Philips shed light on daytime running lights

Back to basics as Philips explains legalities and operation of DRLs

Philips shed light on daytime running lights

Following the recent reports that drivers are confused by Daytime running lights (DRL’s) and what the legal requirement is for them being fitted to vehicles, Philips, inventor of the Daylight Xenon HID DRL sheds some light.

Designed to make cars more visible to other road users, DRLs are LED lights that are usually incorporated into a car’s existing headlights and taillights.

So they shine white at the front and red at the rear and automatically switch on when the engine is running and off when the main headlights are in use.

Studies have shown that DRLs can reduce the risk of road accidents.

Many new cars have instruments that are always illuminated, making it harder to notice when the headlights are switched on.

DRLs are a useful failsafe in such cases, ensuring the car is always clearly visible.

Related: Drivers confused about daytime running lights 

DRLs have been legally required to be fitted at the front of all new EU cars and small vans since 2011, but even though some manufacturers choose to include them at the rear, this is not compulsory.

Typically, LED DRLs are integrated into the headlight clusters of a car and are usually separate from the dipped beam lights.

The reason they are separate, is they are brighter than conventional dipped lights and as such should not be used to drive with at night due to the increased risk of dazzling oncoming traffic.

DRLs should never be used as a replacement for dipped headlights in low light conditions for this reason and if there are no DRLs at the rear of the car.

Unless you turn on your car headlights when light levels start for fall, the rear end of your vehicle will not be illuminated at all.

For vehicles that don’t feature DRLs, there are various aftermarket kits available.

Philips Daylight solution stays on day and night.

During the day, LED Daylight makes cars more visible and more rapidly detectable by the drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians moving in the opposite direction, which, as a whole, increases road safety.

The system automatically dims at night.

Richard explained: “The lightguide technology delivers a distinct lighting signature.

“Contrary to the dot appearance of earlier solutions, the light that is guided through the two beams is uniform and extends to a wider angle.

“As with all Philips solutions, the beam complies with all homologation standards.

“The Philips DRL range is also compatible with hybrid and electric car technology.

“Don’t forget DRLs should ideally be wired-up to switch off when the main headlights are on.

“If you have a separate switch for the DRLs, you must remember to turn them off at night.”

For further information, select ‘more details’ below.

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