On my 09, the lights on function is programmable so you can set the daytime lights on of off to your preference. I'm not sure about previous year models.

 

True story: last spring I'm riding shotgun with a friend- conditions are light steady rain, about 7:30 in the evening so it's near dusk. Normally about the time a prudent person would turn their lights on even without rain. I see another car flash their lights at her so I ask her if she has her lights on. She says no- I ask why not? She says "I can see just fine". I think well, of course she can see because everybody else has their lights on! But they can't see her. Too many self-absorbed people out there!

 

Wipers on/ lights on Maryland law.

Having the car do it for me just keeps me from forgetting.....

 

Yes, they do. But I was thinking of ALL cars on the road. BTW, you can force the day runners off by twisting the idiot stick towards you.

 

It is California law also with the wiper on lights on.

 

During all the rain this past weekend I was driving around with the DRLs off during daylight (I hate 'em anyway)and just used the fog lamps.

 

Here in my state, if you have to have the wipers on, the headlights must be on. I agree with the law requiring that. To many people don't have them on when its raining, (Oh I can see just fine with the wipers on, its still dayllight, DUH) but it is proven that some cars are hard to see at times in foul weather conditions, thus the lights are a great safety and insurance feature.

 

I thought there was a Cadillac years ago (before GM went to DRL in '96(?)) that as a feature, if you had your wipers on longer than 30 seconds - would automatically turn the headlights on for you also.

I thought that was a great idea at the time - but I am glad that GM went with DRL, and I wish the other manufacturers did also.

Doesn't Canada require DRL? I always figured that was part of the reason GM did it across the board - one less thing to change when shipping to Canada.

I think the big problem is, most drivers seem to only see things from their own point of view: i.e. they can see everyone just fine in the wee hours, and never think that it is so others can see THEM.

My only gripe with DRL is, it may take away a visibility advantage motorcycles have had for about 30 years now. With DRL, seeing headlights in the daytime is pretty common - and doesn't get your attention like it used to in the 80s and early 90s....

Now - if they would just figure out a way to have the steering wheel zap the drivers who lane change and turn with out using their signals ;-)

Jim

 

So you hate DRLs but you're okay with fog lights on during the day? Interesting.

 

I think one reason for DRL is those people who wait until it's damn near pitch black outside before turning them on. Have you noticed some of the newer Honda Civics that have DRL but they aren't automatic? You see them driving around with these dim lights in front and nothing else on. Of course my co-worker says "excuse me, if you need someone's headlights on to be able to see them in broad daylight, you shouldn't be driving." On a certain level I agree but I support DRL nonetheless.