8 types of lights on a car and their specific functions that drivers should know.
Headlights, fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, license plate lights, etc., each type of light on a car has its own purpose, and improper use can be unsafe and may result in a traffic violation fine.
The lighting system on a car is an indispensable part of every vehicle. Although they differ in design, safety features, etc., almost every car must have a full range of basic lights with various functions.
Knowing and using the various types of lights proficiently not only helps you drive more safely but also ensures compliance with road traffic regulations, thus avoiding being stopped by law enforcement such as the traffic police. Furthermore, if any of the car's lights malfunction or fail to operate correctly, the vehicle will be refused registration inspection.
Below are eight types of lights or signals found on most modern vehicles:
1. Low beam headlights (cos)
Headlights (including low beam and high beam) are the most important type of lighting on a car. Of these, low beam (cos) headlights are used more frequently, helping drivers see ahead in low-light conditions without dazzling oncoming drivers.
Article 20 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law and Decree 100/2019/ND-CP stipulate the following regarding vehicle lighting: Drivers must turn on their headlights between 7 PM the previous day and 5 AM the following day, when there is fog, bad weather, or limited visibility; and turn on low beam headlights when driving in road tunnels, etc.
2. High beam headlights
Depending on the vehicle type, high beam headlights may be integrated with the low beam headlights in the same headlight assembly or have their own separate housing. These lights help drivers see further, making them suitable for driving outside residential areas, on highways, one-way streets, and mountain passes with no oncoming traffic.
According to Article 20 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law and Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, it is prohibited to use high-beam headlights in urban areas and densely populated areas, except for priority vehicles on duty as prescribed; high-beam headlights are also prohibited when avoiding oncoming vehicles.
For the offenses of "not turning on headlights" or "using high beam headlights in urban areas, densely populated areas, and driving in road tunnels," car drivers may be fined from 800,000 to 1,000,000 VND according to Clause 3, Article 5 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP.
3. Fog lights
Fog lights, also known as lower headlights, are part of the vehicle's lighting system. They are installed on the front bumper, lower than the two main headlights. Fog lights typically have separate control systems from the main headlights, allowing them to be used independently when needed.
Typically, fog lights emit a yellow light, which is more effective at cutting through fog or drizzle compared to the white light of headlights. Additionally, their low placement allows fog lights to illuminate the road surface and lane markings more clearly.
4. Turn signals
Turn signals are part of the vehicle's signaling system and are mounted symmetrically at the front and rear of the car. On some models, these lights are also attached to the sides and rearview mirrors, making it easier for other road users to recognize when the vehicle is changing direction.
Emergency lights are a special function of turn signals. When the emergency button is pressed, both turn signals flash continuously instead of just one as is normal.
5. Taillights
Taillights help to better identify vehicles at night. They are typically located on either side of the rear of the vehicle and are red, sharing a control switch with the headlights. Therefore, when you turn on the headlights, the taillights also illuminate.
If a car's taillights are not working for some reason, other drivers will be unable to see the car's position and size, thus compromising safety when judging distances or overtaking on the road.
6. Brake lights
Car brake lights are usually located in the taillight assembly on either side, and some vehicles have an additional brake light in the center. Brake lights are typically red but brighter than taillights. Their function is to signal to vehicles behind that the vehicle ahead is slowing down or stopping, allowing the following vehicle to adjust its speed and avoid a collision.
As the name suggests, the brake lights will illuminate when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. On some newer electric vehicles, it's possible to set a mode where the brake lights will turn on simply by releasing the accelerator and decelerating.
7. Reversing lights
Reversing lights are also typically located in the taillight cluster, near the turn signals, but are white and are activated when reversing (R) gear is engaged. Their purpose is to provide additional lighting when reversing and to signal to vehicles behind that the vehicle in front is reversing.
8. License plate light
Similar to taillights, license plate lights are integrated with the headlights. Their purpose is to illuminate the rear license plate for vehicle identification in low-light conditions.
Clause 2, Article 16 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP stipulates a fine of VND 300,000-400,000 for any of the following violations: Driving a vehicle without sufficient headlights, license plate lights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, rearview mirrors, etc., or having such equipment but it is not functional or does not meet design standards.
