7.1 Main Functions of Vehicle Lighting

Lighting systems serve three primary functions:

7.2 When Lighting Must Be Used

• Between sunset and sunrise.
• In poor visibility due to weather conditions: heavy rain, fog, snow, smoke, or dust clouds.
• In tunnels, underpasses, and locations marked with tunnel signs.
• On reversible, additional, or opposite-direction lanes, regardless of time of day.
• By motorcycles at all times, day and night.

7.3 Lights for Visibility (To Be Seen)

7.3.1 Position Lights

• Indicate the presence and width of the vehicle.
• Mandatory when the vehicle is in motion and lighting is required.
• Colours: white (front), red (rear), amber/red (side).

Number of lights:

• Motorcycles and tricycles: one or two front and rear.
• Other vehicles: two front and two rear minimum.
• Vehicles over 6 metres long: at least two lateral position lights.

7.3.2 Parking Lights

Used when parked on poorly lit roads. Optional, and serve the same function as position lights.

7.3.3 Reflectors (Catadioptrics)

• Non-illuminated devices that reflect light from other sources.
• Red at the rear, white at the front, amber on the sides (trailers/semi-trailers).

7.4 Lights for Visibility (To See)

7.4.1 Low Beam Headlights (Dipped Beam)

• Used at night on illuminated roads and during reduced visibility conditions during the day.
• Also mandatory in reversible or special lanes, and always for motorcycles.

7.4.2 High Beam Headlights (Main Beam)

• Used outside urban areas on poorly lit roads.
• Must be turned off to avoid dazzling oncoming or preceding vehicles.
• Not allowed in urban areas or when there is a risk of glare.

7.4.3 Fog Lights

• Front fog lights: optional. Can be used in dense fog, rain, snow, or on narrow, winding roads.
• Rear fog light: mandatory in heavy fog, rain, or snow. Must be turned off once visibility improves.

7.5 Lights to Signal Maneuvers

7.5.1 Turn Indicators

• Amber-coloured lights indicating the vehicle's direction of turn or lane change.
• Mandatory on all motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers.

7.5.2 Emergency Warning Lights

All turn indicators flash simultaneously. Used when:

• The vehicle is forced to drive below the minimum speed due to a breakdown or traffic.
• The vehicle is immobilised on any type of road due to an emergency.
• Providing roadside assistance or during emergency service.

7.5.3 Brake Lights

• Red lights of higher intensity than rear position lights.
• Indicate deceleration or braking. Can be flashed briefly to warn of sudden braking.

7.5.4 Reverse Lights

• White light that activates automatically when reverse gear is engaged.
• Warns others that the vehicle is moving or about to move backwards.

7.5.5 Number Plate Light

• White light to illuminate the rear licence plate.
• Service vehicles must also illuminate the "SP" plate when present.
• Activates automatically with the position lights.

7.5.6 Interior Cabin Light

• Illuminates the vehicle's interior without affecting external visibility.
• Mandatory in public transport and rental vehicles; optional in private cars.

7.6 Advanced Lighting Technology

7.7 Headlight Adjustment and Maintenance

• Ensure lights are correctly adjusted to prevent dazzling other drivers or insufficient lighting.
• Lights should be checked periodically and cleaned to maintain efficiency.
• Adjust the angle of the lights according to the vehicle's load.

7.8 Summary of Lighting Rules

• Use lights to see, be seen, and communicate.
• Know when and which lights to use depending on the road, time, and conditions.
• Ensure your lighting system is clean, functional, and properly adjusted.