rules when using light devices, a fine is imposed in accordance with article 12.20.