parkinglight

Parking lights, also known as parking lamps, are a low‑intensity exterior lighting function on motor vehicles designed to improve visibility when a vehicle is parked on or near roadways. They are typically dimmer than headlights and operate independently of the main headlamps. In common practice, parking lights illuminate a small area at the front and rear corners of the vehicle and are intended to mark the vehicle’s presence without causing glare to other road users.

Parking lights are used when a vehicle is parked in a public or poorly lit area at night or in low‑visibility conditions. The lights may be activated by a dedicated switch or automatically when the ignition is off and the parking brake is engaged on some models; in others, they are tied to the vehicle’s lighting circuit. Regulations about use, color, and intensity vary by jurisdiction. Front lamps are typically white or amber, and rear lamps are red, with specific requirements differing between countries and regions.

Historically, early automobiles used gas or acetylene parking lamps, with electric versions becoming standard in the mid‑20th century. In modern vehicles, parking lights are often integrated into position or side‑light assemblies and may operate in conjunction with other lighting functions such as daytime running lights. The design and control of parking lights continue to evolve with vehicle electrical systems, while the basic purpose remains to improve the vehicle’s visibility when stationary.

When the vehicle is in motion, parking lights are not a substitute for headlights in poor visibility. Some regions permit continued use in certain situations, while others require headlights instead. See also: side marker lights, position lights, daytime running lamps, hazard lights.