Car Sidelights Explained and How to Use Them Correctly

Sidelights (or parking lights) are the small, dim lights found on the front corners of a car, usually built into the headlight area. The main purpose of these lights is to increase visibility in low light conditions specifically between sunset and sunrise.

Here’s what car sidelights do:

1. Front Sidelights: Usually white or amber, these lights are located near the vehicle’s headlights. They help other drivers spot your car, especially when it’s parked or in situations with poor visibility (e.g., in foggy or low-light conditions). They are not as bright as headlights, so they don’t illuminate the road ahead.
2. Rear Sidelights: Red in color, they function similarly to the front sidelights, making the car more visible to other drivers from behind.

At Goodluck driving school we get a lot of questions about car sidelights. Let’s clear things up in a few quick steps.

I see questions about sidelights all the time. Let’s clear things up in a few quick steps.

What Are Car Sidelights?

1. Car sidelights are also called parking lights
2. Sit in the front corners of your car
3. Less bright than headlights
4. Help other drivers see you when it’s not dark enough for full beams

How Do You Turn Them On?

1. Most modern cars use the same switch as your headlights
2. Look for a stalk on the steering wheel or a dial on the dashboard
3. The sidelights car symbol often shows two semi-circles facing opposite directions

When Should You Use Car Sidelights?

1. During dawn, dusk, or poor weather
2. When parking on roads with speed limits over 30 mph
3. Anytime you want to boost visibility without using full headlights

Are Sidelights a Legal Requirement?

1. In the UK, yes, for parking on roads above 30 mph
2. You risk fines if you park there without sidelights
3. They help others spot your car in low-light settings

Do Sidelights Stay Always On?

1. No, You don’t need to keep them on all the time.
2. They’re meant for specific times when it’s not dark enough for dipped headlights
3. Switch to dipped beams if visibility gets worse

Can You Drive With Only Car Sidelights?

1. Yes, on well-lit roads with a 30 mph limit
2. Headlights still offer better visibility
3. It’s safer to use dipped headlights in most cases

Which Light Should You Switch On in Daytime?

1. Daytime running lights if your car has them
2. If not, sidelights can help in overcast conditions
3. Switch to dipped beams if visibility is poor

What’s the Difference Between Parking Lights and Sidelights?

1. Parking lights and sidelights both are same thing with a different name
2. Both are designed to make you visible to others
3. They’re not meant to light up the road ahead

Which Lights Should You Use at Night?

1. Dipped headlights for most driving
2. Full beams if it’s very dark and no oncoming traffic
3. Use car sidelights only if it’s well lit and driving at slow-speed

What’s the Purpose of a Side Light?

1. Stay visible when it’s not fully dark
2. Comply with parking rules in higher speed zones
3. Avoid draining the battery if you need lights on for long periods

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