Daytime running lights: the complete guide

What are daytime running lights for?

Diurne comes from the Latin "diurnus" which means "of the day". Daytime running lights are therefore specific lights for vehicles circulating during the day. They are more commonly called daytime running lights.

They serve to be more visible during the day. If this could create debates at the time, today we can see that these daytime running lights make it easier to see vehicles equipped with them. They are designed to prevent collisions, especially when traffic is heavy or during overtaking.

Daytime running lights are also used to anticipate sudden changes in brightness such as passing through a tunnel, a forest, or under a bridge. Some are equipped with a flashing function, to warn other road users when changing direction. Two versions of flashing are available: the fixed orange blinker or the "back and forth" flashing, more fluid and modern, also called "dynamic blinker" or "sequential blinker".

The management of daytime running lights can be greatly improved by adding a DRL module, which secures your electrical installation and gives you new operating modes.

Daytime running lights have also become an aesthetic element of a car, motorcycle, or truck, such as with the Mirage Flexible LED Daytime Running Lights (multicolored) which allow you to change the color. New styles of animated "New Age" daytime running lights are appearing. With different modes and kinematic variations, they are often visible as soon as the vehicle is started or simply by unlocking with the key, as on some prestige vehicles such as the Audi RS7.

Daytime running lights: the debate of the old days

Ten years later, it may seem quite surprising, but the implementation of daytime running lights was a trench war on several levels. First of all, legitimate questions arose about the effectiveness of these daytime running lights. Then, was the gain worth the extra cost for manufacturers, consumers and the environment? Finally, would this not cause confusion for other users such as two-wheelers, but also pedestrians?

Proven effectiveness

The European Union did not decree this obligation without having carried out an in-depth study and two surveys came to support its choice. On the one hand, it was necessary to gather all studies conducted on the subject in 1995 and, on the other hand, to analyze more precisely the effects of daytime running lights on so-called vulnerable users. The results were eloquent. On one side, pedestrians saw cars better; on the other side, bikes and motorcycles did not suffer from possible confusion. In the end, vehicles are 10 to 15% more visible with daytime running lights.

A legal obligation

In light of these studies, European regulations require manufacturers to equip new cars sold from 2011 with daytime running lights. This European law is transcribed in article R313-4-1 of the Highway Code. For those who do not comply, there is a fine of 135 euros if you drive with daytime running lights off. This rule does not apply to cars produced before 2011, which have absolutely no legal obligation to be equipped.

Daytime running lights: a modest cost for consumers and the environment

The manufacturers dragged their feet in front of this new obligation imposed on them. Like it or not, they integrated the law into their specifications without affecting prices. As a LED brand, we have developed a range of daytime running lights varied in price, style, size, shape and operation and adapted to vehicles that do not have them.

For the environment, using LEDs limits additional fuel consumption compared to two conventional bulbs remaining continuously lit. Drivers tend to think that only the engine consumes fuel, but everything that requires energy draws from the tank. The environmental question was therefore raised, but new LEDs make it possible to dismiss this issue.

How do you install daytime running lights on your vehicle? What precautions should you take?

In terms of safety, the law on daytime running lights is precise. You cannot install long-range headlights or an LED bar instead of daytime running lights!

The daytime running lights must:

• Be positioned at the front of the vehicle;
• Project a non-dazzling white light;
• Have the light directed forward;
• Have a gap between the two lights of at least 60 cm;
• Have an LED luminous flux power between 400 and 1 200 candelas;
• Benefit from automatic ignition as soon as the vehicle is started.

The first step before any intervention: start by looking for a location for your vehicle's daytime running lights. We recommend installing them in the most visible way possible and high enough to be seen.

The second step: choose the most suitable daytime running lights according to available space, location, aesthetics and shape of your car.

Different types of daytime running lights are available on the AGM Vision website. For each installation there is an adapted daytime running light!

• Extra Flat Flexible LED Daytime Running Lights (only 3 mm thick) for integration between headlamp optics and bonnet, or for very tight spaces.
• LED Lift Daytime Running Lights, very compact size for installation in a vehicle grille.
• LED ST Daytime Running Lights, with metal support allowing adjustment of light orientation. These daytime running lights also exist in a version with blinker.
• Angular LED Daytime Running Lights, to give character to your vehicle; the ideal location is generally next to the front fog lights.
• Flexible LED Daytime Running Lights, among the best for adapting to vehicles and bumpers with very rounded shapes.
• And finally,daytime running lights equipped with LED animations at startup, which come in different sizes for cars, quads or even trucks.

The third step: carry out the fixing of daytime running lights using the supplied supports. When it comes to a flexible LED strip, it is generally held with double-sided adhesive tape. Some daytime running lights are attached using a metal support that also allows adjustment. For discreet integration, it may sometimes be necessary to cut using a template.

Finally, the fourth and last step is to carry out the wiring of the daytime running lights. Here is a detailed professional procedure. Be careful not to connect your daytime running lights to just any power source as this can have harmful effects on vehicle operation. Once you have found the power supply, it is advisable to install a protection fuse. At AGM Vision's workshop we use double-level fuse holders, which allow quick and reliable connection.

To benefit from automatic and secure management of daytime running lights, it is preferable to install a DRL module between your daytime running lights and power supply. Two versions of DRL modules exist:

• The STD DRL module allows automatic ignition of daytime running lights and modulation of light intensity (50% brightness reduction in dipped beam mode and full power at other times). This box is the simplest to install and requires little technical knowledge. Just connect + and - wires directly to battery and connect yellow wire with dipped beam power wire. Unlike other boxes, this one can be connected easily without needing to look for an ignition-switched power supply because this STD DRL module only works from a minimum voltage of 13.5 volts. In other words, your daytime running lights will only turn on when engine is running and will turn off automatically when engine stops.
• The Multifunction DRL module has more options than a standard module. It allows automatic and complete management of LED daytime running lights: automatic ignition of LEDs when vehicle is switched on as well as double intensity function (low intensity -50% in dipped beam mode and full power when there is no dipped beam). To this are added two optional functions: deactivation of daytime running lights when right or left indicator is activated and Strobe function for double warning when honking or braking (can be activated with a button depending on wiring).

This module requires technical knowledge for correct connection. To make wiring connections you will need to consult AGM Vision instructions supplied when purchasing Multifunction DRL module.

You now know how useful daytime running lights are and how to install your own!