Parking lights are mini lights on your car. If they are off and a driver collides with your car. Then you may be fully responsible for the accident.
In this article, you will get answers to your common questions about parking lights. You will also come to know what the difference is between parking lights, headlights, and DRLs (daytime running lights).
Parking Light Meaning
Parking lights are small lights on your car, you can call them side lights too. Basically, they help others clearly see your vehicle when it’s parked. They are not as bright as headlights, but they make your car visible in low light or dark areas.
You use them mainly when your car is parked on the side of the road. Moreover, you should even put them on when you are parking a vehicle.
What do Parking Lights Look Like?
Usually, parking lights are small rectangular or round lights. They are positioned at the front and back of your car. They are less bright than headlights and often look like tiny colored bulbs. Some cars use LED parking lights, which shine more clearly.
What Color are Parking Lights?
| Parking Light Color | Placement | Purpose |
| White or Amber | Front | Makes your car visible from the front |
| Red | Rear | Other drivers see the parked car from behind |
| Amber or Orange | Side | Shows the car’s presence from the side |
What are Parking Lights Used For?
Parking lights make your car visible when it’s parked in dark areas or on the side of the road. They warn other drivers about your car and show your car’s position in narrow streets or tight parking spots. These lights are mainly for safety, not for driving.
General Parking Light Laws
- Remember to turn on your parking lights when you park your car on busy roads.
- If you are a truck driver and you parked on the main road, you must place reflective traffic cones around the truck.
- You should use reflective tape on the bumper or doors of the car, when the parking lights are not enough. For example, in foggy and dark weather.
- In case when your car becomes out of order you can place reflective bollards on the sides to inform others.
- If you operate a vehicle containing dangerous material like petrol or diesel it is not enough to turn on parking lights, therefore, you should create a boundary of temporary barricades.
- When you park your car on a road with slope you must place wheel chocks behind your car to enhance safety. They prevent your car from rolling back and causing accidents.
How to Turn on Parking Lights?
It is very easy to turn on parking lights. Usually, you find a small dial or switch on the dashboard of your car or near the headlight control. You just have to turn the switch to the parking light symbol and the lights will glow. Some advanced cars have a feature to turn on automatically when you park in low light.
How to Turn off Parking Lights?
To turn off parking lights, you have to rotate the switch or dial back toward the “off” position. This stops the lights from glowing and informs other drivers that you are now switching toward the road.
Do Parking Lights Turn off Automatically?
Yes, in many modern cars parking lights turn off automatically. This happens when you start driving or switch on the headlights. It is also possible when you turn off the engine. Basically, this automatic turn-off protects the battery and ensures your lights are not left on by mistake.
What is a Parking Light Bulb?
Well, a parking light bulb is a small light source used in your car’s parking lights. It makes your car visible without using too much power. There are two common types of parking light bulbs;
- Halogen Bulb: This is a traditional type of bulb. It gives you a soft yellow-white light.
- LED Bulb: It is a Modern type of parking bulb. You may find it brighter than simple halogen bulbs. Furthermore, it lasts longer & uses less energy.
Do Parking Lights Drain Battery?
Parking lights use very less power that’s why they do not drain your car’s battery quickly. However, if you leave them on for a long time (when the engine is off) they can slowly reduce battery charge. Modern LED parking lights drain even less energy as compared to your traditional bulbs.
Are Blue Parking Lights Illegal?
Yes, blue parking lights are illegal for regular vehicles. In most countries, blue lights are reserved for emergency vehicles like police cars or ambulances. Therefore, if you use blue parking lights on your car it can lead to fines or legal trouble.
Parking Light Indicator/Parking Light Symbol
A parking light indicator is a small symbol on your car’s dashboard. Usually, it looks like a tiny lamp or a letter “P” with rays around it. You may also see two facing semi-circles with light beams in some cars.
When the symbol lights up, it shows your parking lights are on. This indicator helps you to keep track and avoid leaving them on by mistake.
LED Parking Light For Bike
LED parking lights for bikes are small, bright, and energy-efficient lights. They make your bike more visible when parked. Especially at night or in low-light areas. As we have discussed, LED lights last longer and use less battery power.
Parking Lights vs Headlights
| Parking Lights | Headlights |
| You use to increase the visibility of steady car | They lights up the road when you drive on the road at night |
| They have comparatively lower brightness | You get high brightness for the safe driving |
| Their legal requirements depend on your state’s specific rules | Legally required in low visibility |
| Use less power | Use more power |
| Installed at the front, rear and side (sometime) | Located at the front of the car with high and low beams |
| You observe amber, white and red colors in parking lights | Comes in light yellow and pure white colors |
Parking Lights vs Daytime Running Lights
| Parking Lights | DRLs |
| Installed to inform other drivers about a parked car | Installed for safety plus styling |
| Used at night time or in fog | You see them at day time |
| Minimize the risk of parking collisions | Reduce accident in dawn, dusk plus overcast days |
| Less bright than DRLs | Brighter than parking light but lesser then headlights |
| Older cars require manual operation but advance cars have auto sensors | Automatically activate when the engine on |
| Come in white, amber and red color | You get only one white color |
What are Parking Lights UK
In UK, parking lights are also known as sidelights. You use them to make your parked car visible at night. You always need these lights on roads with an over 30 mph limit. But if you park your car at a right position or parking space, you do not require them (in case of 30 mph or lower speed limit roads).
According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, failure to follow parking light rules can result in a fine. This fine ranges from £35 to £75. Therefore, you should always follow official UK parking and lighting rules.
Final Thoughts
We advise you to turn on your parking lights when you park your car. Try to park your vehicle at a designated space where proper signages are installed. Otherwise you can be fined and punished.
If you want parking lights, parking safety products or anything for your parking space, contact our team now. We can provide you these things at a highly affordable wholesale price.
People Also Ask
What Lights Should be Shown on a Parked Car?
When your car is parked, you should turn on your parking lights if it’s dark or in low-visibility areas. Because headlights are not needed when parked. At that time, parking lights provide enough visibility for safety.
Do all Cars Have Parking Lights?
Yes, almost all modern cars come with parking lights. These low-intensity front lights stay on when you turn off your main lights. They are required by law in many places, for instance, on roads with speed limits over 30 mph. You can activate them with the help of a symbol on your light control stalk or dashboard dial.
Are Parking Lights Automatic?
Generally, you have to activate parking lights manually with a dial or stalk on the dashboard. But some modern cars have an automatic parking light feature that uses sensors or links. These sensors trigger the indicator to turn lights on when you park in the dark. Sometimes, this feature does not come as a standard. Therefore, you require a specific setting.
Why is it Rare to See Cars with Parking Lights On?
It’s rare to see cars with parking lights on because they are too dim to drive on the road. Plus, parking lights are legally used only to represent a parked car at night. The second reason (in parking lots) is that in many older or basic cars drivers forget to switch them on manually. Nowadays, modern cars with automatic lights make it easier with auto-on features.
Is it Illegal to Drive with Parking Lights on?
Yes, in many places it is illegal & unsafe to drive with only parking lights on. Because they are used to show parked vehicles only. Furthermore, they have dim lights and a shorter fall range. So, if you use parking lights instead of headlights while driving, you may be fined or penalized.
