turning lights off on my car?

[gina32]

if i have a car that has the sort of lights that are on all the time, sorry cant explain any better, is it possible to switch them off so they arent being used at all?

[sigma]

In a word no, because they are meant to be on all the time. Why would you want to.

[rojash]

You mean like a Volvo?

For programming On or Off:

Turn the headlight switch to the middle position "parking light".

Turn the ignition key to position II.

Pull the turn signal lever towards you and hold it while turning the headlight switch to position 0.

Found it here: http://tinyurl.com/63y5w39

[puternut]

If the salesperson who sold me a new car recently is telling the truth then all NEW cars from February 2011had to have this function - I believe she refered to tham as 'running lights' - as standard.

You will not be able to turn them off if the engine is running.

It will not have to be fitted in cars registered before then.

Lorries and buses follow in 2012

http://www.theaa.com/...e-running-lights.html

[SlackAlice]

Daytime running lights will become compulsory on all new cars.
Many new buses already have them.

Why would you want to switch them off?

[gina32]

why would you want them on in the daytime?

[Ankou]

http://en.wikipedia.o...g_lamp#United_Kingdom

[ChuckFickens]

Because it increases your visibility (as in other people can see you easier)

Lights aren't just so you can see, they are so people can see you easier too.

[gina32]

but sometimes the sun is so bright that you cant see the light anyway, and if you cant see a thing as big as a car then should you be on the road?

[Postdog]

I'm with you Gina. I think this was introduced originally so that the cars (and bikes) stood out from the run off the mill traffic, and so in theory raise awareness and reduce accidents. Trouble is, if that does become the norm, awareness will reduce by familiarity

[rojash]

"if you cant see a thing as big as a car then should you be on the road? "
What if you're a partially-sighted pedestrian? Or should they all stay at home?

[ChuckFickens]

"but sometimes the sun is so bright that you cant see the light anyway"

Oh well, in that case don't worry about saving the occasional family from dying in a car crash because the idea doesn't work a small percentage of the time.

And, Postdog, It's not to make cars stand out from other traffic, it's to make them stand out when there isn't traffic.

[roxie_09]

Apparently, it's been proven that having these on a car decreases the amount of accidents, so it's becoming compulsory for them to be made on all cars I think x

[gina32]

rojash, if youre ppartially sighted i dont think light are going to make much difference

[ummmm]

Yes it does.

[chrissa1]

We bought a Volvo Estate back in the day when they were first used. A "P" Reg I think it was and the number of times we got flashed became quite annoying.

[gina32]

anyway to all those who have actually gone off the subject, the question wasnt was it right or wrong to have them but if it is possible to switch them off!

[ChuckFickens]

Overall having running lights on cars is going to save more people than it's going to kill! OK, It may not work all the time but, if it saves one life surely it's worthwhile?

[Milvus]

I have a car registered April this year with running lights. They can be switched off.

[chrissa1]

But why would you want to switch them off? You haven't answered the question.