Is There Anyone Who Actually Uses parking lights?
Posted by MotorcycleCar@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 360 comments
I've owned multiple vehicles with them but I never do use them and I've been thinking recently that I don't recall EVER seeing them being used on a car by anyone ever since I was born. Do you use them?
Moz_Sacred_TAAccount@reddit
Parking what
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The amber and red lights turned on with the position on your headlight switch between off and full headlights.
Stuck_in_my_TV@reddit
What are parking lights?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The amber and red lights turned on with the position on your headlight switch between off and full headlights.
porcelainvacation@reddit
I use them in a drive thru to keep from blinding the person in front of me
likemyke91@reddit
I used to do this, then I left the drive thru and got pulled over and ticketed for not having my headlights on, decided it wasn’t worth possibly forgetting.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I use them quiet a lot. There's plenty of times where parking lights are called for but headlights are superfluous.
When it's just grey out, rain, misty, morning/evening, etc. They help others see me without me projecting white light that will cause glare.
In heavy fog or snow headlights can cause too much glare, so it's parking lights and fog lights.
People have mentioned courtesy at drive throughs, parking lots, and such. There's several places I go often where it's more than courtesy it's required. High security/military guard stations and the ferry.
It bothers me a lot that so many drivers as well as car manufactures don't understand these things.
forty-two420@reddit
You use "parking" lights while driving?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Yup, "parking lights" is just one of the names for them, running lights, side lights, etc.. Saying that someone calling them parking lights makes them just for parking is reductionist nonsense.
LightningGoats@reddit
No, running lights and parking lights are not the same. You have parking lights -> driving lights -> high beams.
Parking lights are especially made to allow people to know a car they see the light of is not moving. It's very useful to avoid an unnecessary panic if you're parked somewhere where other drivers would need to take evasive action of you were moving. Like parked against the direction of traffic or near an intersection. They're noticeably dimmer than running lights.
Using parking lights as running lights is moronic for the reasons detailed above. People will expect you not to move.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
You must be European?
I'm using the term as the OP is, and the way the OP is using the term "parking lights" is in the American fashion where they're the same as running lights.
SureWhyNot69again@reddit
No. Parking lights and running lights are two different sets of lights. A rare few people know the difference and even fewer know when and how to use them. It’s just not taught anymore
gstringstrangler@reddit
Lol. No. They are in fact the exact same lights. No vehicle has seperate lights to indicate they are parked 🤣
SureWhyNot69again@reddit
Wow you really don’t have a clue
gstringstrangler@reddit
Not even on my 120k lb rig, the park lights are the running lights are the marker lights
SureWhyNot69again@reddit
You guessed correctly. The parking lights and the marker lights are the same. btw I’m so impressed, you have an big rig so you must be the expert
gstringstrangler@reddit
I didn't guess anything, and you're trying to be pedantic while also being r/confidentlyincorrect so 🤷 be mad I guess. And wrong.
SureWhyNot69again@reddit
Not mad or wrong. What makes you think I care enough about you and what you think to even be mad? Pedantic! That big rig really does make you an expert
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Some European cars do.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
How are they different? Where's that switch on my car?
LightningGoats@reddit
Am european. Have driven in the US. It's the same three light levels. Parking lights are more dim than running lights. There are three different levels total. From OPs post it's pretty clesr he differentiates between parking lights and running lights, or his post makes no sense. Then he would simply ask if people had light on.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
No it isn't, I'm sure there's some European cars in the US that work that way, but most cars in the US don't. None of mine do, and my owners manual refers to them as "parking lights".
WhichAd366@reddit
They can refer to them by another name, it does not make them functionally different.
Typically You turn on parking lights with the same lever as your regular lights (though this has changed some in newer cars). If you have the lever it’s usually one turn back from the off position.
If your car has symbols on the levers it’s the one that looks like two eyes thst each have three lines on the outside.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
In some European cars they are functionally different. They're designed to stay on when the vehicle is parked and off, are often dimmer, and only on one side.
LightningGoats@reddit
What? I must be misremembering. Or perhaps confusing the rental in the US with my dad's American import, which might of course have had to change the lighting setup to get road worthy here.
WhichAd366@reddit
You’re not. This person doesn’t know how to operate their vehicle.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I was just looking into something in this regard. My daily was sold in Europe as a Lancia. So I looked up the owners manual for it and in there is says:
NOTE: In certain European countries, the parking light feature will only operate with the ignition OFF, or with either the fog lamps or headlights also ON. Regardless of ignition switch position, the parking lights will remain ON as long as the switch is in this first detent.
But unfortunately it says nothing about them being lower power or selected with the turn signal stalk. I was hopeful I could get that function.
LightningGoats@reddit
On older cars it, would be a separate switch entirely, as you didn't really need to operate it while driving.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I'm sure I could wire something up, not really worth it to me though, I almost never street park.
WhichAd366@reddit
Nah they’re really not.DRL are automatic in newer cars. Parking lights require the driver to turn them on; they’re meant for making a STATIONARY vehicle more visible.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Where the fuck in the above comment did I use the term "daytime"?
Ok-Tomorrow6634@reddit
Viewed from the rear of a car with ‘parking lights’ on there is zero difference from its appearance than it it had headlights on. From the front, obviously different. But a car with parking lights on facing you in your lane is as wrong as if it had headlights on.
Let me add that modern cars with very bright headlights, when left ON while idling, are often blinding AND often parked in a manner that directly impacts oncoming traffic.
CONSIDERATION of others helps us all (always), including knowing how to use lights, and when to turn them off.
LightningGoats@reddit
Plenty of places it's perfectly legal to stop on either side of the road. If I'm seeing rear lights, om not so worried about it being a drink driver driving towards me...
Usually you don't want your car to be completely without lights at a curbside stop in the dark, which is just what parking lights were made for.
FurForBrains@reddit
No parking lights are not to be used when driving in the US. Daytime driving lights are completely different. Parking lights do not provide sufficient illumination for other drivers to see you in inclement weather. I have come across a many cars thinking like you do and they are barely visible.
Some auto makers are now adding a daytime runny light or auto section between parking lights and normal. But that does not make parking lights suitable for driving on those that dont have that extra setting.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The red and amber lights are to be seen, the white lights are for seeing in the dark.
FurForBrains@reddit
You may want to refresh your understanding of the driving code. For example this section is from the state of Ohio's code: "Every motorized bicycle shall display at such times lighted lights meeting the rules adopted by the director of public safety under section 4511.521 of the Revised Code. No motor vehicle, during any time specified in this section, shall be operated upon a street or highway within this state using only parking lights as illumination." https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.03?hl=en-US
And I know that New York, CT, CA,at least have similar provisions.
I also believe that this is considered a primary offense in most states.
Ok-Tomorrow6634@reddit
I want me some HEAD lights then….
UteJazz@reddit
Daytime running lights and parking lights are different things.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Yes, and?
cans-of-swine@reddit
You just said they were the same thing, they are not.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Can you not read or understand the adjective "DAYTIME"?
DAYTIME running lights and old school running lights are two different things. Believe it or not there was a time before we were saddled with the idiocy that is DRLs. Before DRLs we just had running lights, or people called them parking lights or marker lights, etc.
cans-of-swine@reddit
I was driving before daytime running lights were a thing. I have never heard anyone say just running lights, only parking lights or marker lights. Running lights have always been daytime running lights.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
OK, well the are, so...
cans-of-swine@reddit
They are not, so....
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Are to
cans-of-swine@reddit
Nuh uh
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Yeah huh.
11B_35P_35F@reddit
Ive heard them called running lights (because you'd have them on when youre sitting there with engine going but not driving) and parking lights. Marker lights are the orange lights on large trucks/18-wheelers.
cans-of-swine@reddit
Marker lights are also the lights at the corners of a vehicle.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Clearance lights are the orange lights on large trucks/18-wheelers.
UteJazz@reddit
DRLs are a good thing.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
White light DRLs are a bad thing.
b1gb0n312@reddit
whys that?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
They cause glare.
LightningGoats@reddit
Lol, just admit you messed up. Running lights is running lights. Parking lights are parking lights. Parking lights are not running lights, no matter what word you put in front of "running".
Everything_Breaks@reddit
In NJ I once drove on a "parkway"
I felt crazy
TomCapeMay@reddit
I grew up near exit 148 on that Garden State Parkway and most recently lived in Cape May which is Exit 0. The GSP runs the whole length of the state and people identify where they live by an exit number.
ErmaGerdWertDaFerk@reddit
Wait 'til you see them'll parking on a driveway - talk about crazy!
asphaltdragon@reddit
In America, they're called Daytime Running Lights.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Those are not the same thing.Parking lights are typically amber in color and you have one on each corner of the car typically.
asphaltdragon@reddit
Those only turn on when the car is in park, you can't manually turn those on.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Utter bull shit.
What do you drive where think you can't turn them on manually?
shadowwolf_66@reddit
My Canadian gmc sierra does not allow manual running lights while in motion. If it is in gear, the headlights are on. I could change it, but in the 5 years I have owned it I have never been bothered by it ( besides the $80 every 6 months or so for headlights). My understanding is it was a requirement in Canada.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Yes there are some idiotic examples like that.
shadowwolf_66@reddit
I don’t find it idiotic. If headlights are properly aimed, and the proper headlight used, lowbeams are not a problem for other drivers. It’s when people don’t understand that headlight have a specific geometry for the light that is the issue. Now my one headlight might be an issue for other motorists because I hit a deer and never replaced the headlight so it’s kinda willy nilly floppy in the grill. But like I said I use the proper light bulbs meant for the headlight design, though I do get the more expensive “white/blue” lights due to my eyes liking them better for night time driving, that at one point in my life I was doing loads of.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Any superfluous white light causes superfluous glare regardless of any beam strength or aiming.
I'll give you a specific easy example that applies to even well adjusted low beams. The light still glares off a wet road at oncoming traffic.
Your description also appears to imply that the tail lights are on as well. Having the tail lights on during the day reduces the difference in brightness for the brake lights making them less noticed.
asphaltdragon@reddit
I drive a new Prius. It has off, auto, DRL, and on. There's not one for parking lights. Those only come on if the car is in park with the headlights or DRLs on.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
page 197 of this 2025 prius manual file:///C:/Users/korbe/Downloads/2025-toyota-prius.pdf
The USA cars have a FOUR position switch, one of which is the "parking lights" described as " The side marker, parking, LED accessories lamp, tail, license plate, instrument, panel lights"
asphaltdragon@reddit
Huh, I didn't know that.
In my defense, this is the first car I've owned that I even knew had parking lights installed.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Every car has them. This is a drastic failure of driver education.
asphaltdragon@reddit
I didn't even know they were a thing until about two years ago, when I started seeing all the Camaros, Challengers, and Mustangs driving around with them on. I thought they were just reflectors that had been replaced with lights or something. And then when I got the Prius in November, I noticed it had them. But I had no idea you could turn them on manually.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
For like a century now the standard light switch configuration has been a three position switch.
Off
Everything except the bright white lights on the front we call Headlights. So the tail lights, front amber lights, dash lights, etc. that this post is calling "parking lights".
2 plus the headlights.
In many modern cars for the last 2-3 decades this has become a 4 position switch.
Off
Auto, turns on headlights and "parking lights" when it gets dark.
Parking lights
Parking lights + Headlights
I personally dislike this, auto lights remove awareness and the parking lights option, it's why you don't see them much anymore and why so few know about them.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Two things wrong here.
They're amber on the front, red on the rear.
They are absolutely meant to be used in motion.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Two things here.
The U.S. thankfully has no stupid laws requiring daytime running lights(DRLs)
DAYTIME running lights and old school running lights are two different things. Believe it or not there was a time before we were saddled with the idiocy that is DRLs. Before DRLs we just had running lights, or people called them parking lights or marker lights, etc.
FLOHTX@reddit
I do. It turns on your tail lights so people can see you better in fog/mist during the day.
I also use my fog lights when headlights aren't needed like after dawn/before dusk when its not dark out but having others see me is important.
LightningGoats@reddit
Fog lights and regular driving lights are two different things, and neither are parkin lights.
FLOHTX@reddit
I detailed 2 scenarios.
One is parking lights only, the other is parking lights + fog lights. Sorry if I was confusing.
ApprehensiveClub6969@reddit
They explained why, did you not read or are you just being pedantic?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Yes, they go by many names, "running lights", 'side lights", etc. Implying that because some people call them parking lights, they're only for parking is reductionist nonsense.
curi0us_carniv0re@reddit
Wait till you hear about driveways and parkways 😬
akphil669@reddit
I always thought that DRIVING with PARKING lights on was illegal. It was for stationary vehicles. Parking lights indicate the vehicle is stationary … if you are driving in foggy conditions and this “stationary” vehicle decides to pull into your lane ….. use headlights.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It isn't, nor should it be.
CharterJet50@reddit
It actually is illegal to drive with parking lights only on in many states. Look it up.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I'm not going to look up every state, you made the claim. I know it's legal in my state, you can prove your case if you wish.
CharterJet50@reddit
https://www.ebay.com/motors/blog/diy/when-to-use-parking-lights-vs-headlights
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Wow a blog, well that's the most serious authority. I don't know what we have a supreme court when we have bloggers.
CharterJet50@reddit
California it’s a $250 ticket. Michigan enforces it apparently. Vermont, Illegal. NY State illegal. Pennsylvania, illegal. Maryland, illegal. Just the ones I care about and they are all illegal. Gosh, maybe you’re just wrong.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Maybe you're just making more baseless claims, link the laws themselves.
CharterJet50@reddit
https://dmv-permit-test.com/question/when-can-you-drive-using-only-parking-lights-zvDNBBFg.html
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Still can't find the actual law?
CharterJet50@reddit
“No vehicle may be driven with only parking lights on. However, parking lights may be used as signals or when the headlamps are also lit.” https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/recreational-vehicles-and-trailers-handbook-2011/equipment-and-operating-controls-for-all-drivers/
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Still can't find the actual law?
WhichAd366@reddit
https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/rules-of-the-road-can-you-drive-with-parking-lights-on-should-you,11909
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It's not there, did you think any link would work?
WhichAd366@reddit
It’s illegal in all 50 states.
https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/rules-of-the-road-can-you-drive-with-parking-lights-on-should-you,11909
How about provide evidence that it isn’t In your state.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
No it is not.
I can't show you what isn't there.
LightningGoats@reddit
They are in many countries, which make sense, as their purpose is to not be confused with driving lights, enabling you to know instantly that a car you see is not moving, but parked. If people use them while driving, you'll naturally assume they're parked as they only have parking lights on, and don't take evasive actions as needed.
thebigbossyboss@reddit
Same. I use them At dusk when it’s still Light enough headlights do nothing but you should have a little lights.
My mustang drl are super bright so in the city especially Downtown I just use those and parking lights.
Meanwhile Tesla has highbeam 9000 over there
pdxcanuck@reddit
Please don’t do this; it is much safer to have your headlights on. So much so that many countries require daytime running lights.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It isn't, and those countries are wrong.
pdxcanuck@reddit
Odd take on decades of data showing the opposite, but okay.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
There's no data showing the opposite.
Everything_Breaks@reddit
My state requires lights on when raining. It's safe to assume that a traffic cop could interpret any inclement condition as "rain" and will probably get it to stick in court.
Sad_Win_4105@reddit
The Illinois law requires lights on if wipers are required.
Extreme_Design6936@reddit
Me - driving through heavy rain without wipers, just the rainx coating.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Many people think their state does, most don't. What state?
That said I really don't care what the law says. There's plenty of laws that are stupid and shouldn't be obeyed by anyone capable of thinking for themselves.
JustGiveMeAnameDude9@reddit
GA, TN, AL, FL. Most states there are signs . Particularly when entering a state.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I really don't care what the law says. There's plenty of laws that are stupid and shouldn't be obeyed by anyone capable of thinking for themselves.
JustGiveMeAnameDude9@reddit
You asked what states. I answered. You then when on this tangent.
You think people shouldn't turn on their headlights when its raining? That's a stupid law? Are you retarded?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
GA, TN, AL are stupid, in regards to FL you're stupid, the law there says "lighted lamps" not headlights. https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.217.html
It's not a tangent, it's a quote of what you replied to, you chose to reply.
No I don't, the red and amber lights are for being seen, they should be turned on when it's raining. The white lights are for seeing in the dark, they should only be on, get this, when it's dark. Turning them on any other time causes superfluous glare that reduces visibility.
scrappybasket@reddit
Lighted lamps are what the original headlights were. That means headlights in 2026
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Everywhere else in Florida law the term headlights is used and headlights are defined. "Lighted lamps" is not, the term is legally vague and thus does not have the claimed authority.
scrappybasket@reddit
In New York the required brightness of lights is defined by an amount of candles. Just admit you’re wrong big dog
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
That's a unique twist on candela.
scrappybasket@reddit
How is that a twist? Ever wonder where that unit of measurement came from? One candela is equal to the light emitted by one wax candle.
Candlepower is still on the books in New York. Here’s an example
>”(c) No lamp shall be used on a motor vehicle having a light source greater than thirty-two candle power, unless such lamp is approved by the commissioner”
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/375
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Doesn't mean that candela isn't still a good standard. Ever heard of where horsepower comes from?
All you're doing is help prove that a lot of laws are stupid.
scrappybasket@reddit
No I’m just proving that you keep making false claims lol
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
What false claims?
akphil669@reddit
Why are DRLs white then?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Don't know, the people who created them are stupid I guess.
yarglof1@reddit
Most cars don't have an option to only turn on the red lights. They come on with the headlights.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
While technically true, what you mean is false.
No they don't turn on "only turn on the red lights", they also turn on the amber lights, and often the dash lights and license plate light.
All but very very few idiotic cars have this option.
JustGiveMeAnameDude9@reddit
Are you like 14?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Is your IQ 80?
AdhesivenessWeary377@reddit
Damn right I want to cross state lines with a duck on my head. But nope that’s illegal.
Various-Pudding6105@reddit
You are right! I hate that stupid law about robbing banks.
Everything_Breaks@reddit
AL
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Well I guess Alabama is one of the dumb ones.
Everything_Breaks@reddit
Along with 41 other states.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
"Many people think their state does, most don't."
Everything_Breaks@reddit
Does 'most' refer to the people or the states?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/sentences/sentence-diagramming/
Everything_Breaks@reddit
Thanks, I understand your elliptical construction now. In response, I'd say most are wrong. I wonder how many tickets could be avoided?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The law says "lighted headlamps" are required "when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of rain, sleet, or snow, except when the use is intermittent because of misting rain, sleet, or snow."
It does not say headlights. "lighted headlamps" could include just parking lights.
https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-32-motor-vehicles-and-traffic/al-code-sect-32-5-240/
BeneficialLeave7359@reddit
Used to use them at the drive-in theater all the time.
Mizar97@reddit
I do this in my pickup if there's a short car in front of me. I don't have LEDs but I have the brightest halos you can buy.
Jamestown123456789@reddit
I leave it set to auto 99.9% of the time, only time i’ve manually set them to parking/courtesy while driving is heavy fog during the day with separate fog lights also on.
eNomineZerum@reddit
As a Raptor owner, this. In my Miata, not as much. :D
Emotional_Common_527@reddit
They are required during driving.
Also I seem to recall a state/country requirement when care is parked overnight
New-Proof-1185@reddit
I use mine all the time b
watcher953@reddit
I see plenty cars driving with them . Instead using the low beams
Old_Assist_5461@reddit
If states took the time to enforce this over more serious issues we even have more serious problems than it seems.
voucher420@reddit
I use them while parallel parking to avoid blinding oncoming traffic and sometimes in parking lots for the same reason while pulling in/out of parking spaces.
Tantricationz@reddit
I don't have drl's, but I do have fog lights. So I'll run my markers and fog lights in scenarios that I feel being more visible would be helpful
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Please don't use your fog lights like that, they just add to glare. If your marker lights aren't bright enough, fix that.
Tantricationz@reddit
Marker lights are stock, as are the fog lights, no fix needed. There's also no glare on dry roads during the daytime, actually or wet roads for that matter. Fog lights are designed to point down and out and not as bright as your headlights so you can see the fog lines on the road, or shoulder if there is none. And if it's night then I am using my regular driving lights
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Often stock isn't great, or even good enough.
Of course they cause glare on wet roads.
This assumes quality fog lights, we've both seen a lot of so called fog lights that are really just low mointed flood lights, including stock on a lot of vehicles. Ram "fog lights" come to mind.
Tantricationz@reddit
I'm not trying to light anything up with my markers, just throwing a little extra visibility for traffic and vehicles on these shady little mountain roads I live on. And the fog lights are perfect for accenting them, as the marker lights really aren't that visible by themselves, and the fog lights only turn on with either the marker or headlights on. My fog lights are stock on a 2012 jeep gc and they are pointed in all the right directions. Personally I'd rather look at fog lights coming up the road then I would regular headlights, as a lot of those are like flood lights nowadays
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
My daily is a '14 300, I use a gizmo that allows me to set my DRLs to my front turn signals. They do the same thing with Charger and Durango police vehicles. I'd expect it'd work on a GC as well.
I'd also assume you have the same projector fog lights I do, which are great.
Tantricationz@reddit
Yeah if I remember reading right from 14 on up they had them standard across everything, my 2012 only came with the dlrs in certain trims I believe. Since being on this thread, I actually looked into this a few nights ago. Apparently I can take it down to the dealership and they can flash it to where they come on as they have everything in place for it across all the models, and if I word it right they might do it for free LOL. But the closest dealership to me is 45 minutes away, I've had it probably about 8 or 9 months and just always thought it didn't have the dlrs
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I can't promise but a Tazer or AlfaOBD can probably do it.
Tantricationz@reddit
I'll have to see if I can't track someone down that has one... thanks for the heads up on that. I liked having them after my 07 equinox (pos) came equipped with them. I had assumed my '12 gc had them until about 2 months of having it when I pulled up in front of glass windows somewhere and noticed I didn't
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
II'm not talking about drl I'm talking about your parking lights.Only onr of my cars has drl's but most of them have parking lights.
Tantricationz@reddit
Yeah that's exactly what I was talking about, because I don't have drls either. My fog lights don't come on unless either my marker (parking) or regular headlights are on, so in low visibility areas or times of day I run my markers and fog lights so I'm not burning up my main drive lights.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Or consider this, use the fog lights in the fog.
Tantricationz@reddit
Three steps ahead of you, I've already considered. And I do 👍
ZoomZoomZachAttack@reddit
I do sometimes when it's not dark necessarily but I want my fog lights on.
Both_Pie_3852@reddit
If I put my car in park and leave the lights on (driving or parking lights) the car automatically turns them off after a minute whether the car is running or not. Dummest feature ever!
AdEastern9303@reddit
In parking garages I use them so people can see me coming around corners but I don’t blind oncoming cars and people. Also use them when backing into my driveway at night so I don’t play my neighbors’ living room with my lights.
Briiskella@reddit
Parking lights? There must be a more technical term than this 😭 I have no idea what you’re referring to. Daytime running lights?
Due_Citron6089@reddit
DRLs don’t turn on the rear lights. Parking lights turn on rear & front (low-power) lights.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Also called, marker lights, side lights, or running lights.
They aren't DRLs, they're the red and amber lights.
Brigand253@reddit
I love operating with parking lights when the conditions are appropriate. I installed a European headlight switch just so I could turn on parking lights and fog lights without turning on the headlights.
spiritthehorse@reddit
My daughter uses them all the time. 2002 Miata, no Daytime lights. She asked me if she should be using running lights and I shrugged probably a good idea. It’s been a year of her doing it every time out now. I’ve changed my mind to believing it’s a very good idea.
KittiesRule1968@reddit
Yes, frequently
jhunderm@reddit
Never used them once in 60 years.
Timmarino@reddit
I used them as approaching the gate at night on military bases in my personal car but as a truck driver I used them all the time to keep from getting hit
ratrodder49@reddit
I kick them on manually every time I drive and it hits dusk but it’s not dark enough out yet to warrant headlights. My vehicles look cool with just the marker lights on.
Tanglefoot11@reddit
DRL/sidelights/running lights =/= parking lights
ratrodder49@reddit
I have a four year degree in automotive restoration. I know the difference between DRLs and parking lamps. https://imgur.com/gallery/2012-300-s-5-7-with-srt-front-bumper-swap-gorgeous-sunset-xkTgI2r
FYI, parking lights does = marker lights.
Tanglefoot11@reddit
Whelp. I guess you can still learn new things even with a four year degree.....
https://youtube.com/shorts/74p-S7KonkM?is=EZn0ZT3q7Jo778gq
ratrodder49@reddit
Interesting. However, how many vehicles have the ability to do that? I have seven and none of them do. Is this just a Mini feature? Is this just a Euro market thing?
d1ll1gaf@reddit
My current car has 4 settings:
- Lamps Off
- Parking lamps on
- Autolamps on (default)
- Headlamps on
Since the car will default to autolamps every time you turn it on, that is what I normally drive with. If I turn switch to parking lamps the DRL's will remain on unless I'm actually in park, I can't actually drive with just my parking lights. I do use them when charging sometimes as I want to leave the car on, since there is no practical difference between accessory mode and on, to listen to music / watch youtube.
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
Idek what parking lights are. They’re seperate from DRLs ?
rynil2000@reddit
It’s an older term for DRLs; usually if they are manually operated. My old ‘94 Ranger and ‘02 Explorer had “running lights” on the switch to operate the headlights. It went “off - running lights - headlights”. My newer ‘19 Stinger has DRLs and automatic lights.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
That is NOT anything to do with DRLs.
That was literally your parking/running lights.
DRLs activate either your highbeams on a lower voltage so they're dimmer, they used the high beams because they pointed higher= more refective.
Parking/running lights turned on your orange markers up front and your tail lights out back, as well as your tag lights, and dash lights.
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
The middle switch on my car turns on the white headlights, but dimmer
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
DRLs are not, at least on any vehicles I'm aware of, on a switch.
With basically all vehicles, if your parking brake is off, and out of Park on the shifter, the DRLs are on. Some will have the DRLs on just if the parking brake is off, even in Park.
Almost bet that your "middle position" isn't turning on your DRLs. It's turning on all your other exterior lights.
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
My car is a manual, and it absolurelt turns on my headlights. I know this because I have almost accidentally left my driveway with them on because I saw light in front of me and assumed it was my regular headlight. I’m not saying they aren’t parking lights, I didn’t know the difference, but in my 2006 the headlights turn on, dimly.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
So what vehicle is it?
Even on my manuals, soon as the parking brake is off... the DRLs come on automatically. You don't do anything. I can turn my headlight dial to the first position and it turns on all other exterior lights. But the high beams (which are my DRLs) are on at a lower wattage literally as soon as you release the parking brake.
ALL my lights will come on once it gets dark enough, even with the headlight switch in the Off position. It doesn't have an Auto setting. It just automatically happens. There is no actual "Off". Rather annoying. My auto trans car is the same way. Only difference is parking brake off and out of Park. DRLs automatically come on. Once dark enough outside, ALL lights come on. It switches from DRL mode by itself with NO Auto mode on the headlight switch.
SailingSpark@reddit
No. Its not an older term for DRLs. Your taillights and sidemarkers are not bright enough.
Parking lights are everything but the headlights. They allow you to park your car on the side of a dark road and leave those lights illuminated so other vehicles can see your car is "parked" there.
Not much use for them in the states with our wider roads and defined shoulders. Some cars on Europe even allow you to choose which side you want on.
Broad-Minute-2955@reddit
This is the only parking lights I know of.
When car is turned off, and you use the turn signal, it puts on one rear light and one front ‘running light’ on the selected side.
SailingSpark@reddit
Yes, I owned a Porsche like that. One pull on the light switch to bring up just the taillights and front marking lights, then use the turnsignal to choose which side you want on. All very clever and very German.
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
Well this post makes even less sense to me now, because I see people with their DRLs on all the time. Especially at night, and it bothers the fuck out of me.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The position on your headlight switch between off and headlights. Turns on all the lights that help others see you, but not the bight white ones on the front.
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
On my car, those are the DRLs
osmiumblue66@reddit
Parking lights usually engage side markers and taillamps as well. Headlights may stay on at DRL brightness if equipped with headlamp DRLs.
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
I’m saying there’s only 3 settings on my car
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
As there are on most cars, off - parking lights - headlights.
What kind of car?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
And none of them are DRLs, DRLs are always automatic, not on a switch.
Dustball_@reddit
Slow driving around in a populated place at night such as a campground, fireworks show, stargazing crowd, etc...
WearFamiliar1212@reddit
Yes, when I parked and waiting to pick someone up.
MysticMarbles@reddit
I use them every time I drive and it's not dusk dark or foggy.
Do I use them AS parking lights? Never. Not even a thing in North America. No laws say to, nobody considers it, it's literally just not a thing.
DFLDrew@reddit
They’re not meant to driven with….
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
BS
DFLDrew@reddit
Huh, I wonder what parking lights might be for? Must be something besides parking.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
They go by many names, "running lights", 'side lights", etc. Implying that because some people call them parking lights, they're only for parking is reductionist nonsense.
Ok-Tomorrow6634@reddit
Same with the term and use of "parking brake"; can be used for "emergencies" (or drifting!) too. That's one reason they are mechanical, a separate system from the "service brakes" (aka Brakes).
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Excellent point.
DFLDrew@reddit
They aren’t called that though. They are parking lights.
nullpassword@reddit
Well... In the US they are often called running lights...
Sunburst34@reddit
No they aren’t. The amber lights at the front and rear of cars in the USA are called marker or parking lights, not running lights. The only running lights on cars in the USA are “Daytime Running Lights” aka DRLs, which by law are white and shine forward only. Boats have colored running lights but cars do not.
No_Organization_7509@reddit
There is no law preventing them from being amber. My 2017 Passat used the amber front turn signal as the DRL, as do many newer Kia's.
Ok-Tomorrow6634@reddit
In fact in the US amber rear TURN signal lights are still acceptable, even though most US vehicles default to red for both turn and stop (Stop lights must be red only).
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
With my car I can switch which lights are used for the DRL and choose the bright amber. As do all cop cars I've seen recently.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
If we want to get pedantic amber are only on the front. Much like how boats and planes use colors to signify port and starboard. Cars use amber and red to signify front and rear.
I agree marker lights are a better term, though these days side lights is used a lot as well.
There's no US laws requiring anything about DRLs. Only Canada has such stupid laws.
Accomplished-Cat-632@reddit
Daytime driving lights have dropped head on collisions by 60% And you call them stupid!
DFLDrew@reddit
The only stupid ones are the night time drivers who don’t realize their dashboard is blank and they can’t see fifteen feet ahead.
RedditFandango@reddit
My Audi had front and rear fog lights (in the rear their were steady red lights similar to the lights that are on when the headlights were on).
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Your Audi probably did have rear fogs, but what you describe isn't rear fogs. Rear fogs are on a separate control from the headlights.
Rear fogs are required in Europe, but Germany is real strict about their use only being in fog.
RedditFandango@reddit
There were two buttons separate from the headlight system. One turned on front white fog lights, the other turned on rear red “don’t hit me” lights. The rear lights were different then the tail lights,
No_Organization_7509@reddit
There is no law that requires them to be white. My 2017 Passat used the amber front turn signal as the DRL.
No_Organization_7509@reddit
There is no law that says they have to be white. My 2017 Passat used the amber front turn signals as DRLs.
Tallguystrongman@reddit
As in DRL’s?
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
No, DRLs are DRLs.
Before DRLs were mandated some folks did use the parking lights as running/marker lights. But that's really more a term used with 2500, 3500 and the such type trucks with cab/clearance type lights.
shadowwolf_66@reddit
If you are talking about the lights on top of a cab, that was a federal mandate in the US for 1-ton and larger trucks. To differentiate a 1-ton cab from a 3/4-ton cab (same body usually just different suspension). It has been around for ages.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
I know what the difference between 3/4 and 1 ton chassies are. Plenty of 3/4 tons around here have "cab" lights though... and they're actually called clearance lights.
But most everyone around here refers to them as "running lights".
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
DRLs are only mandated in Canada, that idiocy is all their fault.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
DRLs have been mandated by Norway, Sweden, Finland, for decades... I think the rest of the EU didn't start that requirement until 2012. Been required in Canada for decades as well.
The US still doesn't... mainly because the Federal gov't hasn't found a "legitimate reason" that they actually increase safety. But GM has been doing it voluntarily since the early/mid '90s. Most all other manufacturers (Ford, Dodge, Honda, and Toyota have caught up to the practice but it took them a couple of decades longer than GM.
Obviously motorcycles in the US are required to have a headlight on during the day in most states per State Law, though I'm not sure if all states actually require it (say, if you have a '76 or older). Federal law since 1977 says that all new bikes sold in the US have to have the light come on automatically anytime the engine is running. In know my state requires it regardless of what year your bike is.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
OK well these nations are stupid as well I guess. White light DRLs are just dumb.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
For vehicles... meh, they aren't a terrible thing IMO. I find the orange ones a bit annoying but I will say that all these new vehicles with the BRIGHT ass LED DRLs need to tone them down a bit.
However, as far as motorcycles not being required to have a headlight on at all times. SCREW YOU. I've been riding street bikes for 30 years... it's dumb NOT to have your headlight on. That shit straight up helps a biker who already gets ignored by too damn many asshats that don't pay attention to motorcycles to be seen. Plain and simple. Had more than one driver say the only reason they saw me or one of my friends was because of the headlight. My bike is lime green and I wear a hi-viz yellow full face helmet with hi-viz yellow stripes on my jacket.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
AMBER lights are for being seen, white lights are for seeing in the dark.
Headlights on motorcycles are the fucking worst. Way to often they're aimed horribly and way to bright. This causes glare which fucks up our perception of speed and distance. They should be amber.
Tallguystrongman@reddit
I mean, there’s a fuck of a lot wrong with my country but DRLs aren’t one of them lol.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
White light DRLs are stupid.
Tanglefoot11@reddit
Parking lights turn on the runningnlights on one side of the car only so the side parked in the road is lit for visibility with minimal battery usage.
Running lights are running lights....
gecjr@reddit
Yeah engine running not moving 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Ok-Tomorrow6634@reddit
In at least some States of the US (certainly mine) you can legally drive with parking lights on during the day, or IF it's no more than 30 minutes after sunset, or less than 30 minutes before sunrise, AND if it's not otherwise too dark to see obstructions in the road 500 feet ahead of your vehicle.
I believe people just assume that is a blanket prohibition on driving with parking lights (only) on. It is not.
ImpliedSlashS@reddit
I always drive with them, but they’re never on.
BreakfastInBedlam@reddit
My headlights are on 24/7. If I'm moving, all my lights are on.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Your fellow man thanks you for the courtesy of constantly blinding everyone.
BreakfastInBedlam@reddit
Nonsense. They don't blind people at night, howw can they blind people in the daytime?
mikeTheSalad@reddit
I use them when I need to light up the dash, but using headlights would be unnecessary.
Organic-Baker-4156@reddit
Long ago some places required lights when a car was parked on the street at night. That's where the name parking lamps comes from. Also batteries were rated in amp-hours so people would know how long the battery would power parking lamps.
Designer-Travel4785@reddit
I'll use them when backing in my driveway. I don't think the neighbors across the street want my headlights shining in their windows.
theraptorman9@reddit
I use them semi regularly. Lots of times if I’m parked but not in a designated spot and it’s evening/night I’ll leave them on. Pull up somewhere dropping off or picking someone up. I can think of many occasions I see someone parked along side of road or in parking light blinding people with headlights and they should be using the “parking” or marker lights
CafeRoaster@reddit
All the time. In both of our vehicles.
MukYJ@reddit
I just replaced my 5x7 halogens with a projection LED that has a built in DRL/turn signal. I hooked the DRL up to the running lights so when I turn on the parking lights the DRL lights up too. I used to just run with my headlights on all the time since I do a lot of highway driving, but the LED is really overkill during the day. I’m finding that having the parking lights + DRL is the perfect amount of visibility during the day.
Stefanoverse@reddit
When I’m parked idling or waiting for my wife to run in somewhere or when I park one of my small cars somewhere it could get hit, like stopping for ice cream on a winding country road etc…
Cerebral-Knievel-1@reddit
Wtf is a parking light? Do you meen the running lights?
You should be themnat twilight, dusk. And in dog and rain.
PrimaryDry2017@reddit
At the boat ramp before sun up, so you don’t blind everyone else trying to launch
Tanglefoot11@reddit
Turns out that "car guys" don't know the difference between parking lights and side lights.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
For most cars there is no difference.
Rickenbacker69@reddit
I turn my headlights on when I buy a car, then never touch them again. So no, I don't use parking lights, never saw the point.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Your fellow man thanks you for the courtesy of constantly blinding everyone.
fightingchken81@reddit
Honestly I just put it in automatic mode for the lights and don't worry about it. If I need highs in the rare occurrence I just hit the switch, otherwise I let the car decide, daylights or low beams.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Your car is smarter than you are?
fightingchken81@reddit
No mam, it just work well enough so I don't worry about it
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Driving isn't something to be lazy about.
4rd_Prefect@reddit
I've used them to flatten my battery and leave me stranded!
knoxcos@reddit
Basically, anywhere at night that I’m pulling in to stop or park, or well lit parking lots with people on foot, I’ll drop to parking lights so I’m not blinding people around me (drive-thru, parking spot facing people standing around, and the like).
Manderthal13@reddit
Parking lights are the first notch on the headlight switch. They turn on the amber lights in th front and the tail lights in the back. This is the way many decades before DRLs came about. They are for use around dusk before it becomes necessary for headlights. They are also used when waiting in the car to pick someone up. Think about it; it's dark outside. I'm pulling into your driveway to pick you up. I switch the headlights down to parking lights so as not to light up the whole house with my headlights and blind you coming out get in the car. OR I'm waiting for you to come out of the store. I put on the parking lights to help you find me. That's what parking lights were/are.
Agitated_Occasion_52@reddit
I use them all the time. When I meet a person at night on a road that isnt big enough for two vehicles. Ill get over in the ditch and ill switch to parking light to let the other driver see.
The other time I use them is in my kids drop off line at school. Part of it is down hill, so to not blind the other parents ill switch to parking lights.
BassWingerC-137@reddit
I used to regularly when I daily drove a Mercedes-Benz. I’d even used the left/right parking lights as applicable.
I still have a couple of MBs in the garage but I daily drive a Lucid Air.
Lucid Air’s do not have parking lights in the sense you can use them to illuminate the cars presence while parked and you, the driver, are off at dinner. Once the Lucid locks, all lights go out. It’s one of the pet peeves I have in an otherwise amazing machine.
SecretOrganization60@reddit
Some European cars like BMW let you turn on parking lights on only the left or right side so drivers can see your parked car on a winding, foggy street.
You just move the signal light stalk to the right or left then close the door
TheRealGluFix@reddit
I thought that's what this post was talking about and got confused,
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Cool ,I haven't seen that my car only turn on all of them.
CharterJet50@reddit
Very bozo who turns them on in the rain thinking that’s all they need, or even worse, they rely on their DRL’s in the rain meaning they have no rear lights on. Driving with parking lights on is actually illegal in many states though rarely enforced I imagine. It was a question I missed on my license test many years ago.
sharpescreek@reddit
Yes, When I am pulled over on a road with live traffic.
GraphicWombat@reddit
Yes, in the early 2000’s. Sport compact cars. Parking lights on, fog lights on. But not headlights.
MIGLAOSKULLINC@reddit
And if you ever want to be in stealth mode at nighttime while driving.. Provided you have a manual emergency brake simply shut your car off push the pedal or pull the handle for the emergency brake just an itsy bitsy tiny bit turn of all the light then restart car.. No lights will be on and your emergency brake is not going to actually be engaged it's only enough to hit the switch that makes your car say it's on.. Use to do this all the time when driving high speeds at night on only roads I knew by heart or highway and were well lit so no cops would actually see me lol. Or at a drive-in movie.. If you can even find one anymore unfortunately they were hmthe best!
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
The later year models of the 2nd gen S10 and Blazer had a headlight override feature.
You had your manual dial, but no "auto" position. It has a sensor that just automatically turned them on at a certain dimness outside, even with the dial turned to OFF.
BUT, you had a push button next to the dial, called Dome Override. Push in, it'd turn your dome lights off when your door was open. BUT if you pushed that button On/Off 3 times fast and stopped at Off... you'd hear a "ding" and it'd turn your head/tail lights off. So at night ALL your lights would be off (dash included) period without having to "fool" anything with the parking brake. You still had manual control that way so you could use just your parking/marker and dash lights.
Everything would reset to "auto" next time you started the truck though.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
What a pain in the ass.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Yeah, because pushing a button 3 times quickly is "hard". Better than not having any manual control/way to turn off the headlights at night with the vehicle running. Which is what the S10/Blazer was like from '98 through '00 or '01.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Or imagine this, just a simple switch without the auto crap.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
They didn't have it at the time on those vehicles. Can't help that's how it was designed.
MIGLAOSKULLINC@reddit
Oh wow no kidding! I never heard of that one! But with mine you do still have full control of the lights such as being able to turn on the headlights or parking lights it didn't turn that function off in case that's what you thought I meant
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Yeah, no joke. Didn't start until after 2000 year model I think. My '03 S10 does it but the '99 Blazer won't and my '99 S10 wouldn't. The '99 Blazer you also aren't able to program how your doors auto lock. It literally automatically locks everything but the driver's door once you hit 5mph if you have any of them unlocked. The slightly later year models you could program to turn that crap off. Key on, engine off... certain various patterns of lock/unlock would allow you set when/how they locked or turn it completely off.
The S10/Blazers from '98 up had the light sensor. You could still manually turn on parking/headlights during the day. Such as when it's raining (state law- lights must be on if winshield wipers are on)... BUT if the ambient (outside) light got dim enough, they automatically come on. From '98 through about '00-'01 there was no override.
But you could do the "fool it" trick... turn off vehicle, click the parking brake just enough so that it activated the "brake" light on the dash. Start the truck and the lights would stay off. You manual control at nigh that way... up until GM snuck in that hidden override feature trick with the Dome Override button.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Or just buy a car without all that idiocy.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Why not just turn off your lights withr the switch?
LightningGoats@reddit
People suck at it, which is a major annoyance at night. It would be nice to know if I have a drunk driver driving towards me on the wrong side of the road, or just a person stopped waiting for someone, dropping someone off or running around the corner for a kebab.
getzoffroad@reddit
If its light and foggy I think you're supposed to use parking lights. Normal headlights kind of reflect off fog, but parking lights show other drivers where you are without being overwhelming. I don't know if that's official rules, just what I've been told when learning to drive long ago. Some states may have a law about it.
Badkus757@reddit
I use them in daytime rain with my fog lights. My Headlights have a led ring that come6on too
eldofever58@reddit
US peeps don't really use parking lights for parking. In fact, it use to be impossible to run both park lts and headlights at once. This changed some time in the '60s for safety- awfully hard to tell a car from a motorcycle at night if a headlamp was out. But in many other parts of the world, parking lights still ARE used for parking. And the name has stuck around.
In many European countries, it's required that if you park on a public street overnight, and are no directly under a streetlight, you must leave your parking lights on until dawn. To conserve some battery power, you use your turn signal to activate illumination on just one side of the vehicle. There are even some US vehicles that do this (like my old Allanté).
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I've owned and driven a lot of old cars. I've never seen one where it was " impossible to run both park lts and headlights at once", whatever that means.
eldofever58@reddit
Google says 1968, same time side markers became mandatory. I have 3 cars here that pre-date that, all 3 turn off the park lights when the switch is pulled out to the headlamp position.
getzoffroad@reddit
Yes when I drive in fog or early morning/night. Its actually the law in my state. My BMW does it automatically. In my Jeep I just turn the indicator once.
newtoaster@reddit
I use them all the time. Fog, overcast, wildfire smoke.. anytime visibility isn’t great
Dangerous-Bit-8308@reddit
Technically, there is no state in the US where driving with only the parking lots on is legal, either day or night.
I doubt it is heavily enforced, and with the three clicks for automatic car lights, I've seen a few people driving with just their parking lights on, probably because they clicked the lights twice, thinking they had turned headlights on or off.
But considering how some police treat modifed cars, and how some car modifiers obsessively of over details, maybe that's part of the reason driving with the parking lights on isn't very popular.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Bull shit.
johnwon00@reddit
Sure, when waiting on someone I turn on the parking lights so that the headlights don’t blind other people who are also waiting. E.g. waiting for a flight to land in our airports cell phone parking lot (just a free lot to wait for flights).
Formal-Tradition6792@reddit
I’ve often seen people driving with their parking lights on, headlights off which is illegal. They do it on purpose and forget to go to headlights when it’s dark because the instrument lights are on. I’ve flashed my lights at them!
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It's not illegal.
tornadicdrone416@reddit
I use it when driving on the beach at night. Common courtesy to other fishermen so you don't blind them, but just bright enough that I can make out what's in front of me.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
There was a time where there was a thing called "city lights", they were like super low beam headlights perfect for such things.
FineCall@reddit
All the time on the two lane highways. Makes you politely more visible without blinding oncoming traffic.
Headlights are often like using ALLCAPS when texting.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Gets it.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
I'll assume you mean during the daytime correct?You are talking about actusl parking lights right,you know, the amber lights on the corners of the car.
FineCall@reddit
Yes of course. Daytime.
8thena97@reddit
Ok- what the hell are Parking lights? I am intrigued…
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The red and amber lights.
The position on the light switch between off and headlights.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Sure.
If parked in a parking lot and headlights aren't needed. If I actually still went through drive throughs, I'd still use them for that as well.
We still have a DRIVE-IN... yes, as in a drive in movie theatre. You're required to have just the parking lights on once you drive through the ticket booth and until you actually park. No headlights on.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Nice.There's a few drive-in movies around me.It's not uncommon in rural areas.I've never been though.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
There are only 5 left in my state (NC) that are still operational. One in my county and that's the only one within a 50 mile radius. We used to be in the top 10 in the country with a little over 200.
Rather go to the drive-in any day vs. a regular theater.
k-mcm@reddit
I've left them on at night in rural areas with bad pavement, fog, and shoulder vegetation. It also came in handy for finding your car again in the pre-cellphone days.
Efficient-Ball4360@reddit
Rarely, if I'm pulling up to an event or parked pointed at an event where my headlights not shining into people's eyes would be appreciated.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Good job.I always see people shining their lights in parking lots when they're just sitting and shining the artificial sun on everyone in cars facing them.I normally just sit in the car and turn all the exterior lights off.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Is this post a troll? Well done.
Carguycr@reddit
I use them at dusk before sun goes down and then go to full headlights.
Also in streets where I feel I’m in danger of being hit I will use only one side. (German car)
FISH_ON_for_life@reddit
I use them FAR more often than high beams. Urban areas - should never need to use high beams
na481@reddit
Very rarely, they’re not meant to be used often. I’ve really only ever needed to when parking in a ditch or lay-by along a national speed limit road.
Legally (uk) their use if mandated if you’re parking on a 30mph+ road at night (unless it’s a designated parking spot).
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Ok,I read this from a couple of european redditors.I'm in the usa and here I don't see them which is why I asked.People will park on the side of roads and highways with no lights on and there is no requirement here in any state for them.
na481@reddit
It’s honestly pretty rare to see here too, because it’s only if you’re parking somewhere that doesn’t feel quite safe (visibility wise).
People that live along dark roads worry about battery depletion, so instead use cones or door reflectors.
ObviousAlias7@reddit
I do all the time. Mostly to prevent blinding folks in sedans and lower cars in things like drive thrus or parking lots when sitting in a space.
I also have some cars that I feel look very aggressive with parking lights only on, with fog lights if they have them.
For example I have one of these and I love driving like this when it’s an overcast day.
https://www.stanglights.com/products/1999-2004-mustang-switchback-led-turn-signal-kit?srsltid=AfmBOoo77BJU4LYK-fONaPxLHr0rNpLBV7YImuwkFFy80Uu7zaEf73NO
ratrodder49@reddit
Same! I love the way my vehicles look with just the marker lights on. https://imgur.com/gallery/2012-300-s-5-7-with-srt-front-bumper-swap-gorgeous-sunset-xkTgI2r
ObviousAlias7@reddit
Yup. You nailed it. Some vehicles out there look really good in this configuration.
RYDSLO@reddit
Parking lights and food is peak. Especially if youre running switchbacks. My car, the parking lights look more like a modern day DRL than the actual DRLs do, so I just run parking lights and fogs unless I need actual headlights.
revocer@reddit
All the time. When I am parking at home, as to not glare super bright lights in neighbor windows.
squirtyscorpio@reddit
Parking lights with fog light combo adds 10-15 hp
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Oh boy, those lgihts + my stickers will mean I'll have the fastest car on the road!!!!
ThickMap5505@reddit
What the hell are parking lights?
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
They are the lights that come on before your headlights when using thr switch.They light up the two amber lights on the front of your car and I believe 2 rear red lights typically with one on each corner of the car.
WorkerAmbitious2072@reddit
People only use them when driving because people is dumb
WeAreAllBotsHere@reddit
Ok. Um, what exactly are parking lights?
It seems there are several different opinions in this thread but I feel only one is correct.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
They are the amber loghts on your car which you turn on while having the headlights off .A lot of people in this comment section who know little about cars are confusing them for drl's which is just dumb.
na481@reddit
Oh in the uk they’re white at the front (not headlight, a much dimmer light) and red at the rear.
jcquik@reddit
I had a new Silverado RST a few years ago with the LED headlights and if I ever ended up in a drive thru behind a car I'd drop it to just parking lights. Same for some parking garages when possible.
Like hey, I liked the truck but there's no other option on that model and I've been on the other side of those LEDs in a car where it feels like the sun is 4 feet behind you and your mirrors are so bright that it somehow effects your hearing so trying to not be a dick when possible.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Good on yo.But I've never head of bright lights effecting hearing lol.
DutchPilotGuy@reddit
Rarely but have used them (one side on only) when parked on a dark road where bicycles pass at night.
Talentless_Cooking@reddit
I have parking lights on my Japanese car, which are the daylights that stay on without keys, not really sure what they're for. Then there's daylights and headlights that turn on and of with the ignition, and foglights, that will work without any other lights, or all of them.
Virginia_Hall@reddit
Call them "running lights".
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Daytime Running Lights are a completely different thing.......
porchprovider@reddit
After reading some comments it appears that parking lights are used by everyone.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
After reading comments it appears quite a few people don't know what they are and somehow think it is another naame for daytime running lights.
_your_land_lord_@reddit
Oh yeah, I paid extra for those. I got 9 ambers across the front, you're going to see them on any cloudy day.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
lol
Jamestown123456789@reddit
I leave it set to auto 99.9% of the time, only time i’ve manually set them to parking/courtesy while driving is heavy fog during the day with separate fog lights also on.
kaniala3@reddit
Where do you live? Either you are not observant or you can’t multitask very well.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
USA.Nobody here uses them.A lot of people on here are confusing them and daytime running lights which I don't understand how since they're completely different things.I guess this subreddit is full of people who don't know much about cars.
tinypill@reddit
I have them on in my Reatta all the time. It keeps the fog lights and taillights on too, which I feel gives me *some* degree of extra visibility in the daytime. The car is pretty tiny and low compared to all the mega-behemoth SUVs and trucks everywhere these days. Plus the car just looks cute af with the fog lights on, and they’re neither high nor bright enough to annoy other drivers on the road :)
LivingGhost371@reddit
If I'm idling in the parking lot waitng for my online grocery order to come out or my sister to come back from a gas station bathroom I'll generally turn off the headlights but leave the parking lights on to make it easier for other cars to see me.
radomed@reddit
It all depends on the driving condition, Some roads recommend having headlights on during the day because of congestion and accidents. BTW, I use the daytime running lights on my Terrain all the time.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
But do you ever use the parking lights?I didn't mention drl's because those have nothing to do with your parking lights.
JustGiveMeAnameDude9@reddit
Yes, somewhat frequently, but not like everyday. Do you not?
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
No that's why I made this post I've never seen anyone use them ever.It's not really a thing in the united states.
JustGiveMeAnameDude9@reddit
?? Not a thing in the Untied States? I live in the United States. Every single car in the US has parking lights.
ApprehensiveClub6969@reddit
I use them all the time, in drive throughs at night, or I use them along with my fog lights when it’s misty / foggy at dusk or dawn to avoid the reflection from my bright HID headlights. I do the same when pulling into a campsite in the evening, and also when coming home late as there’s a stop sign on a hill in my neighborhood where your headlights would be shining right into someone’s house, we have streetlights so at that point I don’t really need my headlights on to see but still want any other drivers / pedestrians to see me.
Lumpy-Process-6878@reddit
I do if I'm parked for awhile at night. Prevents annoying ppl with my headlights.
MotorcycleCar@reddit (OP)
Good on you.
Explosion1850@reddit
Yes. I used them to let my kids know which car was mine when picking them up after school events.
Colonelmann@reddit
I use parking lights when I'm picking up a GRINDR date at the local college.
WhenInDoubtFlatOuttt@reddit
Why is everyone talking about DRLs? Parking lights are a completely different thing; they activate with your turn signal when the vehicle is turned off. Theoretically they should be used to turn on the lights on the road side only, making the vehicle more visible when parked on a dark road. In practicality no one really uses them (on purpose - 90% of the time it’s by accident).
GlassCityJim@reddit
I grew up near the wealthy enclave of Ottawa Hills Ohio, Anytime the rich people had parties, there were dozens of Benzes and BMWs parked along the road with their parking lights on Apparently that did not kill the batteries or it also was a great excuse to leave the party otherwise.
Slalom44@reddit
Sometimes you park your car at a hotel, where the headlights shine right at the first floor hotel room windows. It is extremely annoying to be in one of those rooms when some moron decides to warm up their vehicle at 5:00am with their headlight glaring on my window shades, which act like a diffuser and light up my room. For this reason, I avoid first floor hotel rooms. And I’m never so rude as to do this to others.
lithiopain@reddit
Yesterday I was at these neighborhood garage sales and had my parking lights on the whole time so my car was just a little more visas while it was parked on the street while people drove through looking at the sales instead of where they were going
FitConsideration4961@reddit
I used them once while driving onto a ferry. I didn’t want to blind the ferry workers.
Sig-vicous@reddit
Yes. When it's dark, and I'm sitting and waiting somewhere off the roadway, I don't want my headlights to affect other traffic, yet I want to be more visible.
Different cars have different setups when you combine these and the DRLs. My wife's car has DRLs on all the time. So you always have some visibility from the front. But your taillights wouldn't be on so you turn on your parking lights to be more visible from the rear.
My manual car has DRLs but they turn off if you apply the emergency brake.
And if you've turned any car off, you're not going to have DRLs at all.
My truck you can run without the DRLs if you prefer. And in some lightning conditions I'll drive with just the parking lights on.
Exciting-Idea9866@reddit
I use them at the drive in theater. Nothing worse than bright headlights on the screen during the movie. Usually if you come in late or leave early.
kaizoku_akahige@reddit
Yes, every Hyundai Telluride driver in my area likes to drive around with their parking lights on all the time.
Odin_3406@reddit
The few who were taught how and why use them.
Otherwise people just run around shining thier lights in other people houses and crap when they are parked somewhere.
Frustrated_Zucchini@reddit
Yes, see them all the time here in Germany.
I park off the road though so don't need to use mine.
No_Durian_3444@reddit
Usually when conducting a drug deal.
Pwydde@reddit
I do, to avoid blazing others with my headlights, yet maintaining some visibility.
SyntheticOne@reddit
In the mid 1970's I worked in Europe, in particular Amsterdam. There, most car owners parked with parking lights on for the side of the car that faced traffic. The lights were turned on using the turn signal stalk.
Rare-Bet-870@reddit
All the time. Drive thrus, when I’m moving my truck at night in my neighborhood, when it’s a bit rainy etc
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I use them quiet a lot. There's plenty of times where parking lights are called for but headlights are superfluous.
mrsclausemenopause@reddit
In my neighborhood I go parking and fogs as my headlights shine right into windows and I get home super late.
RHS1959@reddit
In some countries I believe you are legally required to have parking lights on if parked on a public street after dark. Given how narrow some of the roads in Europe are that’s probably a good idea.
dracotrapnet@reddit
I turn off headlights to park lamps in a drive through at night or waiting in line to exit at event parking at night. The car in front of me probably doesn't need to be blinded by their mirrors. Also no need to flashbang myself on the chome bumper of the unmodified height F150 in front of me.
BrownSLC@reddit
Waiting in line behind folks at night like a lone leaving a parking garage.
Love when trucks are curious as I have a sedan.
ndergroundratsociety@reddit
Have it on my Subaru, if I ever used it I'm sure I would forget and drain the battery.