Note: this article describes the regulations in force in Poland. Requirements in other countries may differ – check your local rules.
Daytime running lamps – type approval, positioning and wiring
Daytime running lamps are mandatory on new vehicles, and retrofitting them is both a technical and a legal matter. The regulations specify which type approval the lamp must have, where to position it on the vehicle and how to connect it to the electrical system. Below I have collected all the requirements in one place.
Step 1: Choosing a lamp with the correct type approval
Every daytime running lamp approved for road use must carry a permanent approval marking – usually moulded directly into the lens. The complete marking consists of four elements:
- E in a circle – approval for road use in Europe; the number next to the letter is the code of the country that issued the approval
- Type approval number – a unique identifier of the given approval
- Function marking: RL – required for daytime running lamps
- Arrow and the word TOP – if the lamp has a specified mounting orientation: the arrow points to the edge closer to the vehicle, TOP marks the top of the lamp
Lamps without a complete marking may not be fitted as daytime running lamps.
Step 2: Correct positioning on the vehicle
The regulations specify exact height ranges and a minimum distance between the lamps:
- Lower edge of the lamp: minimum 250 mm above the ground
- Upper edge of the lamp: maximum 1500 mm above the ground
- Minimum distance between the inner edges of the two lamps: 600 mm
The lamps must face the front of the vehicle. Before drilling, it is worth marking the mounting positions and checking the dimensions with a tape measure.
Step 3: Electrical connection
Daytime running lamps must switch on automatically when the ignition is switched on and switch off automatically when the position lamps are switched on. The wiring method depends on whether the lamp has a built-in automatic controller.
Lamps with a built-in automatic controller (e.g. the LDR2106 kit)
- Find a wire in the vehicle wiring that becomes live when the ignition is switched on
- Connect the power wire from the kit to it
- Connect the second wire to the position lamp supply
- Connect the third wire to vehicle ground
Lamps without a built-in automatic controller (require a relay)
- Feed power to the relay's supply terminal from a point that becomes live when the ignition is switched on
- Connect the lamp power wire to the terminal that is live when there is no voltage on the coil
- Connect the relay coil terminals into the position lamp circuit (in parallel with the bulb)
- Protect the circuit with a fuse
- Connect the lamps to ground
Incorrect wiring results in a failed roadworthiness test.
You will find the daytime running lamps available at zemot.com.pl in the Daytime running lamps category. Send questions about selection or installation to zemot@zemot.pl.