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Road Safety
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
The concept of Daytime Running Light (DRL) is the use of the lights of the vehicles during daylight. According to a large number of scientific studies there are clear net benefits for Europe's road safety record to be gained from introduction of DRL. 17 Member States have DRL in one form or another, and where evaluations have been made on their effects, these have been largely positive.
According to the research available, Daytime Running Light (DRL) has a high potential to increase road safety. They help road users to better and earlier detect, recognise and identify vehicles.
Following a wide public consultation, the Commission decided not to propose DRL on existing vehicles. As for new vehicles, however, Directive 2008/89/EC makes them mandatory (in the form of dedicated lights) as of 7 February 2011 for cars and light vans, as of 7 August 2012 for other vehicles.
