Motorcycle daytime running lights

Following an amendment to Section 17 of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), from 1 April 2013 motorcyclists may ride during the day with their daytime running lights switched on instead of their dipped headlights.

Regardless of whether a vehicle is equipped with daytime running lights, Section 17 of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) stipulates that dipped headlights must be switched on in the event of:

• significant obstruction of visibility during the day due to fog, snowfall or rain
• twilight, darkness or whenever visibility conditions otherwise require it.

Daytime running lights must be approved in accordance with ECE-R 87 and bear a mark of approval. This may be affixed to the lens, reflector or housing. Dimming the standard dipped-beam headlight in order to use it as a daytime running light is not permitted.

• Daytime running lights must switch on automatically when the ignition is switched on.
• Daytime running lights must switch off automatically when the dipped headlights are switched on, to prevent dazzling other road users. This does not apply when the headlight flash is activated.

Daytime running lights may remain on even after the headlights are switched on, provided they are then automatically dimmed to act as sidelights.

In this case, the following alternative conditions apply:

• The daytime running lights must also be approved and marked as position lights in accordance with ECE-R 7 or ECE-R 50.
• A maximum of 2 position lamps is permitted; if necessary, other position lamps must be disconnected or removed.
• The lower edge of the illuminating surface of the daytime running lights with a side-marker light function must be at least 350 mm above the road surface.
• The viewing angle of daytime running lights with a position light function must be at least 45° inwards and 80° outwards, as well as 15° upwards and downwards (5° downwards is sufficient if the mounting height is less than 75 cm).