There are still plenty of cars on UK roads that do not have daytime running lights. There is nothing illegal in that, but legislation dictates that all newly-launched cars from 2011 onwards need daytime running lights (DRLs).
If you have a car without DRLs, you might want to consider fitting them because they help make your car more visible. DRLs also add a stylish touch to cars, whether 10 or 40-years-old; there is a large range of DRL shapes and styles to suit your car.
How much to daytime running lights cost?
How long is a piece of string? The price of DRLs varies greatly in line with the variation in shape and style. It is entirely up to you how much you which to spend. But you can pick up a quality, functional set for about £25. However, do bear in mind that all DRLs will come with the additional cost of getting them professionally fitted if you don’t wish to do the job yourself.
Why get daytime running lights?
From a safety point of view, various bureaucratic departments have conducted studies that found DRLs make cars with them are more visible to other road users and pedestrians, thus reducing accidents and fatalities.
DRLs are LED lights that are better than halogen because they are still bright enough to be seen during the day but sap far less energy. Therefore, they have little impact on power usage and fuel economy, or battery drain if you have an EV.
Parkers’ top daytime running lights:
Philips DayLight 9 LED Daytime Running Lights
Reliable, functional DRLs
Price: £59.90 | VIEW OFFER
These DRLs from Philips are a hardy and functional option. The nine LEDs sit in a tough aluminium housing and are protected by water and impact-resistant lenses. Installation is easy with these thanks to their clip-on brackets, and these lights are compatible with EVs, hybrids, and vehicles with start/stop systems.
Specifications
Dimensions: 125 x 23.1 x 31mm
Colour temperature: 5700 K
LED lifetime: 5000 hours
E approved: Yes
Wattage: 16W
Ring Automotive BRL0379 Cruise-lite Ice Daytime Styling Lamps
Best budget DRLs
Price: £25.07 | VIEW OFFER
Like the Philips DRLs above, these DRLs from Ring Automotive serve the functional purpose of improving vehicle visibility during the day but are a bit smaller and more subtle. There are eight LEDs to each light that give an ice white colour. They come with fixing brackets, self-adhesive strips, and fitting instructions.
Specifications
Dimensions: 115 x 25 x 40mm
Colour temperature: Ice white
LED lifetime: Not given
E approved: Yes
Wattage: 16W
Osram LEDriving LG Daytime Running Lights
Sleek looking DRLs
Price: £329.99 | VIEW OFFER
This set from Osram offers more style with its set of DRLs. Tapering inwards and with a curved shape, they are quite striking but still function very well. Not only do they shine brightly, but they also give a long life of about 5,000 hours. These are also dimmable.
Specifications
Dimensions: 167 x 32 x 42mm
Colour temperature: 6000 K
LED lifetime: Not given
E approved: Yes
Wattage: 16W
Simoni Racing Nook LED Daytime Running Lights
Stylish L-shape DRLs
Price: £25.99 | VIEW OFFER
These DRLs do have Racing in the name but they are road legal. Simoni Racing has provided stylish L-shaped DRLs at a great price. Each light has six LEDs and comes with fitting brackets.
Specifications
Dimensions: 190 x 20 x 40mm
Colour temperature: 6000 K
LED lifetime: Not given
E approved: Yes
Wattage: 19W
Ring Automotive BRL0397 Aurora Daytime Running Lights
Simple and bright
Price: £67.90 | VIEW OFFER
The Aurora DRLs from Ring Automotive are big and bright. Each light has five large LEDs that stand out very clearly to other road users and to pedestrians. The lights come with fitting brackets and fitting instructions.
Specifications
Dimensions: 145 x 55 x 57mm
Colour temperature: 6000 K
LED lifetime: Not given
E approved: Yes
Wattage: 15W
Philips DayLightGuide Daytime Running Lights
Best modern look
Price: £189.95 | VIEW OFFER
Last but not least is this set from Philips featuring Luxeon LEDs. Luxeon LEDs are Philips’ trade name for its high-power LEDs. This means that along with the dimmable nature of these DRLs, they can be used day and night. Unlike the others here, these lights donu2019t have individual LEDs but rather a pair of light strips. Like the Philips DRLs above, these lights are also in a tough aluminium housing and protected by water and impact-resistant lenses.
Specifications
Dimensions: 165 x 23.1 x 34.7mm
Colour temperature: 6000 K
LED lifetime: 5000 hours
E approved: Yes
Wattage: 15W
What is ‘E approved’?
E approval is simply meeting the official testing standards set by the Economic Commission for Europe. Specifically, ECE 87 regarding daytime running lights. Buying DRLs from reputable brands such as Ring Automotive and Philips gives you peace of mind not only in regards to quality and longevity but also that they will adhere to regulations. Random products from unheard brands make no such promises.
Tips
The important thing with DRLs is to get them fitted professionally if you are not confident in doing it yourself. This way, they will be certain to turn on when you start the car and turn off when you turn off the engine or flick on your headlights (DRLs should not be used at night because they can dazzle traffic unless they are dimmable).
If you are a competent DIYer, you can fit DRLs yourself. It is a matter of mounting the lamps and connecting them to the car’s battery. It can be fiddly but watch Ring Automotive’s video guide below to give you a helping hand.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us
