What are daytime running lights? Benefits & fleet safety

What are daytime running lights (DRL)?  

Daytime running lights or DRLs are low-intensity lights that improve vehicle visibility on the road by increasing the contrast between vehicles and the environment.

While some research shows DRLs could improve road safety, reducing everything from pedestrian accidents to head-on collisions, they are not currently mandatory in the U.S. This article will look at what DRLs are, how they differ from regular headlights, their benefits, where they are mandated and how they impact fleet safety.

What are daytime running lights (DRL)?

DRLs are low-intensity lights on the front of vehicles that automatically turn on when a vehicle’s engine is started. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration defines DRLs as “steady burning lamps that are used to improve the conspicuity of a vehicle from the front and front sides when the regular headlamps are not required for driving.” Unlike regular headlights, DRLs are not intended to illuminate the road but rather to make the vehicle more visible to other road users. Sometimes, these may be mistaken for headlights when you see them on the road, but the lights will typically be smaller and/or dimmer than standard headlights.

While DRLs are a safety feature that typically cannot be turned off, particularly while the vehicle is in motion, some manufacturers offer a DRL off switch that allows the driver to turn them off.

Benefits of daytime running lights

The primary benefit of DRLs is simple: Increased contrast and visibility lead to fewer collisions, particularly for vehicles that are less noticeable during daylight, or when certain daytime weather conditions like glaring sun or cloudy skies impair visibility.

Studies have shown that DRLs can reduce the risk of accidents involving other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DRLs reduced opposite-direction daytime fatal crashes by 5%, non-fatal crashes by 5% and pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in single-vehicle crashes by a substantial 12%. The most significant benefit of DRLs is for motorcyclists: DRLs reduced the likelihood of opposite-direction fatal collisions involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle by 23%. A separate NHTSA study found that daytime headlight use reduced daytime crashes from light trucks and vans by 5.7%.

However, it should be noted that in other types of crashes besides these listed, the studies found no significant benefit from DRLs.

See how fleet management software is already helping fleet safety programs, reducing accident costs and improving maintenance. 

Do certain states mandate daytime running lights? 

In most of Europe and Canada, DRLs are mandatory, but in the United States, they are considered optional. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration allows DRLs on passenger cars, trucks and buses, but they are “permitted but not required.”

Additionally, no U.S. states currently mandate the use of DLRs, however, several states have specific rules about standard headlight usage during the day, especially in conditions that impact visibility.

State laws generally require drivers to turn on their headlights in certain weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog or snow or when visibility is below a certain threshold, such as 500 feet. Some states keep it simple and require that drivers turn on their headlights whenever they turn on their windshield wipers. Some states also require drivers to use their headlights in construction zones, on narrow mountain passes or on winding roads.

As road safety standards evolve, it’s possible that DRLs may become a required feature on all new vehicles sold in the United States in the future. Some manufacturers currently include DRLs as standard or optional features on many vehicles to improve safety and follow trends in global automotive markets. 

Help boost fleet safety with a fleet management solution 

Because there is compelling evidence that DRLs can help reduce crashes, fleet managers may look to include them as safety features when purchasing fleet vehicles. However, because they are not federally mandated, DRLs are not always a standard vehicle feature. They may be added after-market with the help of a qualified professional.

Fleet managers looking for other ways to help boost fleet safety may want to consider a fleet management solution that empowers them to develop and maintain effective safety programs. Fleet management can help impact safety in several different ways:

• GPS tracking offers managers greater insight into driver behaviors like speeding, harsh braking, sudden acceleration and more. This information can be used to help fleet managers reduce these behaviors. In fact, according to the 2025 Verizon Fleet  Technology Trends  Report [LINK TK], 57% of respondents said GPS is extremely or very beneficial for an improved focus on driver safety.
• Dashcam video can create greater awareness for drivers about their behavior through unsafe driving alerts, analysis and replayable video for personalized coaching. That same report showed that 75% of respondents said video helped them improve driver safety.
• Maintenance programs that offer preventative and predictive maintenance analytics and diagnostics help fleet managers keep vehicles operating as expected on the road. Also, those programs that offer partner integrations to communicate more quickly with maintenance teams and fleet managers about vehicle statuses ease the maintenance process. What Are Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)? Benefits & Fleet Safety

Companies using fleet management software saw a reduction in accident costs and insurance costs, underlining how this technology can help fleets drive a safer tomorrow. To learn more, book a demo with one of our specialists.