What is the DRL Light on Volkswagen’s?

Have you ever seen the DRL light or what looks like a headlight indicator pop up on your Volkswagen’s dash and wondered what it was? You’re in the right place. In this post, we will be explaining what the DRL light means, how to turn it on or off, is it normal to always be on, and more. After reading this post, you will be an expert when it comes to the DRL light VW.

What is the DRL Light VW?

First off, DRL stands for Daytime Running Lights. Daytime running lights are as it sounds, they are dim, typically LED, lights on the front of a vehicle. They are not headlights or high beams. These really started to become normal around 2000. No, they are not intended for looks, although there are companies out there that make some sweet-looking DRLs. They were actually intended as a safety feature. Have you ever been driving at dusk and a black car passes you without headlights or DRLs? Not everyone has perfect vision, so it is dangerous and actually causes more accidents. Therefore, DRLs were invented to increase the contrast between vehicles and background regardless of what time of the day it is. It is becoming standardized on all new vehicles.

We have all preached that no warning lights is normal on your dash. However, for the DRL light, it is the opposite of a warning light. Whenever the DRLs are on, there will be a green DRL indicator on. If you happen to own a Volkswagen that doesn’t have automatic headlights, this DRL light helps you recognize to turn your headlights on in dusk/night situations.

How to Turn My DRL’s On or Off?

Regardless of time or visibility, Daytime Running Lights will be activated almost at all times. The only time they won’t be activated is when the headlights turn on because then there is no use for Daytime Running Lights. There are plenty of videos out there on how to turn them on or off, but it’s super simple and shouldn’t take any longer than a few minutes. Put simply, put your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position. Your menu on the dashboard should be on. Go to settings, navigate to lights & vision, and you should have the ability to uncheck “Day run. lights” or Daytime Running Lights.

If you happen to have a different setup and this is not how you turn them off, first check your manual. If you can’t find it, it may be beneficial to reach out to a local dealership to have them walk you through it.

Do I Need DRL Lights?

Apparently, this is a touchy subject with some automotive enthusiasts, so we will give our opinion. There are anti-DRL groups that deem Daytime Running Lights are ineffective and not necessary. We disagree. Without going too in-depth, there have been many studies performed to prove the effectiveness of DRLs and vehicle safety. In Canada, they have mandated new cars to be equipped with DRLs since 1989 and issue fines to drivers that don’t use them. However, in the US, OEMs aren’t legally required to put DRLs in new vehicles.

With that said, we highly recommend using DRLs for you and your vehicle’s safety. In some US states, having your DRLs on in poor weather conditions during the day is a law.

DRL Light VW Conclusion

To conclude this post, we hope we have assisted you in all your DRL confusions or needs. We want to preface, we aren’t trying to convince you to choose any sides in the DRL debate. We are just simply pointing out what they are, how to turn them on or off, and if you need them. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you need assistance in figuring out how to turn them off or on in a specific model, reach out in the comments and we will assist in any way we can.

Also, if you want to read more Volkswagen information, here is an article we wrote on “What is VW 4motion?”