When do you have to drive with dipped headlights during the day? We know it!

Thomas Wachsmuth March 1, 2024 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

Reading time 5 Min.

Driving with Low beam headlights during the day has proven to be an effective measure to increase road safety in many countries. But when exactly is the switch on? Low beam also during the day required by law, and what advantages does it bring? In this article we look at the rules and reasons for using the Low beam headlights in daylight and give tips on how to always stay safe on the road.

with during the day dimmed headlights

In many European countries, driving with dipped headlights on is prohibited also mandatory during the day. The regulation aims to improve the visibility of vehicles and thus reduce the number of accidents. In Germany, for example, they have to Motorcyclist always with you, even during the day Light drive. This obligation generally applies to drivers not, however, there are situations in which it is advisable or even advisable to switch on the low beam headlights during the day the vorgeschrieb is. This includes poor visibility Fog, Heavy rain or Snowfall. Driving with the lights on is also mandatory in tunnels.

Benefits of driving with dipped headlights during the day

Studies have shown that vehicles with their lights on are noticed better and more quickly by others during the day. This is especially true for dark vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles. The early detection of vehicles can make a decisive contribution to preventing accidents, especially at high speeds on motorways or when quickly approaching intersections and junctions.

When should you turn on the low beam headlights during the day?

In addition to the situations required by law, it is also advisable to use the low beam changing lighting conditions, to be switched on at dusk or when the sun is low. This not only increases your own safety, but also helps protect other road users.

Tips for driving with low beams

Check the function of the vehicle lighting regularlyto ensure your headlights are working properly.
Make sure to dim your high beams in good time when there is oncoming trafficso as not to blind others.
Use the low beam headlights during the day tooto increase your visibility, especially in poor weather conditions or in situations where the light can change quickly.

In summary, driving with Low beam headlights during the day Not only can it be required by law in certain situations, but it is generally a simple and effective measure road safety to increase. By turning your lights on during the day, you can help prevent accidents and protect yourself and other road users.

The regulations of the StVO

According to the road traffic regulations (StVO), switching on the low beam in Germany is required under certain conditions:

during dawn
In the dark
In poor visibility conditions, such as in fog, snowfall or heavy rain

In contrast to daytime running lights, which are mainly used to ensure the vehicle's visibility, low beams improve the driver's visibility and must therefore also be switched on during the day under the conditions mentioned.

Symbol and function of the low beam: The low beam can be turned on using the light switch Headlight pictogram can be seen, from which several downward sloping lines lead away. This symbolism represents the light from the headlight directed onto the road.
Automatic low beam: Modern vehicles often have one automatic low beam, which helps the driver by switching the light on and off independently - particularly practical at dusk or when driving through tunnels. However, this automatic works not always reliable, especially during the day or in fog. Here the driver must intervene and ensure that the low beam is switched on to ensure sufficient visibility.
Adjusting the low beam: The low beam must be adjusted so that it does not blind oncoming traffic. The headlight range should be approximately 50 to 75 meters with the light cone rising on the right side to make it easier to see signs and obstacles. If there is no automatic headlight range control, the headlight range must be adjusted manually according to the vehicle load.
Care and Maintenance: It is important that the lighting system is always clean and in perfect condition. Regular inspection, especially before the dark season, is recommended to ensure that the headlights are correctly adjusted and visibility is not impaired.
Fines for violations: Anyone who drives without the dipped headlights on, even though visibility requires it, must do so Fines calculate. The exact amount of the fine can vary, but driving without proper lighting will always be punished as it poses a significant safety risk.

these fines threaten

facts	Points	Warning/fine in euros
Driving with parking lights instead of the required low beam	0	10
Driving with parking lights without dipped beam and thereby endangering other road users	0	15
Driving with parking lights without low beams leads to an accident	0	35
Low beam headlights not switched on during the day in built-up areas when visibility is poor	0	25
Low beam headlights not switched on during the day outside built-up areas when visibility is poor	1	60
No low beam headlights during the day outside built-up areas if visibility is poor and endangers other road users	1	75
No dipped headlights during the day outside built-up areas when visibility was poor and an accident occurred	1	90
Driving a motorcycle during the day without dipped headlights or daytime running lights	0	10
Driving a motorcycle without dipped headlights/daytime running lights during the day and endangering other road users	0	15
Driving a motorcycle without dipped headlights/daytime running lights during the day and an accident occurred	0	35
Failure to use the prescribed lighting when visibility is required	0	20
Failure to use the prescribed lighting when visibility is required and endangering other road users	0	25
Failure to use the required lighting when visibility was required and an accident occurred	0	35
Using the vehicle with hidden or dirty lighting equipment	0	20

That wasn't it yet.

Planned changes to the law, traffic violations, current regulations in the area of the STVO, etc.? You can find everything about this in the category "Test sites, laws, offenses, information".