Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are a safety feature on vehicles that automatically illuminate when the engine is running. The purpose of this is to increase visibility during daylight hours, potentially reducing accidents. However, there may be situations where disabling this feature is desired, such as at drive-in movie theaters or during specific emergency operations.
The perceived importance of controlling DRLs stems from a need for situational awareness. While DRLs enhance vehicle conspicuity under most circumstances, some drivers find them distracting or prefer to manage their vehicle’s lighting manually. Early implementation of DRL technology varied significantly between manufacturers, leading to inconsistent user experiences and prompting inquiries about deactivation methods.