What Are Vehicle Lights Usage Rules?
Vehicle lights are critical safety devices that must be used properly under Turkish traffic law. Headlights must be on from dusk to dawn and in low visibility; fog lights are used in fog and poor conditions.
Turkish law requires headlights to be on from dusk until dawn and whenever visibility is reduced. Fog lights must be used only in fog or heavy rain, never alone.
- •Dusk to dawn: mandatory
- •Reduced visibility: required
- •Tunnels: always on
- •Day: can be off (legal)
- •Functions: see & be seen
- •Fog/heavy rain: use
- •Never alone (use with headlights)
- •Sleet/snow: permitted
- •Clear weather: turn off
- •Reduces glare in fog
Step-by-step worked examples
A driver is traveling at 4:00 PM on a sunny day. Headlights required?
Time is 4:00 PM (before dusk, visibility is good). Headlights are NOT legally required in daylight. BUT: turning them on is always safe and recommended.
A car enters a tunnel at 2:00 PM. Lights required?
Tunnel reduces visibility immediately. Headlights (dipped/low beam) are MANDATORY in tunnels. Failure to use lights in tunnel = fine ₺3,150.
Fog appears while driving. Which lights?
Turn on headlights (low beam/dipped). Then turn on fog lights (front and rear). Keep fog lights on only while fog persists. Remove fog lights once visibility returns (reduces glare).
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Headlights required at 3:00 PM on sunny day?
Q2.Entering a tunnel. Lights action?
Q3.Heavy fog, visibility ~50 m. Which lights?
Q4.Can fog lights be used in clear weather?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What Are Vehicle Lights Usage Rules?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Fog lights alone are sufficient in fog. — Correct: Fog lights must always be used WITH headlights, never alone.
Daytime driving never needs headlights. — Correct: Headlights are required anytime visibility is reduced.
High beam (main beam) is best in fog. — Correct: Use dipped beam; high beam reflects off fog and worsens visibility.
Fog lights can stay on all the time. — Correct: Fog lights must be turned off in clear weather to avoid glare.
FAQ
What is the headlight usage rule?
Headlights are mandatory from dusk to dawn and whenever visibility is reduced.
Can fog lights be used without headlights?
No. Fog lights must always be used with headlights, never alone.
What is the fine for no lights in tunnel?
₺3,150 fine. Using headlights in tunnels is mandatory.
When should fog lights be turned off?
As soon as visibility improves and fog clears; they cause glare in clear weather.