Parking Lights

Yeah I know im most likely being fussy about this, but can anyone tell me what the point of having parking lights on cars is?

I travel the freeway to work and back each day and often in the early morning and late afternoon when their isnt much sunlight you see some people using the parking lights rather than the headlights, Also when it is raining.

Maybe its just me but the lights just dont seem to stand out and you really only see them once the car is fairly close to you anyway.

Sorry for the rant, but maybe someone here can shed some light on what their true purpose is.

I thought that they were originally for parking, especially in dark area so traffic could see the vehicle regardless of direction of approach.
Also good for tossers who drive around during the day on high beam with the idea that it won't blind you in daylight.
My own pet hate is people who drive those little hyundai's with the rear fog light on in clear conditions, extremely bright and distracting.

I will second that. We have the same whinges Iain.

I think they are for the ones trying not to be obtrusive - the wimpy stupid unimaginative wall flower types. They know they really should have their lights on but don't really want to stand out!!!!!

Be tolerant, we have to pretend the stupid are smart, the uneducated are educated, the poor are wealthy and p1$$y parking lights are bright and noticeable.

If you don't do this, you will get a reputation like me for being short (in stature and nature), what I call being honest. It's a great club to belong to though.

Parking lights are for checking the lights on your trailer, with the ignition off, without draining the battery.

Tiim

Out our way yyou'de be lucky to see lights on a trailer :D

On the XR6 Turbo Forum there has been much discussion in relation to drivers using their fog/driving lights in the middle of the day. I think you will find that a lot of fog/driving lights require the use of the parking lights ( as a minimum ) in order to turn on the fog/driving lights.

This is not to argue the merits of using your fog/driving lights.....but does offer an explanation of why some have their parking lights on.

Also, with a lot of the darker window tints used, sometimes it is easier to use the instrument panel when the parking lights are on....but outside conditions don't warrant the use of the head lights....just a theory.

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Originally Posted by Honest Gaza

On the XR6 Turbo Forum there has been much discussion in relation to drivers using their fog/driving lights in the middle of the day. I think you will find that a lot of fog/driving lights require the use of the parking lights ( as a minimum ) in order to turn on the fog/driving lights.

This is not to argue the merits of using your fog/driving lights.....but does offer an explanation of why some have their parking lights on.

Also, with a lot of the darker window tints used, sometimes it is easier to use the instrument panel when the parking lights are on....but outside conditions don't warrant the use of the head lights....just a theory.

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It is a legal requirement (or used to be) that fog lights may only be on with parkers but I am getting a little tired of "daylight" driving lights that are aimed straight in your face and in some cases are brighter than headlights.

Don't get me started on coloured forward facing lights. :mad: Illegal btw.

Historically the parking lights were just that, a light, driver's side only front & back, that was required to be left on when parked in a public street. Strangely the local manufacturers never managed to get the 'one side only' bit right, although Mercedez and other European manufacturers still get it right.

On a less serious note, it provided a way for the Cops, in pre-RBT days, to detect those ****** idiots who couldn't tell they hadn't turned their headlights on fully, and thereby perhaps save a few lives. Still works today, even with RBT, if the cops can be bothered.

Parking lights were originally put on cars to make the vehicle visible when parked in dark streets etc. Bear in mind that when parking lights were first fitted onto cars, there were very few streetlights around. They were fitted before reflectors became the in thing ( probably didn't exist in the days of the first parking lights).

In South Africa it was illegal to use parking lights while driving in rain, in bad visibility or at night instead of normal headlights.

I find the use of high beams, spots or foglights during daytime driving irritating, especially when they arn't properly set and shine into my face! Something that I noticed in Perth is that most 4 x 4 drivers drive with their lights on in daylight.....will that be to warn the car drivers of the big vehicle approaching or is it a signal : stay out of my way?

Happy driving

:)

Joe,
I think it has something to do with them being short sighted. The extra light improves their vision. Have you noticed that they are about two feet off your rear bumper before they see you and slow down. Perhaps they should install brail speedometers so they can travel at the legal speed limit along with the rest of the traffic. ;)

MMMMMMM Rod, I reckon a bit of mud will keep them off the roads as most of them never see anything but black top anyway.

I don't have a gripe with them, it is just an observation!

(Damn, this quick reply thing hasn't got my smily signature!)

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Originally Posted by

It is a legal requirement (or used to be) that fog lights may only be on with parkers

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Fog lights may only be used in inclement weather conditions. (FULLSTOP) That means fog, sleet, snow and HEAVY rain only. Not just coz it makes the car look ok.

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Originally Posted by

I am getting a little tired of "daylight" driving lights that are aimed straight in your face and in some cases are brighter than headlights.

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If any of their lights are dazzling, they can be put off the road.

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Originally Posted by

Don't get me started on coloured forward facing lights. :mad: Illegal btw.

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Not illegal any more unless they are red. They forgot to put it in the Road Rules when they got rid of the old Regs.

Dan