For most Ukrainian drivers, from October 1 to May 1, the reflex: "Turn on the lights!" This is a direct requirement of the Road Traffic Rules (TDR), designed to increase safety in conditions of shortened daylight hours. However, the need to constantly use low beam headlights not only increases fuel consumption (albeit minimally), but also significantly reduces lamp life, especially on old cars.

The solution to this problem isdaytime running lights(DHV) — or, as they are also called, DHO. According to the Traffic Regulations, daytime running lights are external lighting devices designed to improve the visibility of the vehicle during daylight hours. Their function is purely signaling, not illuminating.

If your car is not equipped with DHV from the factory, you have every right to install them yourself. But this must be done in strict compliance with European and national regulations in order to avoid unpleasant situations with the police and not to run into a fine at daytime running lights. Let's figure out how to do it legally.

Why DHV is a requirement of the time, and not a luxury?

The main advantagedaytime running lightsis security. According to studies, the use of these lights reduces the risk of collisions by 5-15% during daylight hours, as the car becomes more visible from a distance, especially against the background of trees or asphalt.

Daytime running lights have two more important advantages over dipped beam:

Energy efficiency:High-quality LED daytime running light modules consume 5-10 times less energy than standard dipped beam lamps (halogen or xenon). This, accordingly, reduces the load on the generator.

Saving the resource:Constant use of dipped beam, especially in city mode (with frequent stops and starts of the engine), shortens the service life of the lamps. These light fixtures are designed for continuous operation.

Legal side: What does the Road Traffic Act of Ukraine say?

Ukrainian Traffic Rules clearly regulate when and what must be turned on. Let's consider a key point that relates to our topic:

Clause 9.8 of the Traffic Regulations of Ukraine: From October 1 to May 1, daytime running lights must be turned on on all mechanical vehicles outside of populated areas, and in the case of their absence in the vehicle structure, the low beam of the headlights.

Thus, in the period from October to May, for driving outside the city limits, you have a choice: daytime running lights or dipped beam. If you use legally installed running lights, you fully comply with the daytime running lights of the traffic rules and avoid fines.

How to legally install a DHV: Key requirements for certification

The biggest mistake drivers make is installing uncertified or incorrectly placed lights that visually resemble daytime running lights. The police inspector pays attention not to the presence of light, but to its compliance with technical regulations.

In order for your stand-alone installation to be legal, it must comply with the European standards ECE R48 (Rules for the placement of lighting and light signaling devices) and ECE R87 (Requirements for the DRLs themselves).

Design requirements (ECE R87)

When choosing which daytime running lights to buy, pay attention to the markings:

Availability of certification: The glass (diffuser) must be marked "RL" (Running Light) and the official approval mark "E" in a circle with the code of the country that issued the certificate (for example, E4 - Netherlands).

Intensity of light: Daytime running lights should be white and have an intensity within a certain range (not too bright so as not to dazzle at night, and not too dim).

Requirements for placement in a car (ECE R48)

Correct placement of lights is 90% of the success of legalization. Deviation from these parameters is grounds for a fine, as it is considered conversion in violation of norms.

Note:If the width of your vehicle is less than 1.3 meters, the minimum distance between the DHVs can be reduced to 400 mm.

Step-by-step instructions for selection and installation (No penalties)

If you decide to buy daytime running lights and install them on your pickup truck or SUV, follow this sequence of steps.

1. Correct selection of equipment

Avoid the cheapest "tapes" or unmarked modules. Your running lights must be clearly marked RL and ECE. It is better to pay more for a certified product than to be fined for non-compliance with VAT.

2. Accurate accommodation planning

Before drilling or fastening, make sure that the location you choose meets all the parameters of the ECE R48 table. Most often, drivers use places in the bumper grill or in special niches on the edges of the bumper.

Important: Lighting devices should be placed only in front and be visible. They must not be covered by a bumper, protective arches or other equipment (for example, a winch).

3. Connection scheme (Automatic - mandatory)

The most important requirement for the operation of daytime running lights is their automation. They must:

• Turn on automatically when the engine is started.
• Turn off automatically or switch to position lights mode when turning on dipped beam headlights (or fog lights).

For this, it is necessary to use a special control unit, which comes complete with high-quality modules. A simple DHV connection scheme involves connecting power to the ignition (through a relay) and the control wire to the dipped beam circuit.

4. Basic installation steps

1. Determine and mark the mounting points according to the requirements of ECE R48 (height 250-1500 mm, distance from the edge up to 400 mm, between them at least 600 mm).
2. Securely secure the modules to the bumper using the brackets and retainers provided by the manufacturer.
3. Connect the DHV control unit to the mains, providing it with power from the ignition circuit.
4. Connect the control wire to the dipped beam (or side beam) circuit so that when they are turned on, the daytime running lights are automatically turned off.
5. Test the system: The lights should only come on when the engine is running and the dipped beam is off.

Equip your SUV with legal lights

Legal installation of DHV is not as difficult as it seems if you follow two key rules: use certified modules (RL, E marking) and strictly follow the placement parameters prescribed in European regulations. Compliance with these simple requirements will allow you to avoid fines during the period of mandatory lighting and, more importantly, will significantly save the resource of your main headlights.

If you are looking for where to buy daytime running lights or other quality accessories for your SUV, we invite you to the Vnedorognik UA website. We offer only certified lighting and components that meet all technical regulations, and our consultants are always ready to help you choose the optimal solution for your car. Come in and choose reliable equipment!