How do I know if I have daytime running lights?
Daytime running lights (DRLs) are designed to make vehicles more visible in daylight. The quickest way to know if your car has DRLs is to start the engine in daylight and see if the front lights come on automatically without you turning on the headlights.
What daytime running lights are and why they matter
Daytime running lights are low-intensity front lights that stay on during daylight hours to improve daytime visibility. They are distinct from low beams and parking lights and are often built into the headlight assembly or mounted near the grille. In many markets, DRLs operate automatically via the vehicle’s lighting system or a dedicated DRL setting, and they can help other drivers see you sooner in daylight conditions.
How to tell if your vehicle has DRLs
Common characteristics of daytime running lights
Use this checklist to verify whether your car has daytime running lights. The list below covers the most common ways manufacturers implement DRLs; exact behavior can vary by make and model.
- Start the engine and observe the front of the vehicle in daylight. If small, white lights near the grille or inside the headlight housing illuminate without you switching on the headlights, your car likely has DRLs.
- Check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s window sticker for “Daytime Running Lights” or “DRL” terminology, and note whether DRLs are standard or optional on your trim.
- Inspect the headlight switch. If there is a DRL option or an Auto mode that activates lights automatically in daylight, that is a common DRL arrangement.
- Look for a DRL indicator on the dashboard or instrument cluster. Some cars display a dedicated DRL symbol when the system is active.
- Be aware that some cars use the parking lights as DRLs or have DRLs integrated with the low-beam system, which may affect how they appear in daylight. Refer to the manual for exact behavior.
Note that DRLs are more common in newer vehicles and in regions with DRL mandates. If your vehicle is older or imported, DRLs may not be present or may be optional depending on the market and trim level.
What to do if you still can't tell
If you cannot determine whether you have DRLs by the above steps, contact the dealer or consult the vehicle’s VIN-standard specifications. A quick test with the engine running and headlights off in daylight can confirm DRL presence, and a mechanic can verify electrical function if needed.
Regional rules and expectations
Regulatory requirements vary by region. The European Union has required DRLs on new cars for many years, Canada has long enforced DRLs on most new vehicles, and the United States does not have a universal DRL mandate, though many models include DRLs as standard or optional equipment. Always check local rules and your vehicle paperwork for specifics.
Summary
Daytime running lights are a common feature aimed at improving daytime visibility. To know if your vehicle has DRLs, observe whether the front lights illuminate automatically in daylight, check the owner’s manual or window sticker, inspect the headlight switch for DRL or Auto settings, and look for dashboard indicators. If in doubt, ask your dealer or a qualified technician to confirm. Understanding DRLs helps you know how your car should behave in daylight and ensures you’re using the lighting system as intended.
