When is it permissible for drivers to use parking lights?

Parking lights are specifically designed for use when a vehicle is parked, especially in situations where visibility is low. The primary purpose of parking lights is to make the vehicle visible to other drivers, particularly at night on roadways, where other vehicles may not easily notice a parked car.

Using parking lights at night enhances the safety of the parked vehicle, acting as a warning to moving traffic and helping to prevent collisions. In this context, it is essential to distinguish parking lights from headlights, which are meant for active driving conditions to illuminate the road ahead.

In daytime, the use of parking lights for visibility is not permitted, as they are not designed for ongoing use while driving. Similarly, parking lights should not be turned on during bad weather like rain or fog, as specific headlights are required for those conditions. Always relying on parking lights at all times would contravene proper vehicle lighting regulations, leading to potential hazards on the road.