The 11 Kinds of Car Lights You Should Know: Functions & Tips in One Guide

We’re all familiar with common kinds of car lights like headlights and brake lights, but what about daytime running lights, fog lamps, or those tiny lights above your license plate?

Each light on your car serves a specific purpose — and knowing when and how to use them makes a big difference in safety and visibility.

Common Kinds of Car Lights You Should Know

Modern cars come with many lights; some to help you see, and others to ensure you’re seen. Here’s a breakdown of the most common kinds of car lights, starting with the ones at the front of your vehicle:

Headlights / Headlamps

Headlights are the primary lights used while driving at night or in low-light conditions. There are two settings: 

• Dipped headlights (also called low beams) are your default for night driving. They provide enough visibility for the road ahead without blinding other drivers.
• Full-beam headlights (or high beams) shine brighter and farther. They’re particularly helpful on unlit roads or in rural areas where you need more visibility. Remember to switch back to dipped beams when other vehicles are nearby to avoid dazzling the drivers.

Today, many drivers opt to install LED driving lights as an additional lighting solution. Compared to standard high beams, LED driving lights provide brighter and longer-range illumination, making them especially ideal for off-road adventures, rural highways, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

You might not notice them, but daytime running lights turn on automatically when the engine starts. They’re usually bright white or amber lights at the front of your car. Their job is to make your vehicle more visible to others during the day. 

However, DRLs don’t illuminate the road and often don’t activate rear lights, which means you shouldn’t rely on them for night driving or in poor weather conditions. They’re not a replacement for your headlights.

Fog Lights / Fog Lamps

Fog lights are specifically designed for low-visibility conditions. They help you see, and be seen, in thick fog, heavy rain, or snow. 

They sit lower on the bumper and shine a wide, flat beam that cuts under the fog without reflecting the way headlights might.

Turn Signal lights / Turn Lamps

Turn signals (indicator lights or blinkers) are the red lights at the front and rear corners of your car. They’re an essential communication tool that lets other drivers know you’re planning to turn or change lanes.

Even if you think no one’s around, using your turn signals can prevent accidents from happening. So, make it a habit to signal early every time you make a move. 

Tail Lights / Tail Lamps

Tail lights are the bright red lights at the back of your car. You don’t need to switch them on, as they’re automatically turned on when headlights are. Their purpose is to ensure your car is visible from behind, even in dark, rainy, or foggy conditions. 

Brake Lights / Brake Lamps

When you press your brake pedal, brake lights automatically turn on. They’re located at the rear of your car to alert drivers behind you when you’re slowing down or stopping. 

These bright red lights give others time to react and help prevent rear-end collisions. So, if a brake light goes out, it’s important to fix it right away!

Hazard Lights

If you’ve ever seen a car parked on the roadside with all its lights blinking, then you’ve seen hazard lights. When these lights are turned on, all four turn signals flash at once.

They’re used to signal that your car has stopped or is experiencing a problem, such as mechanical troubles or roadside emergencies. 

License Lights / License Lamps

License lights are the small white lights above or next to your rear license plate. They automatically turn on with your headlights or sidelights to illuminate your plate. While they’re barely noticeable, they’re legally required in most areas.

Side Lights / Side Marker Lamps

On the sides of your car, near the front and rear corners, you’ll find your side lights. They turn on with your headlights, and ensure your car is seen from both sides. Although they don’t help light the road, they help others see you from different angles. 

Reverse Lights / Reverse Lamps

Reverse lights are the white lights at the rear of your vehicle that turn on automatically when you shift into reverse. They let other drivers and pedestrians know you’re backing up and light your path. 

Interior Lights

There are several interior lights inside your car, including dome lights, reading lights, and ambient lighting. Most come on when you open a door or switch them on manually. 

While they’re not critical for driving safety, they’re handy for grabbing dropped items, checking directions, or making rides more comfortable.

What Car Lights to Use in Different Driving Situations?

Different conditions call for different kinds of car lights. Here’s how to use the right ones in each situation:

Night Driving

When driving at night, always use your dipped headlights. They’re essential for providing clear visibility without blinding other drivers. These lights should be on from dusk till dawn.

Full beam headlights should only be used on dark, empty roads where there’s no traffic ahead or approaching. They’re extremely bright and can significantly improve visibility, but can also temporarily blind other drivers. 

Rain, Snow, and Fog

Poor weather makes it hard to see and be seen while driving. That’s why it’s important to switch from DRLs to dipped headlights in low visibility. Once your headlights are on, your tail lights and side lights will also turn on to help drivers behind your vehicle from all angles.

Fog lights are very bright and helpful in dense fog or snow, but should only be used when visibility drops below 100 meters. Always turn them off once you can see clearly to avoid dazzling other drivers. 

Tunnels, Dusk, and Poorly Lit Roads

It may not seem dark enough when you’re driving through a tunnel, dimly lit roads, or even early morning light, but visibility can drop quickly.

Use your dipped headlights to stay visible even if it’s not completely dark. Some cars have automatic headlights, but double-check to ensure your rear lights are also on. 

FAQs about Car Lights: Can I drive at night using only DRLs?

Q1. Can I drive at night using only DRLs?

No. DRLs don’t provide enough visibility and usually don’t activate your rear lights. Always use dipped headlights at night.

Q2. Which car lights should I use when driving at night?

Use dipped headlights from dusk to dawn, and full beams only on dark roads with no traffic nearby.

Q3. Is it legal to use fog lights in light rain?

Generally, no. Unless visibility is less than 100 meters, you should avoid using fog lights, as they can dazzle other drivers and cause serious accidents.

Q4. What are the different types of car lights?

Headlights, DRLs, fog lights, turn signals, tail lights, brake lights, hazard lights, license plate lights, side marker lights, reverse lights, and interior lights.

Q5. Which is better: HID or LED headlights?

Well, it depends on your priorities. LEDs last longer, are more energy-efficient, and cost-effective in the long run. HIDs, on the other hand, are brighter and may offer better visibility, but take longer to warm up.

Upgrade Your Visibility with Top-Rated Car Lights from SCI

When it comes to staying safe on the road, reliable lighting is non-negotiable. 

SCI offers high-performance LED lighting systems designed for vehicles and machinery, helping drivers see better in all conditions. With over 70 years of experience, SCI combines deep industry knowledge with advanced engineering to deliver superior visibility and nighttime vision. 

Every product is manufactured in IATF16949-certified facilities and meets global safety standards. SCI lighting is a smart upgrade that enhances safety, reliability, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re sourcing for fleet upgrades, new production lines, or aftermarket solutions, SCI offers customizable lighting modules and full engineering support to meet your needs.

Explore our full line of lighting solutions here or contact us now to find the right lights for your vehicle or equipment.

Further Reading: What is a Flood Light used for? 5 Must-Know uses before you buy