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Exploring Daytime Running Lights: Legality, COB Waterproof LEDs, and Flowing Turn Signals

Davvvi 7986 12
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  • #1 16943436
    Davvvi
    Level 27  
    Posts: 2647
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    Hello. I have a question. Well, I'm looking for daytime running lights (for daytime driving). There is plenty of it on the market. I know that such lights should have the RL marking on the lampshade and probably some others. But what about COB waterproof LEDs? I saw them shine and have power, some of them shine worse with chomologation, but the COB LEDs do not have a lampshade and no markings. Then they are not suitable? On Youtube, there are videos with fitted daytime running lights with flowing turn signals. But is it legal? These types of lights are expensive but I couldn't find approval info. It looks nice, but what are the regulations, Police and Diagnostics?
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  • #3 16943528
    Davvvi
    Level 27  
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    I know that much. But the article is old and the daytime running lights have changed a lot and I was wondering if a certificate or something would be enough. Maybe something has changed in this regard and I missed it. I do not want to combine in any way, I read that for the lack of approval in the event of a bump, the insurance company may not pay compensation, and even the Police may prescribe the blame. I will not say the daytime ones with turn signals mounted in the lamp look great, but if they have my proof or the diagnostician is to pick on, I prefer not to combine. Does anyone have a daylight lamp?
  • #4 16943768
    enhanced
    Level 43  
    Posts: 10427
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    If the lamp / indicator is not adapted (there is no approval on the lampshade), what is not clear here? You use it at your own risk. Nothing has changed here.

    What kind of car is this?
  • #5 16943813
    kkknc
    Level 43  
    Posts: 23441
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    People put on anything and drive. For this, put on where they look nice or can be easily installed.
    But more and more diagnosticians are starting to pay attention to it, and so are the police. So you can drive 5 years and nothing, and you can lose the registration certificate and pay a fine after a month.
    There is to be approval and proper assembly.
  • #6 16943840
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
    Level 43  
    Posts: 27411
    Help: 1403
    Rate: 6379
    Davvvi wrote:
    It looks nice, but what about the rules


    And who cares, as long as it is sensibly mounted and shines sensibly. When it shines like a candle, or blinks or the world with stops, then it becomes a problem.
    For example, I am installing something for 4 dozen and I have really installed it a lot and there are no problems.
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  • #7 16943892
    Davvvi
    Level 27  
    Posts: 2647
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    Gentlemen, I would like to install something like this for the Opel Astra G.
    [youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfCHzuONFHc [/youtube]
    Buddy, what are you installing COBy for PLN 40. And they do not have such approval? And there was no trouble?
  • #8 17145431
    Davvvi
    Level 27  
    Posts: 2647
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    Rate: 183
    Gentlemen, so far I have not installed the daylight. I have chosen daily cob led but with E4 and RL approval. I just wonder if assembling them will make me any advantage. I usually cover a minimum of 6km, a maximum of around 20km a week. I know little, but the car is primarily used for shopping and in emergencies, a child to a doctor. I want to buy them because of the battery. It is known to start often and the car is Diesel. But is it worth it? Aku will gain something from them with such a short distance?
  • #9 17145437
    kkknc
    Level 43  
    Posts: 23441
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    Probably not. Today, alternators are large.
  • #10 17146866
    Davvvi
    Level 27  
    Posts: 2647
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    Maybe today. But my car is from 1999. I am more convinced that with the daily battery, despite these short sections, something will be recharged there. From time to time I have to recharge with a charger. Aku is only one year old. But it is known that frequent firing discharges the battery. I was hoping that it would recharge a little with the daily ones.
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  • #11 17147710
    kkknc
    Level 43  
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    What's your charging voltage?
  • #12 17147794
    helmud7543
    Level 43  
    Posts: 12620
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    You will not repair the balance too much with lights. Aku takes a good couple of minutes to accept what he gave back for 2 seconds on start-up - that's how it works. And if there is any point in going in this direction, see for yourself.
    Check the charging voltage - it should be min. 13.8 V, max. 14.7 V (values a bit arbitrary, but good for traditional lead acid batteries). If it has 14.2 - 14.7, LEDs will give you nothing, if it has 13.8 - 14.1, you can think about raising it a little (if you can), the LEDs will probably do nothing. If he squats below 13.8 (but rises after increasing the revs / removing the load) then you can think about reducing the electrical load - then by saving electricity you actually gain on the balance. If it is constantly below 13.8, you have a fault at all and you have to go this way.
  • #13 17147833
    Strumien swiadomosci swia
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    When driving, the voltage must not drop below 14V, if so, it is a fault that significantly affects the battery life.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the legality and suitability of daytime running lights (DRLs), particularly focusing on COB waterproof LEDs and flowing turn signals. Users express concerns about the necessary approvals, such as the RL marking, and the implications of using non-compliant lights, including potential issues with insurance and law enforcement. Some participants share experiences with installing various types of lights, emphasizing the importance of proper assembly and compliance with regulations. The conversation also touches on the impact of DRLs on battery performance, especially in older vehicles, and the need for adequate charging voltage to ensure battery longevity.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For street‑legal daytime running lights (DRL), look for RL/E‑mark approval; typical charging voltage is 13.8–14.7 V, and “it should be min. 13.8 V, max. 14.7 V.” [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #17147794]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps drivers choose legal DRLs, avoid inspection/police issues, and protect battery health on short trips.

Quick Facts

Are COB waterproof LED strips legal as daytime running lights?

Only if they have DRL approval markings (RL and an E‑mark) on the lampshade/housing. COB strips without such markings aren’t considered approved and are used at your own risk. Forum guidance stresses approval on the lamp itself, not just seller claims. If there’s no approval, expect potential inspection or police issues. Check the product for embossed RL/E# before installing. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #16943768]

What markings should I look for on legal DRLs (E4, RL)?

Look for the RL code and an E‑mark (e.g., E4) molded or etched on the lamp’s lens or body. Users in the thread selected units specifically marked E4 and RL to stay compliant. Without these markings, the lights are not considered approved DRLs. [Elektroda, Davvvi, post #17145431]

Are flowing turn signals combined with DRLs legal?

Legality hinges on approval. If the combined DRL/indicator lamp lacks proper approval on the lampshade, you use it at your own risk. Forum contributors caution that nothing changed: no approval means potential trouble during inspection or traffic stops. Choose units with visible approval markings. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #16943768]

Can I get fined or lose my registration for non‑approved DRLs?

Yes. Contributors report growing attention from diagnosticians and police. You might drive for years without issue or get penalized soon after installation. The remedy is simple: use approved lights and mount them correctly. “There is to be approval and proper assembly.” [Elektroda, kkknc, post #16943813]

Will adding DRLs help my battery on very short trips?

Usually not. A modern alternator already handles the load well, so switching to LED DRLs brings little charging benefit. One user with short weekly mileage considered DRLs for battery relief; advice given was that alternators are large and gains are minimal. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #17145437]

What charging voltage should I see while driving?

Target around 13.8–14.7 V. If voltage sits below ~13.8 V, reduce load or service the system. An expert notes, “it should be min. 13.8 V, max. 14.7 V.” Edge case: constantly below 13.8 V indicates a fault needing diagnosis. [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #17147794]

My voltage drops under 14 V when cruising—is that a problem?

Yes. A forum expert states that while driving, voltage must not drop below 14 V, and falling below harms battery life. Persistent lows point to charging faults that matter more than headlamp type. Fix charging issues first. [Elektroda, Strumien swiadomosci swia, post #17147833]

Do I need proof or a certificate with the lights, or just the marking?

For inspections and roadside checks, the approval marking on the lamp is decisive. Users warn that lack of approval can complicate insurance after a collision. Choose lamps with visible RL/E‑mark to avoid disputes. [Elektroda, Davvvi, post #16943528]

Is it okay to install cheap DRLs if they ‘look fine’?

Appearance isn’t compliance. Some install low‑cost sets and drive without issues, but enforcement varies. You could be fine for years or get cited quickly. Approved lights and correct placement are the safe path. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #16943813]

Will LED DRLs noticeably reduce alternator load on a 1999 diesel?

Impact is small. The bigger variable is whether your alternator holds proper voltage. If charging sits in the 14.2–14.7 V band, LEDs won’t materially change your battery balance compared to proper system health. [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #17147794]

How long does it take to replace energy used during engine start?

Expect a few minutes. One expert notes the battery needs “a good couple of minutes” to recover what it gave in about two seconds of cranking. Short trips may never fully replace that energy. [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #17147794]

What’s a quick 3‑step way to check charging before buying DRLs?

  1. Measure battery voltage at idle with lights off; confirm around 13.8–14.7 V.
  2. Switch on major loads (headlights, blower); recheck for stable voltage in range.
  3. Rev slightly; ensure voltage rises if low, or diagnose if it stays under ~13.8 V. [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #17147794]

Where should I mount DRLs to avoid trouble?

Follow approved mounting and aim for sensible, glare‑free placement. Forum contributors stress that proper assembly matters alongside approval. Poorly aimed or blinking retrofits draw attention from inspectors and police. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #16943813]

Do flowing indicators inside headlamps cause extra scrutiny?

Yes if unapproved. Combined DRL/indicator assemblies without markings invite inspection issues. Users report that authorities are increasingly attentive. Choose marked units only, even if the feature looks great. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #16943813]

What if my lamp has no visible approval, but the seller claims it’s certified?

Assume it’s unapproved. Forum advice is clear: approval must be on the lampshade/housing. If it’s missing, you assume the risk of fines or failed inspection regardless of vendor claims. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #16943768]

Can DRLs alone fix weak charging on short weekly mileage (6–20 km)?

No. The core issue is insufficient run time to replenish start energy. As one expert explains, the battery needs minutes to recover a two‑second start. Verify charging voltage and address faults first. [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #17147794]
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