Stuttgart - On 1 November 2012 a new regulation will come into force for commercial vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or more. According to Regulation No. 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, all vehicle models and vehicles being entered into service for the first time that are type approved after this date must be fitted as standard with daytime running lights. From 1 November 2014 this regulation will also apply generally to all newly registered models within the European Union. According to the Road Traffic Accident Prevention Report (UVB) produced by the German Federal government, studies show that driving with lights on during the day improves the perception of road users.

Various Mercedes model types are already fitted as standard with daytime running lights: the 'Citaro Euro VI' and the new 'ComfortClass 500' in the bus segment as well as the new 'Citan' city van already comply with the directive. Although there is generally no retrofit requirement for older model types, Daimler is already offering the option of retrofitting the lights as special equipment. Daytime running lights will also be available as special equipment, for instance, on the new Actros and the Antos, which is due to be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA International Commercial Vehicle Show in September.

In accordance with EU requirements, daytime running lights can only be operated on their own and not together with dipped beam. They must be attached to the vehicle at least 25 centimetres and a maximum of 150 centimetres above the ground.

It is possible, however, to have a combination of daytime running lights and corner marker lights. These must then be attached at a height of between 35 and 210 centimetres; the distance from the outer edge must not exceed 40 centimetres.

The number of lights installed is also restricted. Only two additional corner marker lights can be fitted. A total of four corner marker lights is only permitted if two of them are integrated into the main headlights. In addition, four end-outline marker lights can also be operated. Vehicles that do not comply with these regulations will not be issued with a certificate during the general inspection. Non-approved retrofitting of daytime driving lights may also affect the legal assessment of a situation in the event of an accident.