10 Kinds Of Car Lights and Their Purposes
Several types of headlights or lights are available in the UAE market today, each with its unique purpose and style. Drivers can customarily pick the car lights that suit their style of vehicle. We can set the headlight to different modes, use indicators to change direction, or turn on tail lights next to brake lights to illuminate the area. However, it is equally essential to be aware of the function of all these lights available in your car and learn about them so you can be ready to use them when needed.
Continue reading to learn more about different light and headlight types and their purposes.
1. Headlights
Headlights illuminate the road and enable drivers to see expressways adequately when the ambient light is insufficient for safe driving. These lights are mounted close to the front bumper of the vehicle and have low and high beam settings that control the focus of light. Below are several types of headlights.
- LED lights
These lights are more energy-efficient than halogen and produce light through electroluminescence. Although they are more expensive, they last longer than their counterparts.
- HID lights
Xenon or HID lights are the oldest types of electrical light, which are also popular as high-density headlights. They don’t use a metal filament to create light. Instead, these lights are filled with Xenon gas that produces a bright white light.
- Halogen
Halogen headlights are incandescent lights that come with tungsten filament inside a bulb. They heat up and generate light when an electric current passes through the filament. They differ from regular incandescent bulbs and use halogen gas instead of argon gas.
2. Driving lamps
Driving lamps are installed inside the vehicle that lights up the car’s interiors, allowing drivers to see maps or find objects while it’s dark. These lamps are environment-friendly and generate lower heat. Also, they can be recycled and don’t generate any hazardous waste. In modern cars, you can see driving lamps in the doors and other places that make it easier to enter and exit.
3. Parking lights
Lower parking lights or side lights are usually provided on the front corners of your vehicle. These lights are utilized as independent units or as part of headlights while parking the car. These lights are not as bright as headlights but gives an indication to traffic when it’s not dark enough for the main lights.
4. Direction-signal lights
Signal or blinker lights are located in the front and back of the vehicle. The main function of these lights is to indicate to other vehicles that you will be slowing the car and turning the car or changing the lane.
When you switch on a turn signal, electricity passes through a wire wrapped around a small piece of steel. It heats the metal, which bends and expands, establishing the electrical connection and illuminating the turn bulb. Since the electricity passes through the connection and not the wrapped wire, the metal instantly cools down and bends back, disconnecting the power and switching off the turn signal bulb.
5. Stoplights
Brake lights or stoplights are placed at the back of the car and turn on when you apply brakes. These lights blink when you stop the vehicle. It is essential to utilize and keep up with them appropriately. The primary purpose of these lights is to caution other drivers that you’re applying brakes or slowing down.
6. Backup lights
Backup lights blink when the driver shifts the vehicle into reverse. It closes a switch connected to the selector lever, which connects the backup lights to the battery. These lights serve the essential needs of drivers, especially in areas that are already dark; reverse lights offer sufficient light for understanding how much and where you should reverse.
7. Taillights
Tail lights are installed on the back of your car and enlighten the back area at night so the vehicles behind you can see the car. These lights are turned on/off simultaneously with your headlights. So, whether you manually turn on your headlights or work automatically, they illuminate the area either way.
8. Fog lights
Fog lights are an important additional tool for poor visibility, especially in the UAE’s foggy weather conditions. Often cars have round fog lights that are placed below the headlight assemblies. You can also install these lights later as an accessory if your car doesn’t have one. While most fog lights have halogen bulbs, some contemporary vehicles have LED fog light assemblies.
9. Daytime driving lights
Most modern cars have daytime driving lights that automatically turn on when you start the car to provide additional visibility to other vehicles. You can turn these off if you don’t want them on. If available, it is helpful to set your lights on automatically so your car can adjust to the amount of detectable light. It helps ensure the right amount of light without having to monitor it yourself constantly. These lights are not intended to replace primary beam headlights, as they don’t create enough light to illuminate the street. Regardless of whether you have daytime running lights, you should constantly turn your headlights on when it’s dark outside.
10. Hazard or warning lights
You turn on the hazard lights whenever you stop on the side of the road in an emergency to alert other vehicles. The hazard lights are part of the turn signal circuit and use the same bulbs as the turn signals but have a separate switch. All four turn signals flash when you activate the hazard warning switch.
Which car lights to use and at what time of the day?
- During the day
You may not need to use lights during the day as the visibility is normal during sunny weather conditions. However, you may turn on headlights while passing through a tunnel or any other dark area. Also, modern vehicles are equipped with DRLs, which always remain on when you drive to alert other drivers about your presence on the road.
- During Dusk
You should switch on low-beam headlights as soon as the sun starts to set. It can help you have a better view of the highway.
- During Night
Driving during the night can be tricky and may require more focus than driving during the day. Depending on where you are driving, you may switch between a high and a low beam. It can help you balance your need for light to improve your visibility with the requirements of other road users.
Read More: Navigating Road Conditions in Uae in Winter Season
Which car lights to use during which weather?
- Which lights should you use in the fog?
It can be challenging to drive during foggy weather conditions as it decreases visibility and make it difficult to see the road. However, you can use your fog lights during such weather to increase clarity and add safety for you and your passengers. Also, consider maintaining a safe distance between you and other vehicles and use the right edge of the road to avoid road accidents.
- Which lights should you use in the rain?
It depends on how clearly you can see the road. If you see more than 100m ahead of you in the rain, it is advisable to switch on your low-beam headlights. In other cases, you need to use your high-beam headlights so that other vehicles can keep track of you easily. You can use your fog lights if it’s raining cats and dogs and visibility is too poor. Make sure you remember to turn them off as visibility improves.
Following the rules of the road
Being a driver, you are responsible for learning the proper usage of car lights and following the traffic rules accordingly. Misusing car lights can lead to dangerous driving and you can put yourself in jeopardy. Also, you might face heavy penalties and fines if you break the rules and use the car lights incorrectly.
- Using your car lights for heavy loads
Most vehicles come with a small dial to the lower right of the steering wheel, which allows you to change the angle of your headlights when your car is towing or heavily loaded. You can change the headlight angle adjuster when your vehicle returns to carrying an average weight or is no longer towing.
- Using automatic lights
Almost all modern cars come with automatic headlights, which use a sensor to turn on the lights automatically when it gets dark. You can also override the lights and turn your lights on manually.
- Automatic high beams
The auto high-beam system in the vehicle can automatically turn on the lights when its windshield-mounted camera detects no vehicles ahead and return to the low beams when it sees the cars ahead. Traditionally, drivers have to manually flick headlights from bright high beams to low beams as a sign of an oncoming vehicle not to dazzle other motorists.
- Using your lights when you go abroad
The UAE law mandates the proper use of car lights, and those who fail to do so may face fines and black points. For instance, you must activate the indicators while overtaking, changing lanes, parking, turning and in a roundabout. Also, if the car’s reverse lights are not working, you must change them immediately or be fined AED 400 for reckless reversing. You can check all the road safety rules on the UAE’s official governmental website if you are planning to settle in the country.
- Flashing your headlights
The purpose of flashing headlights is to warn other road users of your presence. But, it is common for drivers to flash their headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. However, it is advisable not to tailgate or flash their headlights at people driving slowly as it can confuse the driver and lead to serious road accidents.
Read More: 6 Useful Tips to Drive During a Dust Storms in the UAE
Other types of car lights
Apart from the above-mentioned car lights, there are other types of car lights that you should learn about to perform better on the road. They are as follows.
- Emergency brake lights
These lights are automatically activated to alert drivers behind you during sudden braking. While in normal braking, the brake lights shine with a constant glow; emergency brake lights flash when you suddenly stop the car.
- Number plate light
Your rear number plate comes with a small light, also known as a license or registration plate light, that illuminates the plate number and makes it visible to traffic police or other vehicles.
All the above information can help beginners or experienced drivers to use all the car lights appropriately.
FAQs
Is white headlight illegal in the UAE?
According to Article No 95 of the Federal Traffic Act, whiter and brighter headlamps can attract an AED200 fine in the UAE. white lights affect the eye or dim lighting, which is unsuitable for motorists and drivers. Therefore, the law prohibits using multi-colored or white lights, as xenon lights emit a bright white light and dazzle other motorists, causing road accidents.
What if your headlights are not working properly?
It is crucial to check the headlights, rear lights and indicators of your car before driving it in the UAE. According to the amended traffic law (Ministerial Resolution No. (178), if you are driving a car with faulty headlights, you may face penalties or a fine of AED 500 and six black points. Even if your car’s headlights are in working condition, but you don’t use them at night, or even during the day when the weather is foggy, you face a fine of AED 500 and four black points.
Check out High Quality Used Cars with CARS24!
Several types of headlights or lights are available in the UAE market today, each with its unique purpose and style. Drivers can customarily pick the car lights that suit their style of vehicle. We can set the headlight to different modes, use indicators to change direction, or turn on tail lights next to brake lights to illuminate the area. However, it is equally essential to be aware of the function of all these lights available in your car and learn about them so you can be ready to use them when needed.
Continue reading to learn more about different light and headlight types and their purposes.
1. Headlights
Headlights illuminate the road and enable drivers to see expressways adequately when the ambient light is insufficient for safe driving. These lights are mounted close to the front bumper of the vehicle and have low and high beam settings that control the focus of light. Below are several types of headlights.
- LED lights
These lights are more energy-efficient than halogen and produce light through electroluminescence. Although they are more expensive, they last longer than their counterparts.
- HID lights
Xenon or HID lights are the oldest types of electrical light, which are also popular as high-density headlights. They don’t use a metal filament to create light. Instead, these lights are filled with Xenon gas that produces a bright white light.
- Halogen
Halogen headlights are incandescent lights that come with tungsten filament inside a bulb. They heat up and generate light when an electric current passes through the filament. They differ from regular incandescent bulbs and use halogen gas instead of argon gas.
2. Driving lamps
Driving lamps are installed inside the vehicle that lights up the car’s interiors, allowing drivers to see maps or find objects while it’s dark. These lamps are environment-friendly and generate lower heat. Also, they can be recycled and don’t generate any hazardous waste. In modern cars, you can see driving lamps in the doors and other places that make it easier to enter and exit.
3. Parking lights
Lower parking lights or side lights are usually provided on the front corners of your vehicle. These lights are utilized as independent units or as part of headlights while parking the car. These lights are not as bright as headlights but gives an indication to traffic when it’s not dark enough for the main lights.
4. Direction-signal lights
Signal or blinker lights are located in the front and back of the vehicle. The main function of these lights is to indicate to other vehicles that you will be slowing the car and turning the car or changing the lane.
When you switch on a turn signal, electricity passes through a wire wrapped around a small piece of steel. It heats the metal, which bends and expands, establishing the electrical connection and illuminating the turn bulb. Since the electricity passes through the connection and not the wrapped wire, the metal instantly cools down and bends back, disconnecting the power and switching off the turn signal bulb.
5. Stoplights
Brake lights or stoplights are placed at the back of the car and turn on when you apply brakes. These lights blink when you stop the vehicle. It is essential to utilize and keep up with them appropriately. The primary purpose of these lights is to caution other drivers that you’re applying brakes or slowing down.
6. Backup lights
Backup lights blink when the driver shifts the vehicle into reverse. It closes a switch connected to the selector lever, which connects the backup lights to the battery. These lights serve the essential needs of drivers, especially in areas that are already dark; reverse lights offer sufficient light for understanding how much and where you should reverse.
7. Taillights
Tail lights are installed on the back of your car and enlighten the back area at night so the vehicles behind you can see the car. These lights are turned on/off simultaneously with your headlights. So, whether you manually turn on your headlights or work automatically, they illuminate the area either way.
8. Fog lights
Fog lights are an important additional tool for poor visibility, especially in the UAE’s foggy weather conditions. Often cars have round fog lights that are placed below the headlight assemblies. You can also install these lights later as an accessory if your car doesn’t have one. While most fog lights have halogen bulbs, some contemporary vehicles have LED fog light assemblies.
9. Daytime driving lights
Most modern cars have daytime driving lights that automatically turn on when you start the car to provide additional visibility to other vehicles. You can turn these off if you don’t want them on. If available, it is helpful to set your lights on automatically so your car can adjust to the amount of detectable light. It helps ensure the right amount of light without having to monitor it yourself constantly. These lights are not intended to replace primary beam headlights, as they don’t create enough light to illuminate the street. Regardless of whether you have daytime running lights, you should constantly turn your headlights on when it’s dark outside.
10. Hazard or warning lights
You turn on the hazard lights whenever you stop on the side of the road in an emergency to alert other vehicles. The hazard lights are part of the turn signal circuit and use the same bulbs as the turn signals but have a separate switch. All four turn signals flash when you activate the hazard warning switch.
Which car lights to use and at what time of the day?
- During the day
You may not need to use lights during the day as the visibility is normal during sunny weather conditions. However, you may turn on headlights while passing through a tunnel or any other dark area. Also, modern vehicles are equipped with DRLs, which always remain on when you drive to alert other drivers about your presence on the road.
- During Dusk
You should switch on low-beam headlights as soon as the sun starts to set. It can help you have a better view of the highway.
- During Night
Driving during the night can be tricky and may require more focus than driving during the day. Depending on where you are driving, you may switch between a high and a low beam. It can help you balance your need for light to improve your visibility with the requirements of other road users.
Read More: Navigating Road Conditions in Uae in Winter Season
Which car lights to use during which weather?
- Which lights should you use in the fog?
It can be challenging to drive during foggy weather conditions as it decreases visibility and make it difficult to see the road. However, you can use your fog lights during such weather to increase clarity and add safety for you and your passengers. Also, consider maintaining a safe distance between you and other vehicles and use the right edge of the road to avoid road accidents.
- Which lights should you use in the rain?
It depends on how clearly you can see the road. If you see more than 100m ahead of you in the rain, it is advisable to switch on your low-beam headlights. In other cases, you need to use your high-beam headlights so that other vehicles can keep track of you easily. You can use your fog lights if it’s raining cats and dogs and visibility is too poor. Make sure you remember to turn them off as visibility improves.
Following the rules of the road
Being a driver, you are responsible for learning the proper usage of car lights and following the traffic rules accordingly. Misusing car lights can lead to dangerous driving and you can put yourself in jeopardy. Also, you might face heavy penalties and fines if you break the rules and use the car lights incorrectly.
- Using your car lights for heavy loads
Most vehicles come with a small dial to the lower right of the steering wheel, which allows you to change the angle of your headlights when your car is towing or heavily loaded. You can change the headlight angle adjuster when your vehicle returns to carrying an average weight or is no longer towing.
- Using automatic lights
Almost all modern cars come with automatic headlights, which use a sensor to turn on the lights automatically when it gets dark. You can also override the lights and turn your lights on manually.
- Automatic high beams
The auto high-beam system in the vehicle can automatically turn on the lights when its windshield-mounted camera detects no vehicles ahead and return to the low beams when it sees the cars ahead. Traditionally, drivers have to manually flick headlights from bright high beams to low beams as a sign of an oncoming vehicle not to dazzle other motorists.
- Using your lights when you go abroad
The UAE law mandates the proper use of car lights, and those who fail to do so may face fines and black points. For instance, you must activate the indicators while overtaking, changing lanes, parking, turning and in a roundabout. Also, if the car’s reverse lights are not working, you must change them immediately or be fined AED 400 for reckless reversing. You can check all the road safety rules on the UAE’s official governmental website if you are planning to settle in the country.
- Flashing your headlights
The purpose of flashing headlights is to warn other road users of your presence. But, it is common for drivers to flash their headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. However, it is advisable not to tailgate or flash their headlights at people driving slowly as it can confuse the driver and lead to serious road accidents.
Read More: 6 Useful Tips to Drive During a Dust Storms in the UAE
Other types of car lights
Apart from the above-mentioned car lights, there are other types of car lights that you should learn about to perform better on the road. They are as follows.
- Emergency brake lights
These lights are automatically activated to alert drivers behind you during sudden braking. While in normal braking, the brake lights shine with a constant glow; emergency brake lights flash when you suddenly stop the car.
- Number plate light
Your rear number plate comes with a small light, also known as a license or registration plate light, that illuminates the plate number and makes it visible to traffic police or other vehicles.
All the above information can help beginners or experienced drivers to use all the car lights appropriately.
FAQs
Is white headlight illegal in the UAE?
According to Article No 95 of the Federal Traffic Act, whiter and brighter headlamps can attract an AED200 fine in the UAE. white lights affect the eye or dim lighting, which is unsuitable for motorists and drivers. Therefore, the law prohibits using multi-colored or white lights, as xenon lights emit a bright white light and dazzle other motorists, causing road accidents.
What if your headlights are not working properly?
It is crucial to check the headlights, rear lights and indicators of your car before driving it in the UAE. According to the amended traffic law (Ministerial Resolution No. (178), if you are driving a car with faulty headlights, you may face penalties or a fine of AED 500 and six black points. Even if your car’s headlights are in working condition, but you don’t use them at night, or even during the day when the weather is foggy, you face a fine of AED 500 and four black points.
Check out High Quality Used Cars with CARS24!
