Press information
Mandatory in 19 EU countries
Background: Daytime running light
While driving with lights on during the day is only a recommendation in Germany, it is mandatory in many other countries of the European Union. The regulations here, however, differ: some prescribe lights on at all times, others only outside built-up areas or during the winter months. One thing, though, that all countries have in common is the conviction that driving with lights on increases the road safety.
The positive effects of daytime running light on road safety was proven in a study carried out by scientists at the University of Amsterdam: the number of road-related deaths in Europe could be reduced by as many as 5,500 by using daytime running light - and the number of injuries by 155,000. Consequently, 13 European countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Slovenia, Iceland, Croatia, Norway, Macedonia, Romania, Austria, and in the last few months also the Czech Republic - now stipulate on all roads that the vehicle lights must be on during the day throughout the year. Italy, Hungary and Portugal have laid down the same regulation, yet applicable only outside built-up areas or on specific roads. Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia, on the other hand, stipulate daytime running lights only in winter.
Germany: daytime running light recommended
Since 1 October 2005, Germany also recommends switching on your lights when driving during the day. While in countries where this is mandatory vehicles with automatic daytime running light are standard, in Germany it is usually only vehicles in the medium and upper ranges that are equipped accordingly. Switching on the engine also automatically switches on the daytime running light. The latter differs from dipped beam in that its light dispersion is not designed to ensure ideal illumination of the road ahead but simply to make the vehicle visible to other road users.
Safety-conscious drivers whose vehicles do not have automatic daytime running light are advised to switch on their dipped beam during the day. To ensure that the intensive use of these lamps does not increase their replacement requirement, the automotive lighting manufactuers have developed special headlight lamps with an exceptionally long life designed for constant use during the day. These lamps - such as the Light@Day range from OSRAM - last up to three times longer and thus do not need to be replaced any more frequently than before, even when used day and night.
Background: Daytime running light
Mandatory in 19 EU countries
When travelling in foreign countries by car, drivers are advised to find out in advance in which countries driving with light during daytime is mandatory. Violation of laws will be penalised with a charge of up to 180 Euro.
Press contact:
OSRAM
Christian Bölling
Tel: +49-89-6213-2597
Fax: +49-89-6213-3457
Email: c.boelling@osram.com