The idea for this material was born from questions from our readers: many want to install daytime running lights, but doubt how to do it correctly and whether such a modification would violate the law.
How legal is the self-installation of DRLs?
By “self-installation” we mean both DIY installation and work at a specialized service station. Is it allowed for an ordinary driver to install DRLs and use them from October 1 to May 1? AutoPortal found out directly from the State Automobile Inspectorate.
The verdict was categorical:
“Installation of daytime running lights not performed according to the manufacturer's instructions is considered a modification. And modification of a vehicle must be registered.
31.3. Operation of vehicles is prohibited according to the legislation:
a) if they are manufactured or modified in violation of standards, rules, and norms concerning road safety;
31.4. Operation of vehicles is prohibited according to the legislation in the presence of such technical malfunctions and non-conformities:
31.4.3. External lighting devices:
a) the number, type, color, location, and mode of operation of external lighting devices do not correspond to the requirements of the vehicle's design.”
The Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses states:
Article 121. Driving a vehicle by a driver with malfunctions of external lighting devices (at night) or other technical malfunctions for which operation is prohibited by established rules, or modified in violation of relevant rules, norms, and standards — entails a fine of twenty to twenty-five non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (340–425 UAH).
Article 122. Use of external lighting devices or warning signals when starting to move or changing its direction, use of these devices and their modification in violation of the requirements of relevant standards — entails a fine of twenty-five to thirty non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (425–510 UAH).”
In addition to excerpts from the Code and Traffic Rules, one must consider the wording about DRLs from the amendments to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine effective from April 15, 2013: Daytime running lights — external lighting devices of white color, provided by the vehicle's design, installed at the front of the vehicle and intended to improve the visibility of the vehicle during its movement in daylight;
To briefly summarize the issue of the legality of installing and using DRLs, the conclusion is this: if daytime running lights are not provided by the vehicle's design, the State Automobile Inspectorate has the right to fine the owner of such a vehicle.
Can the legality of installing DRLs be justified?
We addressed this question to Vladimir Karavaev, author of the books “100 Arguments Against Traffic Police Fines” and “Karavaev's Arguments Against Traffic Police Fines.”
According to the human rights activist, the wording “provided by the design” means that the vehicle must have a place for installing DRLs — standard or specified in the normative-technical documentation for the vehicle. Of course, convincing a traffic inspector, who may already be inclined to draw up a report, will not be easy. Therefore, it is better to prepare in advance an excerpt from the vehicle documentation confirming that the installation of DRLs is structurally provided for this model.
There is another problem that the owner of a car with self-installed DRLs may face. Although this is difficult to prove, theoretically the traffic police may refer to the fact that the installed daytime running lights, even placed in a place provided by the design, do not comply with current Ukrainian standards. How to check this? Even the Road Safety Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine cannot give a precise answer, since there is still no mechanism for monitoring the compliance of installed running lights.
More precisely, there are international standards — UNECE Regulations No. 87 (technical requirements for these lighting devices) and No. 48 (requirements for the method of their installation) — but the Traffic Rules say nothing about them. That is, in essence, even DRLs that comply with international standards (not cheap Chinese ones, but from well-known brands) can be recognized as “not provided by the design.” Paradoxically, that is exactly how it turns out.
On the other hand, many cars with spoilers, wings, and other parts that make them “modified in violation of relevant rules, norms, and standards” drive around Ukraine. However, it is enough to recall unregistered cars... until a certain time, their owners also drove without special problems until a “crackdown” was organized against them. The same (theoretically) could happen to owners of vehicles with self-installed DRLs.
Conclusion: you can install DRLs, but this may have unpleasant consequences for the vehicle owner — from disputes with the traffic police to fines and legal proceedings.
Advice from AutoPortal: do not rush to install DRLs, but wait for the regulation of laws and traffic rules governing this. But if you really want to — here is an example of self-installation.
How to install DRLs
As we already described in the article on choosing daytime running lights, the first stage of installing DRLs is choosing a suitable place, taking into account the requirements for their location relative to the vehicle's dimensions and the mounting dimensions of the brackets for attaching the lights. The recommended installation height of the lights is at least 350 and no more than 1500 mm from ground level. True, the minimum allowable is 250 mm, but it must be considered that a loaded car may “settle,” so it is better not to install too close. The optimal height is 400–800 mm, depending on the type of vehicle.
The distance from the side of the vehicle to the outer edge of the light should be no more than 400 mm. In this case, it is not the edge of the “front” that is meant, especially since it is difficult to determine for many cars, but from the overall width of the vehicle (without mirrors). Therefore, in practice, it is better to measure not from the edge, but from the center, dividing the overall width by 2 and subtracting the distance from the central axis of the car to the outer edge of the LED light. If the remainder is less than 400 mm, everything is fine. The distance between the inner edges of the visible surfaces of the lights is at least 600 mm.
It is also important to choose the correct installation angle of the mounting bracket of the lights to ensure good visibility of the lights — according to the instructions, the lights must be installed so that the horizontal angle of deviation of the lights from the direction of travel is a maximum of 10°.
Installation dimensions of LED Daytime Lights:
Philips Day Lights 4 – width 120.5 mm, height 23.5 mm, depth 30 mm
Philips Day Lights 8 – width 165.5 mm, height 18.5 mm, depth 35 mm
Installation of DRL lights
So, the installation location is chosen, let's proceed to installation. The kit includes everything you need, except, of course, tools, namely: two LED lights 12824WLEDX1, a set of connecting wires with a control unit, a set of mounting materials, and installation instructions.
If the lights are to be installed in the grille, and not in a niche with free access, remove the grille. Then clean and degrease the surface to which the bracket will be attached — with detergent and a sponge, without using solvents or other aggressive substances. Then take the double-sided tape cut to the shape of the bracket (included), remove the protective film from one side, and stick the tape on the bracket. Then remove the second protective layer from the tape and attach the bracket at the installation site.
IMPORTANT: the wire coming from the light should be threaded through the corresponding hole in the bracket before its installation. At the same time, the light itself should not be inserted into the bracket — it will snap into place, and removing it will be very problematic (a precaution to prevent theft of the light).
In principle, you can do without tape — by pre-drilling holes with a drill according to marks made with a marker through the mounting holes in the bracket applied to the installation site. In any case, either with tape or using pre-drilled holes (naturally, of a smaller diameter than the screws), we fix the mounting bracket with screws. For installation on a vertical surface, the light can be secured without a bracket — using the M5 threaded mounting holes in the light housing. Still not inserting the light into the bracket, we proceed to install the control unit.
Installation of the DRL control unit and wiring connection
In the engine compartment, choose a place for the control unit. The optimal installation is near the battery and away from the engine — so that the control unit is not subject to excessive heat. There are no other restrictions on the installation location, as the unit's housing is completely sealed and waterproof.
The control unit is connected according to the standard scheme: red wire to the positive terminal of the battery, and black wire to the negative. The third wire, orange, turns off the DRLs when the low beam is turned on (DRL4 and DRL5) or switches the lights to parking light mode (DRL8 and DRL LightGuide) to avoid blinding oncoming drivers at night. If the orange wire is not connected, the lights will burn brightly even with the low beam on, which is a violation of requirements. Connect the orange wire from the control unit to the parking lights (or low beam). Then disconnect the wires from the headlight lamp — if everything is correct, the LED on the control unit will light up.
Then, using the special connector included in the kit, connect the lights to the control unit — insert the wires into the connector and snap it shut. With the engine running, check the operation of the lights — they should turn on automatically when the engine starts, dim when the low beam is turned on, and turn off automatically after the engine stops. On some cars, the lights may turn off 15–20 seconds after the engine is turned off — this is normal.
If the test results meet expectations, attach the control unit and only now fix the light — insert it into the mounting bracket and press until it clicks. Now you can route the wires, lay them in the under-hood area, and secure them with plastic ties included in the delivery set. Naturally, the wires must not be attached to radiator tubes, pressurized hoses, fuel lines, etc. After the wires are laid and secured — install the grille with the lights back in place, turn on the ignition, step aside, and enjoy the result of your work.
Summary
From the point of view of common sense, there is a point in installing DRLs. Daytime running lights (LED) consume less energy and last longer than halogen lamps. In addition, they are more noticeable, making the car more visible. As for legal norms, the consequences of installing DRLs yourself are not entirely clear yet. But in any case, it is necessary to decide on such an important point as the frequency of trips outside populated areas. If you regularly drive on the highway — DRLs will clearly not hurt. If you only drive in the city, there is no particular sense in installing DRLs — it is easier to turn on the low beam, having left the city once a week. Well, the main rule — if you still decide to install daytime running lights, choose the right place for them — do not stick them anywhere, thereby attracting the attention of traffic police officers.
