What are daytime running lights?

Ever had that moment on a cloudy afternoon when visibility drops and whoosh! You almost miss a car cutting in front of you? Then, just in time, you notice a faint light which saves you from this close call. Well, that’s what daytime running lights, or DRLs, do.

Perhaps, it’s possible that you might not have heard about them, as the U.S. government doesn’t legally mandate them. However, they are a part of a booming global market expected to rise to $6.2 billion by 2023 ! And you’ll find them installed in popular models such as Toyota and Honda. So, ready to know it all about DRLs and whether they’re worth buying in 2025? Let’s break it down for you. 

Why do we need daytime running lights?

Daytime running lights are low-intensity lights integrated within a car’s headlight unit or bumper and automatically switch on when you start the engine. Many people confuse DRLs with headlights, as both are front-facing lights that improve visibility. But here’s how they differ from each other:

 

Though they may appear similar at first sight, DRLs and headlights are designed for different purposes, one for being seen, the other for seeing. So, let’s move on to the functions of daytime running lights in the next section. 

What are the benefits of DRL?

Daytime running lights are super stylish, but their main purpose is safety. Wanna know how they help the driver and the pedestrian out on the road? Read on:

• DRLs tend to improve the visibility of your car during cloudy, foggy, rainy, shady, and even dusty daytime conditions, thus lowering the rate of crashes. 

• They help pedestrians and cyclists spot your vehicle sooner. Without them, people might misjudge distance or miss your car entirely. 

• Also, did you know that most LED-powered DRLs use up to 80% less energy? Less stress on the electrical system means your car runs more easily, and that can save a little fuel down the road. 

You might be asking yourself: Are daytime running lights expensive, and which models are worth buying in 2025? Let’s examine the prices and options so you can select the best one.

Best Daytime Running Lights Cost In the U.S. 

Choosing the best DRLs involves exterior style, affordability, and a direct-fit experience that doesn’t require much work to install. To give you a clear picture, let’s compare a few popular models available through Underground Lighting’s selection with other options in the U.S. market. 

So, with the right model of DRLs, you choose smart work, not hard work!

How to turn on daytime running lights?

Activating daytime running lights is simple. Igniting your engine will activate the DRLs in most modern vehicles in the U.S., so no switches or buttons are needed. Aftermarket or universal DRL kits usually switch on as soon as you start the engine. A few give you a manual switch or settings to tweak brightness or timing, but that’s pretty rare. 

Stay Visible and Protected with Daytime Running Lights 

Daytime running lights are an eco-friendly way to make your car more visible on the road during the day. Plus, they don’t eat up much energy and go a long way in keeping drivers and pedestrians safe in all kinds of weather. So, if your vehicle doesn’t already have them, now’s a good time to upgrade. You can find affordable, direct-fit DRLs at Underground Lighting. Visit our collection today.

People Also Ask 

1. Q - What are daytime running lights?

Ans - DRLs are low-intensity lights at the front of a car that switch on when you start the engine. They’re mainly there to make your vehicle easier to spot during the day, which helps cut down the chances of accidents in all kinds of weather.

2. Q - Are DRLs mandatory in the U.S.?

Ans - Cars in the United States aren’t actually required by federal law to have daytime running lights. However, automakers include them in many new vehicles. Moreover, countries like Canada and most European nations have mandated DRLs to improve road safety during the day. 

3. Q - Do DRLs consume more fuel?

Ans - Not at all! Most modern daytime running lights powered by LEDs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs, as explained above. That means you don’t really have to worry about putting extra load on your car’s electrical system. 

4. Q - Can I turn off daytime running lights?

Ans - You can turn off DRLs through the vehicle’s settings menu or the headlight control knob. But in most models, they’re meant to stay on for safety reasons, as However, most manufacturers design DRLs to remain on for safety, as switching them off makes your car less visible during the day and could raise the risk of accidents.