Should I leave my parking lights on?

Generally, you should not rely on parking lights while you’re driving. Use your headlights or daytime running lights (DRLs) when the vehicle is in motion, and reserve parking lights for specific, legally permitted situations or when the car is parked. If you must stop on a road, hazard lights are usually the safer and more widely recognized alert. This article explains what parking lights are, when they’re appropriate, and how to stay compliant and safe.

What are parking lights and how they differ from DRLs and headlights

Parking lights are low-intensity lamps designed to mark a stationary vehicle, typically located at the front and rear. Daytime running lights (DRLs) operate automatically during daytime to improve visibility, but they do not illuminate the road as headlights do. Headlights provide the proper illumination needed for driving at night or in poor visibility conditions. In many places, parking lights are not intended to replace headlights when the vehicle is in motion.

When to use parking lights

These guidelines describe common practices, but regional rules can vary. Use the following as a general reference to avoid misuse or legal trouble.

• Driving at night or in poor visibility: switch to headlights (low beam or high beam as appropriate) rather than parking lights.


• Parked on a dim street after dark: check local laws. In many regions, hazard lights are the standard cue for a stopped vehicle; parking lights alone may not satisfy signaling requirements.


• Stalled or stopped on the shoulder: activate hazard lights to alert other drivers; if allowed and clearly marked by law, parking lights may be used briefly, but hazards are typically preferred.


• In well-lit parking areas where you are stationary for a short time: you generally do not need any lights, but if you require visibility, hazards are a safer, more widely recognized option.

When in doubt, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and local traffic regulations. The safest approach in most driving situations is to rely on headlights for visibility and use hazard lights when the vehicle is stationary to alert other road users.

Legal considerations and battery life

Legal status by region

Across the United States and in many parts of Europe, headlights are legally required after dusk or in low-visibility conditions. Driving with only parking lights is often not allowed while the vehicle is in motion, and hazard lights are the standard signaling device when a vehicle is stopped on a roadway. Always verify rules with your local department of transportation or the country’s traffic code and your car’s owner’s manual.

Battery life and energy usage

Leaving any lights on while the engine is off draws power from the 12-volt battery. Parking lights, while low-power, can still drain a battery if left on for extended periods, especially in older batteries or vehicles with high parasite draw. A drained battery can prevent the car from starting and may require a jump start or charging. If you anticipate a long stop, turning off unnecessary lights and using hazards only when appropriate helps preserve battery life.

Practical steps for drivers

To minimize risk and stay compliant, follow these steps whenever you’re unsure about lighting in a given situation.

1. Know your local laws and your car’s manual regarding parking lights, DRLs, and hazard usage.


2. When driving after sunset or in poor visibility, use headlights (not parking lights) to illuminate the road and improve visibility for others.


3. When stopping on a roadway or shoulder, activate hazard lights to warn other drivers; avoid relying solely on parking lights unless explicitly permitted by law.


4. If your vehicle is older or has signs of a weak battery, avoid leaving any lights on for extended periods to prevent a no-start situation.


5. Test your lighting controls periodically so you know exactly which mode you’re selecting in different conditions.

Following these steps helps ensure safety, legal compliance, and readiness if you need to restart after a stop.

Summary

Parking lights are meant to mark a stationary vehicle and are not a substitute for headlights when you’re driving. In most regions, headlights or DRLs should be used during movement, and hazard lights are the standard signaling option when stopped on or near the roadway. Always check local laws and your vehicle’s manual, and be mindful of battery life when lights are left on. By using the correct lighting in the right situation, you improve safety for yourself and others on the road.

Is it bad to leave parking lights on?

Parking lights (or sidelights) use much less power than headlights, so leaving them on for a few hours usually won't drain your battery. That said, if your car has an older or weaker battery, leaving them on overnight could cause problems. As a rule, avoid leaving any lights on longer than necessary.

When should you leave your parking lights on?

You should leave parking lights on when parked on a road with a speed limit over 30 mph, in areas with poor visibility like dark or unlit streets, or in foggy conditions. This is to make your vehicle visible to other drivers and prevent accidents. 
Specific situations for using parking lights

• High-speed roads: If your vehicle is parked on a road or in a lay-by with a speed limit greater than 30 mph, parking lights are legally required from sunset to sunrise. 
• Poorly lit areas: Use them on any road with low or no street lighting, even if the speed limit is below 30 mph. 
• Bad weather: Parking lights are recommended in foggy, heavy rain, or other poor visibility conditions, regardless of the speed limit. 
• Hazardous parking spots: Park with parking lights on if your vehicle is near a junction, bend, or other place where it may not be clearly visible to other drivers. 
• Emergency situations: They can also be used when a headlight has burned out, so other drivers don't mistake your vehicle for a motorcycle. 

Important considerations

• Do not use as headlights: Parking lights are not as bright as headlights and are not a substitute for them while driving. 
• Battery drain: While designed for low power consumption, leaving them on for extended periods can still drain your battery, especially older ones. It's best to avoid leaving them on overnight if possible. 

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Should you use your parking lights at night?

Bottom line: Driving with only parking lights is unsafe and usually illegal for normal driving at night or in poor visibility. Use low-beam headlights (or DRLs where present) except in the narrow, local exceptions that typically apply only to parked vehicles or emergency movements to a repair location.

Does leaving parking lights on the drain battery?

Yes, parking lights can drain a battery, especially if left on overnight or if the battery is old or weak. While parking lights use much less power than headlights, they still draw electricity from the battery, and if the car is not running, the battery is not being recharged. 
Factors that influence battery drain

• Battery age and condition: An older or weaker battery has less capacity and is more likely to drain completely than a new one. 
• Duration: Leaving the lights on for a few hours is usually fine, but overnight is risky for an older battery. 
• Battery capacity: A larger battery can handle leaving the lights on for a longer time. For a rough estimate, you can divide your battery's amp-hour (AH) rating by 2.52.52.5 to find the approximate number of hours it could theoretically last with the parking lights on. 
• Alternator issues: If the car is running and the battery is draining, it could indicate a problem with the alternator or voltage regulator, which isn't recharging the battery. 

Recommendations

• Use them sparingly: Only use parking lights when necessary. 
• Avoid leaving them on overnight: This is especially important for older vehicles. 
• Recharge the battery: If you do leave them on for an extended period, start the car and drive it to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.