What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Why do I see an increasing amount of new cars driving without rear lights on although they appear to have sidelights on at the front?

I see an increasing amount of new cars driving without rear lights on although they appear to have sidelights on at the front. Am I imagining this or is it some money saving device by car makers

Asked on 8 April 2019 by Paul Jaffa

Answered by Andrew Brady
All new cars sold in Europe are now fitted with daytime running lights. These are bright enough to be seen in daylight and can be incorporated into headlights or separate (almost looking like front fog lights on some models). They switch on automatically whenever you turn the engine on, and turn off when the headlights are turned on. The problem is many drivers mistake them for headlights, but they don't activate the rear lights. So people can be driving around, thinking they've got their headlights on (because the road ahead is lit up), but with no lights at the rear.
Similar questions
My 2013 Volvo V40 offside daytime running light is out - would this be an MoT fail?
After resisting the idea of driving in the daytime using headlights in addition to my cars DRLs, I have now decided to join the pack and leave my headlights switched on all the time. I was just wondering...
The offside daytime running light on my 2016 Kia Cee'd intermittingly flickers. If this condition occurred during it's MoT would this be a failure?
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer