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Which light is the parking light?

The parking light, also known as the position light or side marker light, is a type of automotive lighting that serves a specific purpose on a vehicle. It is designed to provide visibility and identification of a parked or stationary vehicle, particularly in low-light conditions.


What is the Parking Light?


The parking light is a small, low-intensity light located on the front and/or rear of a vehicle. Its primary function is to indicate the presence and position of the vehicle when it is parked or stopped, making it easier for other drivers to see and avoid collisions. Parking lights are typically amber or white in color and are usually smaller and less bright than the vehicle's headlights or taillights.


When are Parking Lights Used?


Parking lights are typically used in the following situations:



  • When a vehicle is parked or stopped on the side of the road, the parking lights help make the vehicle more visible to other drivers, reducing the risk of collisions.

  • In low-light conditions, such as at night or in inclement weather, the parking lights help other drivers identify the presence and location of the parked vehicle.

  • Some jurisdictions require the use of parking lights when a vehicle is parked on the side of the road, even during the day, to enhance visibility and safety.


Parking lights are an important safety feature, as they help prevent accidents and make it easier for other drivers to navigate around parked or stopped vehicles.


Differences Between Parking Lights and Other Automotive Lights


While parking lights serve a specific purpose, they are distinct from other automotive lighting systems, such as headlights and taillights. Headlights are designed to illuminate the road ahead, while taillights are used to indicate the rear of the vehicle and provide visibility for drivers behind. Parking lights, on the other hand, are focused on making the vehicle itself more visible, rather than illuminating the surrounding area.


Additionally, parking lights are typically less powerful and consume less energy than headlights or taillights, as their primary function is to provide a low-level indication of the vehicle's presence, rather than to provide significant illumination.

Which lights are side lights?


What are sidelights? Also known as parking lights, sidelights tend to be found in the headlamp unit of your car's front corners. They aren't as bright as headlights, so they're best used when it's not quite dark enough to switch to your full beams. They're usually found on a dashboard dial or steering wheel stalk.



Are parking lights in the front or back?


Parking lights can be found on the front, side, and rear of a car, though there is no standard placement for them.



Is a parking light a side light?


Car sidelights, or parking lights as they are sometimes known, are usually found in the headlamp unit in the front corners of your car. Sidelights aren't as bright as headlights, so are used by drivers to make themselves visible to traffic during times when it's not dark enough for main lights.



What color is parking light?


Parking lights are also usually colored gold or amber, which differs from the bright white lights of headlights or the red of brake lights.



Is parking light the same as brake light?


Parking lights are sometimes referred to as sidelights. They are not headlights but do appear outside of them and are located at the front of the vehicle. Some cars have a similar pair of lights located at the rear of their vehicle, though those should not be confused with brake lights.



Are parking lights amber or white?


amber
In most cars, parking lights are amber instead of white like a headlight. According to federal law and SAE Standard J222, parking lights can also function as a front positioning light. But that's only when the regular headlight fails. Parking lights are not as bright as headlights, so they won't illuminate the roadway.



What light do you turn on when parking?


If your head hasn't been buried deep in the Highway Code recently, it's worth the reminder of section 249 that states vehicles must display parking lights – sidelights – when parked on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit over 30mph.



Which lights are park lights?


Position lamps are low wattage lamps on the front and rear of vehicles that show the outline of the vehicle. They are also known as 'park lights', 'side lights' and in the case or rear position lamps, 'tail lights'.



Which are my parking lights?


Parking lights are small lights you'll find at the front of the car. You may have heard them referred to as sidelights before. These are usually housed within the same cluster as your dipped and main beams but can be an often overlooked part of your car. However, the Highway Code does require you to use them.



What is the parking light of the car?


Parking lights (sometimes referred to as sidelights) are the small lights located at the front of your car. Generally built into the same cluster of lights as your dipped and main beams, parking lights are sometimes overlooked.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.