standlicht

Standlicht, literally “standing light,” is a low-intensity vehicle lighting function used to keep a car visible when it is stationary on public roads, particularly at night. It is designed to mark the presence of the vehicle without providing aim or illumination for the road ahead. The system generally uses a small set of lamps at the front and rear of the vehicle, and is distinct from the main headlamps and from daytime running lights.

In most implementations, standlicht supplies a limited output—front lights are typically white or amber, and rear lights red—so that the vehicle remains visible to other road users while parked or stopped. It is normally activated by a dedicated position on the vehicle’s light switch or by a control integrated into the parking-light setting. In contemporary cars, the function is sometimes combined with the parking lights and can be supplemented or replaced by daytime running lights (DRLs) in some markets. Importantly, standlicht is not intended for use as a primary driving illumination.

Regulatory context varies by country. In several European countries, parking or standlicht is a recognized feature for vehicles parked on streets at night, though regulations and enforcement differ. Some jurisdictions have shifted toward DRLs or other solutions that reduce the need for separate standlicht while parked, or have specific rules about using parking lights when driving or stopping in certain conditions. Because standards differ, the exact requirements for activation, color, and usage can vary by region and vehicle type.

Historically, standlicht arose to improve visibility of stationary vehicles with minimal power consumption. As lighting technology evolved, the role of standlicht has diminished in some markets, but it remains an established option in many older and some current systems.