What are Position Lights (Positionslys)?

Position lights, often called side lights or parking lights, are a vehicle's low-intensity illumination system designed exclusively to make a stationary vehicle visible to other road users. In Denmark, these are known as 'Positionslys'. Unlike dipped headlights or full beam headlights, position lights do not illuminate the road surface in front of the vehicle. Their primary function is to serve as marker lights, ensuring that a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle is clearly discernible when it is stopped or parked, especially during periods of darkness or reduced visibility. This is crucial for preventing collisions with stationary vehicles.

Purpose and Function in Danish Traffic

The main purpose of position lights in Denmark is to enhance road safety by indicating the presence and width of a vehicle that is not in motion. They are particularly important when a vehicle is parked on an unlit or poorly lit road, or when stopping for a short period in a hazardous location. Danish traffic regulations are very specific about the use of different lighting types to ensure optimal visibility without dazzling other drivers. Position lights are an integral part of this system, providing a minimum level of visibility required by law for stationary vehicles outside of daylight hours or good visibility conditions.

When to Use Positionslys in Denmark

According to Danish traffic legislation and the Category B teaching plan, position lights should be used when stopping or parking at the roadside on roads that are not sufficiently lit. This ensures the vehicle remains visible to oncoming and following traffic. Examples include parking on a rural road at night, or stopping briefly on a city street where streetlights are sparse or switched off. It is important to remember that position lights alone are generally not sufficient when driving, even at low speeds or in very dim conditions, as they do not provide adequate forward illumination. They are specifically for stationary visibility.

When NOT to Use Position Lights

A common misconception and a point frequently tested in the Danish theory exam is the misuse of position lights during adverse driving conditions. Danish rules explicitly state that you should never use position lights as your sole illumination when driving in fog, haze, rain, or when visibility is otherwise poor during daylight hours. In such situations, dipped headlights (nærlys) or fog lights (tågeforlys) must be used instead, as they provide better visibility for the driver and make the vehicle more conspicuous to others. Using only position lights while driving in these conditions is dangerous and illegal.

Positionslys and the Driving Theory Exam

For the Danish driving theory exam, learners must clearly understand the distinction between position lights and other lighting functions. Questions often involve scenarios where a driver needs to choose the correct lighting for parking, stopping, or driving in different weather and light conditions. Key aspects to remember for the exam include:

• Position lights are for stationary visibility only.
• They are not for illuminating the road.
• They must not be used for driving in poor visibility conditions (fog, rain, haze) – dipped headlights are required then.
• Proper use prevents hazards for other road users interacting with parked vehicles.

Practical Application and Safety

In practical driving, correctly using position lights contributes significantly to road safety. If you pull over to the side of a road after dark, especially outside urban areas or on roads without adequate street lighting, activating your position lights makes your vehicle noticeable. This helps other drivers judge your presence and position, reducing the risk of a collision. Always assess the light conditions and choose the most appropriate lighting to ensure maximum safety for yourself and others.