Alerting fellow drivers when you are making decisions on the road is vital, especially when you are manoeuvring in the dark. Due to decreased visibility, working parking lights are a legal requirement for all vehicles when driving and parking at night.
This detailed guide explains when to use your parking lights, how to turn on your parking lights and how to check they are working properly.
If you see that they are not working correctly, you may need to replace the bulbs. We have a wide variety of parking light car bulbs available online, which once fitted, will get you driving in the dark again in no time.
What Are Parking Lights?
Your parking lights (sometimes called your sidelights) are to aid you when your visibility is restricted in certain conditions. Not as strong as dipped headlights, your parking lights are advised for use during dusk or dawn, when there is still natural light, but it is not as strong as daylight.
As well as helping you see better when driving in dimly lit conditions, the other purpose of parking lights is to alert other drivers when you are parked on a road at night, which have a speed limit over 30mph. If you do park on one of these roads, you are required to leave your parking lights on overnight, as noted in the Highway Code.
How Do You Turn Your Parking Lights On?
Along with the rest of your car lights, it is good to check how you turn them on and off before a long journey. Like the rest of your car lights, they can be turned on by either moving the indicator stick or switching a small dial by your steering wheel into the right position.
To make sure they are turned on, the parking lights symbol will show two semi circles facing each other, with three straight lines coming off them to signify the light. If your visibility improves while driving, make sure to turn off your parking lights to avoid wearing down the bulbs.
How Do You Check Your Parking Lights?
To avoid any unnecessary fines or put other drivers at risk on the roads, you should regularly check all your car lights are working properly. If you forget to assess your parking lights, your car will not be legally cleared to drive, and you could incur a fine and penalty points on your licence.
If you have a passenger, you can ask them to check your parking lights for you by waiting for the lights to come on. However, if you are driving on your own, the way to check your parking lights is to:
- Turn your parking lights on
- Pull up the handbrake
- Put your gearstick into neutral
- Exit your vehicle and check your lights
Look out for two small golden or amber rays of light, coming from the corners above of your dimmed headlights. If you see these rays clearly, then your lights are working correctly. If you don’t see your lights clearly, this can be a sign that the bulbs need replacing.
Checking your parking lights are working is one of the advised checks you make before heading on a long journey. If you are taking a staycation in the future, read our ultimate staycation guide, featuring all the things to consider before going on your trip.