What are position lamps for?

To show the vehicle's presence and its width — where it sits on the carriageway and how big it is — so other road users can see it.

Can you drive using only the position lamps?

No. They give no illumination, so they must always be used together with dipped beam, main beam or fog lights depending on the road and the conditions.

Side lights (position lamps)

Definition

Position lamps — luces de posición, the side or parking lights — mark where the vehicle is on the carriageway and how wide it is, so other road users can see it and judge its size. The front ones are white and sit at the outer edges of the front; the rear ones are red and sit at the outer edges of the back. A car carries exactly two rear position lamps, and Spanish rules do not allow more to be added.

Never on their own

Position lamps give no illumination, so driving on them alone is not allowed: they must always be combined with dipped beam, main beam or fog lights as the road and the conditions require. At night on a poorly lit urban road you use position lamps plus dipped beam, because main beam is banned in built-up areas. Parked at night on the carriageway or shoulder of a poorly lit travesía, a vehicle must keep its position lamps on — or its parking lights instead. Side position lamps are compulsory only on vehicles longer than 6 metres.

Key facts

They show the vehicle's presence and width; they do not light the road.
Driving on position lamps alone is forbidden.
White at the front, red at the rear, at the outer edges; two rear lamps on a car, no more.
Parked at night on a poorly lit travesía, they must stay on.
Side position lamps are compulsory only above 6 metres of length.

Keep studying

Frequently asked questions

What are position lamps for?: To show the vehicle's presence and its width — where it sits on the carriageway and how big it is — so other road users can see it.
Can you drive using only the position lamps?: No. They give no illumination, so they must always be used together with dipped beam, main beam or fog lights depending on the road and the conditions.

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