A reader inquires, “Is it permissible to drive with both headlights and driving lights simultaneously?” The question arose due to the reader’s frustration with being frequently dazzled by the intense illumination emitted by modern vehicles.

These vehicles typically feature two headlights along with an additional pair of lights, often mistaken for driving lights by many individuals.

Driving light – What is it? 

Renowned automotive lighting expert, Dan Stern, sheds light on the widespread misconception surrounding the terms “driving lamp” or “driving light.”

It has become commonplace for individuals to mistakenly attribute these terms to various types of lights. Yes, including fog lights.

While the phrases may evoke the idea of a versatile lamp suitable for all driving scenarios, this assumption deviates from the truth.

Indeed, driving lamps serve as supplementary high beams. They are specifically engineered to extend the range of the primary high-beam headlights.

Compared to low beams, their beam patterns are not intended for glare control. Consequently, driving lamps can be utilized safely and lawfully only in conjunction with the vehicle’s main high beam headlamps on unlit, deserted roads (or off-road situations).

It is crucial to note that driving lamps should never be used in:

• Conjunction with low beams
• Independently
• In traffic
• During adverse weather conditions,
• or when in close proximity to other vehicles ahead, regardless of their direction.

How Are Driving Lights Identified? 

You can identify driving lights by specific markings. SAE-Y is the designation for North American lamps. European lamps have HR letters above a circle with E letters inside. You can install two driving lights that emit white light.

How to Aim and Mount These Lights?

To install driving lights, follow specific guidelines. Position the lights between 40 cm and 1.06 m from the ground level.

Adjust their aim so that the high-intensity section of the beam is at least 12 cm below the lamp’s height. And it should be when measured 8 m away from the lamp.

Moreover, at a distance of 25 m, the beam should not exceed a height of 1.06 m from the road surface. Lateral aiming should be within a range of +/- 150 mm.

It should be from the lamp’s distance of 7.62 m. All measurements should be taken to the lamp’s center. 

Steps to Wire and Operate These Lamps?

You should wire these lamps so that they only turn on with the high beam headlights. You can do this by using a relay that switches on when you turn the headlights to high beam mode.

You should also turn off the driving lights at least 150 m before you meet or pass another vehicle.

What About the Lamp Glare?

Drivers should manage driving lamp glare. They can do this by keeping them clean and aligned. The police and the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles enforce the rules for these lamps