Daytime Running Lights (DRL) - "dedicated, low energy front lights that switch on automatically"

The European Directive

A recent European Directive (2008/89/EC) requires that all new cars from February 2011 have lights that switch on automatically during the day - Daytime Running Lights.

To improve driver safety, many European and Scandinavian countries have already implemented compulsory DRL with significant accident reduction.

In September 2008 the European Commission adopted a proposal for the Directive that will introduce dedicated daytime running light (DRL) on all new types of passenger cars and small delivery vans from February 2011 onwards. Trucks and buses will follow from August 2012 onwards. Where fitted, dedicated daytime running lights will switch on automatically when the engine is started.

Do I need DRL's on my car?

There will be no requirement to retro-fit daytime running lights to existing cars and no Europe-wide requirement for drivers of cars without dedicated daytime running lights to drive with headlights on during the day. However, a range of aftermarket DRL kits are available to be professionally fitted to most makes and models of car and light commercial vehicle. We also have dedicated factory DRL's available for some models including the Jaguar XF and Land Rover Discovery.

As a Department of Transport commissioned study confirmed that there would be a net reduction of accidents from compulsory fitting of DRL's, what better reason to update the look of your vehicle.

Effects on fuel consumption

Our DRL's consist of a row of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) which provide stable colour and light intensity yet consume only a fraction of the electricity taken by a normal headlight. The use of these as dedicated DRL's instead of driving with side lights or headlights, mean that tail lights and instrument lights are not illuminated during the day.

The alternator is driven by the engine and spins all the time but it doesn't always consume the same amount of power from the engine. When the electrical load on the alternator increases more power is required to turn it and so fuel consumption is increased. Whereas headlamps consume 110 watts of power, dedicated DRL LED's might consume only 5-10 watts so putting negligible load on the alternator.

Example: Motor Mods Skoda Yeti Demo with retro-fit DRL

Aftermarket DRL's come in a range of shapes and sizes suitable for fitment to various different vehicles. The location of the DRL will depend upon the vehicle.

For more information and prices, please contact us.