Going out in a car without turning on the right lights can be costly. It’s not just about complying with the law, but also about making sure you make yourself seen by other drivers. The rules are clear and apply in very specific moments, but they are not always followed to the letter.
According to Road Safety, a portal specializing in car safety, the Highway Code requires certain lights to be on whenever visibility is not sufficient and in tunnels or reversible roads during the day.
Furthermore, it provides for sanctions for those who do not respect these standards. According to the same source, the amounts of fines can vary depending on the situation, reaching up to hundreds of euros.
When to turn on the dipped beam and the difference for the parking lights
At night or in poorly lit places, dipped beam lights, also known as dipped beam lights, are mandatory. On streets with sufficient public lighting, side lights may suffice, but only if visibility is reasonable. In tunnels and in areas with low light, dipped beam is not an option, it is a must, even during the day. This distinction helps reduce accidents and ensures the vehicle is visible to everyone.
During the day, many cars are equipped with daytime running lights, known as DRL. They make the car more visible, but they do not replace the low beam when the road requires real lighting. DRLs are mainly used to signal the presence of the vehicle and increase safety, especially on motorways and expressways.
Adverse conditions and fog lights
When it rains heavily, there is fog, snow or dust, the correct use of lights becomes even more important. Front and rear fog lights should only be used when they effectively help you see and be seen.
Improper use can result in specific fines and complications with supervision. According to the same source, it is a detail that many drivers ignore, but which can have serious legal and safety consequences.
Driving without turning on the mandatory lights is not the same as driving with missing equipment. The absence of essential devices, such as dipped beams or fog lights, is considered a serious offense and can generate fines of between 120 and 600 euros, in accordance with articles 153 and 169 of the Highway Code. The simple omission to turn on the headlights in low visibility conditions is considered a minor offense, subject to a fine of between 60 and 300 euros, according to article 152 of the same Code.
In the event of a light failure, the law provides for some margin of maneuver. It is only permitted to drive for the time strictly necessary until reaching a safe place or a workshop. On motorways or expressways, the norm is to stop outside the carriageway whenever possible, ensuring the safety of all road users, as indicated in article 69 of the Highway Code.
In addition to fines, the law and security establish other important consequences. The lack of lights significantly increases the risk of accidents, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or obstacles. If an accident occurs, the insurer may reduce or refuse coverage, citing non-compliance with safety rules, and the driver may be held civilly and criminally liable if the lack of lighting contributed to injuries or property damage.
Furthermore, repeat offenses or the seriousness of the infraction may lead to the loss of points on your driving license and, in more serious situations, the retention of the vehicle until safety conditions are reestablished.
Security and legality go together
In the end, turning on the lights is a matter of safety and compliance with the law. Respecting the rules reduces the risk of accidents and avoids unnecessary fines.
For those looking for detailed information, the Highway Code and the practical guides on the official portal explain all the situations in which each type of lighting applies and the exceptions. According to the same source, consulting these documents is the best way to avoid doubts and travel safely.
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