Daytime Running Lights: A Safety Law Evolution

Daytime running lights (DRLs) are intended to be used during the day to make it easier for other road users to spot a car. They are not meant to replace headlights, as they don't produce enough light to illuminate the road. DRLs are usually located at the front of a vehicle, near the headlights, and are switched on automatically when the vehicle is started.

The first country to mandate DRLs was Sweden in 1977, followed by Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway. In North America, Canada was the first country to require DRLs, with a law mandating that all new vehicles made or imported into the country have them as of 1990. In the European Union, all cars and vans manufactured after 2011 must be equipped with DRLs, and this law was extended to include trucks and buses in 2012. While DRLs are not federally mandated in the United States, most new vehicles sold in the country have them installed.

Scandinavian countries were the first to mandate DRLs

Scandinavian countries were the first to mandate daytime running lights (DRLs). The low levels of ambient light in the winter in these countries led to the first DRL mandate and the first perception of their safety benefits.

Sweden was the first country to require DRLs in 1977. The function was known as 'varselljus' or 'perception light'. Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway followed Sweden's lead, with Finland adopting a daytime-light requirement in 1972 on rural roads in wintertime, and Norway in 1985. By 1990, all five countries had mandated DRLs.

The initial regulations in these countries favoured devices incorporating 21-watt signal bulbs, producing yellow or white light, mounted at the outer left and right edges of the front of the vehicle. These early DRLs were Halogen lamps, but today, they have been almost entirely replaced by LEDs.

DRLs have now become a major design element for vehicles, with some car brands using DRL patterns for brand recognition.

DRLs are not required in the US

Daytime running lights (DRLs) are not required in the US, despite being compulsory in several other countries. The US government has declined to mandate their use, citing a lack of studies indicating that DRLs reduce accidents or save lives.

DRLs are low-wattage white lights that are usually located around the headlights, on the front of a vehicle. They are intended to make vehicles more visible to other drivers and pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions such as dusk, twilight, or cloudy days. While they are not mandatory, most new passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks sold in the US have DRLs.

The use of DRLs has been a topic of debate in the US. Automakers had to fight with regulatory agencies to get DRLs permitted, and they were only introduced in 1995. Some people argue that DRLs are beneficial as they increase vehicle visibility and can make vehicles look more expensive. On the other hand, critics claim that DRLs can be confusing for drivers, as they may think their headlights are on when they are not, creating a safety hazard in the dark. Additionally, motorcyclists argue that DRLs on cars reduce their visibility and thus their safety.

While DRLs are not required at the federal level, some states have specific laws regarding headlight use during the day. For example, Illinois, Maryland, and Missouri require daytime headlights if wipers are in use, and Georgia requires them in rainy or low-visibility conditions.

DRLs are not required in Australia or Japan

The use of daytime running lights (DRLs) is not mandated by law in Australia or Japan. In Australia, DRLs are permitted but not required, and while there is ongoing debate about their effectiveness, there is currently no legal requirement for their use. Victoria has considered implementing legislation that would require drivers to keep their headlights on during the day, which would be a first for Australia. However, no such law has been passed.

In Japan, while there are strict road rules and unique driving conditions, there is no legal requirement for DRLs. Japan has a mix of narrow roads and efficient public transportation systems, with most residents in large metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya not owning cars. For those who do drive in Japan, an International Driving Permit is required for short-term visitors, and for longer stays, a Japanese driver's license is necessary.

While DRLs are not legally required in Australia or Japan, their presence is increasing. This is due in part to the safety benefits they offer and the fact that many manufacturers now include them as standard, citing improved safety for all road users.

Canada mandated DRLs in 1990

Canada mandated daytime running lights (DRLs) in 1990. Since then, all new vehicles made or imported into Canada must have DRLs.

Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 outlines that DRLs are required on all new vehicles made or imported after January 1, 1990. This regulation was similar to those already in place in Scandinavian countries, with an axial luminous intensity limit of 1,500 candela. However, automakers pushed back, citing increased costs for adding a new front lighting device and higher warranty expenses due to more frequent bulb replacements. As a result of this regulatory battle, the standard was amended to allow the use of reduced-voltage high-beam headlamps producing up to 7,000 axial candela, as well as a broader range of light colours, from white to amber or selective yellow. These changes enabled automakers to implement DRLs more cost-effectively.

Canada's decision to mandate DRLs was influenced by the country's northern climate, which often results in snowy or dark conditions during daytime hours. DRLs enhance vehicle visibility, especially in low-light and poor weather conditions, and increase the distance at which other drivers can see vehicles on the road. This, in turn, encourages safer driving behaviours and reduces the risk of accidents.

Shortly after Canada's mandate, General Motors petitioned the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 1990 to permit DRLs in the United States, similar to those allowed in Canada. While there was initially some resistance and concerns about potential issues like glare, most of the same types of DRLs allowed in Canada were eventually permitted in the US, although not required, starting with the 1995 model year.

The UK required DRLs in 2011

DRLs are intended to make it easier for other road users to spot a car and are not intended or bright enough to illuminate the road. They are usually automatically switched on once the ignition is on, and switch off when the headlights are turned on or the car is turned off.

The UK's Department of Transport found significant reductions in emissions and fuel consumption when comparing a 42 W DRL system to a 160 W full headlight DRL system. DRL fuel consumption can be reduced to insignificant levels by using 8 to 20 W DRL systems based on LEDs or high-efficacy filament bulbs.

While all new vehicles are required to have DRLs at the front, it is not a requirement to fit them at the rear. This has caused confusion and frustration for road users in dull driving conditions as many drivers don't turn on their dipped lights or sidelights, perhaps mistakenly thinking that because they have DRLs on automatically at the front, the same applies to the rear lights.

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