Lighting

4-4 Daytime running lamps

Reasons for rejection

Permitted equipment

1. A vehicle other than class LE is fitted with:

a) only one lamp, or

b) more than one pair of lamps.

2. A vehicle of class LE is fitted with more than two lamps.

3. A lamp is fitted in a position other than at the front of the vehicle.

4. A retrofitted lamp is not:

a) symmetrically mounted, or

b) mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.

Condition

5. A lamp is insecure.

6. A lens is missing, or has a hole, crack or other damage that allows moisture or dirt to enter.

7. A lamp’s reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light output is reduced.

Performance

8. When switched on, a daytime running lamp does not operate (Note 4).

9. When switched on, a daytime running lamp emits light that is:

a) projected in a direction other than to the front, or

b) not substantially white or amber, or

c) not approximately equal in colour or intensity from the other lamp in the pair, or

d) not steady, or

e) not bright enough to make the vehicle more easily seen during the daytime, eg due to modification, deterioration, dirt or or an incorrect light source, or

f) too bright, causing significant dazzle to other road users, eg due to an incorrect light source, or

g) altered, eg due to damage or modification.

10. Where a daytime running lamp comprises an array of light sources, fewer than 75% of these operate.

11. A daytime running lamp continues to operate when the headlamps or fog lamps are switched on.

Note 1

Daytime running lamp means a lamp designed to emit a low-intensity light forward of a vehicle to make it more easily seen in the daytime.

Note 2

A vehicle originally manufactured with a daytime running lamp arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original daytime running lamps provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Note 3

A forward-facing permitted lamp that does not comply with the equipment, condition and performance requirements must be made to comply or be disabled so that it does not emit a light.

Note 4

Some vehicles are equipped with OE or after-market daytime running lamps (DRLs) that also incorporate position lamp and direction indicator lamp functions. When the DRLs are on (when headlamps are off), and an indicator lamp is activated, the corresponding DRL is temporarily extinguished or dimmed. When the position lamps are on and an indicator lamp is activated, the corresponding position lamp may remain lit.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. A vehicle other than class LE may have: one pair of daytime running lamps fitted to the front of the vehicle.

2. A vehicle of class LE may have one or two daytime running lamps fitted to the front of the vehicle.

3. A retrofitted lamp must be symmetrically mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is practicable.

Condition

4. A daytime running lamp must be in sound condition.

Performance

5. A daytime running lamp must operate in a way that is appropriate for the lamp and the vehicle.

6. A daytime running lamp must emit light that is substantially white or amber.

7. A pair of daytime running lamps must emit light that is of approximately equal colour and intensity.

8. A daytime running lamp must emit a steady light.

9. A daytime running lamp must provide sufficient light output to make the vehicle more easily seen during the daytime.

10. A daytime running lamp must be correctly aligned.

11. A daytime running lamp must not operate when a front fog lamp or a headlamp is in use.

12. Where a daytime running lamp comprises an array of light sources (eg LEDs), at least 75% of these must operate.

Modifications

13. A daytime running lamp that is affected by a modification:

a) must meet equipment, condition and performance requirements, and

b) does not require LVV specialist certification.

Page amended 1 December 2016 (see amendment details).

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