How to Turn Daytime Running Lights Off Safely and Easily

Most people don’t even know their DRLs can be turned off. And honestly, that’s fair. Your car just does it automatically, so you never really think about it. But sometimes those lights get annoying, or your mechanic tells you to disable them, and suddenly you’re stuck googling everything. So here’s exactly what to do, step by step.

First, check your car’s settings menu because most modern cars let you turn DRLs off right from the dashboard display. If that does not work, look for a dedicated DRL fuse in your fuse box, pull it out carefully, and test the lights. Some cars need a dealer scan tool to disable them properly, so call your dealership if the basic steps fail.

What Are Daytime Running Lights and Why Would You Turn Them Off?

So, daytime running lights, or DRLs, are low-powered lights that turn on automatically when your car is running during the day. They exist for one reason: safety. Other drivers can spot you easier, especially in bad weather or low-light conditions. That is actually why so many countries made them a legal requirement.

But here is the thing. Not everyone wants them on all the time. Some people find them distracting. Others are dealing with a wiring issue and need them off temporarily. And sometimes your DRLs flicker or cause electrical problems, so turning them off is just the smart move.

Turns out, there are a few totally valid reasons to disable them. Maybe you’re filming a video and the lights ruin the shot. Maybe you’re at a drive-in movie. Or maybe your DRL bulb is acting up and you don’t want it draining your battery.

Either way, knowing how to handle this yourself saves you a trip to the shop. And honestly, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

• DRLs turn on automatically when the engine starts
• They run at lower power than regular headlights
• Many countries require DRLs by law, so check local rules first
• Newer cars let you disable them through the infotainment screen
• Older cars usually need a fuse pulled or a relay removed
• Some vehicles need a scan tool to make permanent changes

Steps to Turn Daytime Running Lights Off on Any Car

Check Your Dashboard Settings First

Before you touch anything under the hood, check your car’s settings menu. Seriously, this is the easiest thing you can do. Most cars made after 2015 have a lighting section right in the dashboard display where you can toggle DRLs on or off with a few button presses.

Go to your settings, look for “Lights” or “Lighting Options,” and see if there’s a DRL toggle. It’s usually labeled clearly. Because of that, a lot of people solve this problem in under two minutes without ever opening the hood.

Still not there? That’s okay. Not every car has this option in the menu. Some brands hide it, and some older models don’t have it at all. So just move to the next step if your screen doesn’t show anything useful.

• Look under “Vehicle Settings” or “Lighting”
• Some Toyota and Honda models have this in the instrument cluster menu
• Check your owner’s manual for the exact menu path
• The option might say “DRL” or “Daytime Lights”

Pull the DRL Fuse from the Fuse Box

Here is where it gets a little more hands-on. Your car has a fuse box, usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side, or sometimes under the hood. Inside that box, there’s a fuse specifically for your daytime running lights.

Open the fuse box cover. It should have a diagram printed on the inside of the lid. Look for a fuse labeled “DRL.” Once you find it, use a fuse puller or small pair of pliers and pull it straight out. After that, start your car and check if the DRLs are off.

One important thing: always check the fuse amperage before removing it. You don’t want to accidentally pull the wrong fuse and lose something else, like your radio or hazard lights. So take a second, double-check the diagram, and be sure you’ve got the right one.

• Use a fuse puller tool, not a screwdriver
• The DRL fuse is often 10A or 15A
• Always have a spare fuse on hand in case you need to swap
• Test the lights before reassembling everything

Try the Parking Brake Trick

Okay, this one is old-school, but it works on a lot of older vehicles. When your parking brake is engaged, many cars automatically disable the DRLs. So some people used to just leave the parking brake up slightly. Not enough to actually hold the car, but just enough to trigger the sensor.

Now, I’m not saying this is a permanent fix. It’s more of a temporary workaround that’s worth knowing. And honestly, on some vehicles like older GM trucks, this actually works surprisingly well without any wiring changes.

That said, be careful. Driving with your parking brake even slightly engaged causes wear on your rear brakes over time. So only use this trick when you’re parked or testing, not while actually driving around.

• Works best on older GM, Ford, and Dodge vehicles
• The parking brake sensor signals the DRL module to shut off
• Never drive with the parking brake engaged to disable DRLs
• This is a temporary fix, not a long-term solution

Use a DRL Relay or Module Bypass

Some cars run their DRLs through a dedicated relay or control module. In that case, bypassing or removing that relay can shut the lights off completely. This takes a bit more comfort with car wiring, but it’s still very doable.

Find the DRL relay inside your fuse/relay box. It usually looks like a small black cube. Pull it out and see if the lights turn off. On some cars, you can replace the relay with a bypass socket that just cuts the circuit without removing anything permanently.

Basically, this method gives you a cleaner solution than pulling the fuse. Because you can put the relay back in anytime you want the DRLs working again. It’s reversible, which is always a good thing when you’re dealing with car electrics.

• Relays are usually located in the under-hood fuse box
• Look for a relay labeled “DRL” or “DRLS”
• Swap it out with a blank relay to cut the circuit
• This method is fully reversible

Reprogram Through the OBD2 Port

This one’s for the more tech-savvy folks. Your car has an OBD2 port, usually under the dashboard near the steering column. With the right software and a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, you can actually reprogram your car’s DRL settings directly.

Apps like FORScan for Ford vehicles, or BimmerCode for BMWs, let you go deep into your car’s settings and toggle things like DRLs without ever touching a fuse. It’s actually really satisfying when it works. And for a lot of cars, this is the most permanent and cleanest solution.

Of course, this method varies a lot by brand. Not every car supports full DRL programming through a cheap OBD2 reader. So check your car’s specific forums first to see what other owners have done.

• FORScan works great for Ford, Lincoln, and Mazda vehicles
• BimmerCode is popular for BMW and Mini owners
• CarScanner and OBD Auto Doctor work for general use
• Always back up your car’s original settings before changing anything

Visit a Dealer or Auto Electrician

If nothing above has worked, it’s time to call in the pros. Some cars, especially newer luxury models, lock down DRL settings so tightly that only a dealer scan tool can change them. And that’s totally fine.

A dealer can usually disable your DRLs in under 30 minutes using their factory diagnostic software. It’s not always free, but it’s worth it if you’ve tried everything else. On top of that, they can make sure nothing else gets accidentally messed up in the process.

An auto electrician is another great option, especially if you suspect a wiring issue is causing your DRLs to act up. They’re often cheaper than the dealer and just as capable for this kind of work.

• Call ahead to confirm the dealer can do this for your specific model
• Expect to pay around $50 to $150 depending on the car
• Auto electricians usually charge by the hour
• Always ask for a quote before agreeing to any work

Is It Legal to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights?

This is a genuinely important question, and the answer changes depending on where you live. In some countries, like Canada and most of Europe, DRLs are required by law. So turning them off on a public road could actually get you a fine.

In the United States, DRLs are not federally required. So technically, it’s legal to disable them in most states. That said, some states have their own rules, so it’s worth doing a quick check on your local vehicle laws before you make any permanent changes.

Here is the thing though: even if it’s legal, it doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea. DRLs genuinely help other drivers see you. Turning them off removes a layer of safety that was put there for a reason.

With that in mind, think about why you want them off. If it’s a temporary fix for a wiring issue, that’s totally reasonable. But if you just find them annoying, maybe just leave them on and stay a little safer on the road.

• DRLs are required by law in Canada, EU, and many other countries
• In the US, no federal law requires DRLs
• Always check your state or local traffic laws first
• Breaking DRL laws can result in fines or a failed vehicle inspection
• Rental cars and fleet vehicles usually cannot have DRLs disabled
• When in doubt, ask your local DMV or a licensed mechanic

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide made the whole process feel a lot less scary. Turning DRLs off is totally something you can handle yourself, as long as you know your car and take it one step at a time. Start with your dashboard settings, work your way through the fuse box, and don’t hesitate to call a pro if needed. You’ve got this. Learning how to turn daytime running lights off is easier than it looks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is It Safe to Drive Without Daytime Running Lights?

Yes, it’s mechanically safe, but it slightly lowers your visibility to other drivers. DRLs help others spot your car faster, especially during fog or overcast days. So think carefully before keeping them off permanently.

Is It Legal to Disable DRLs in the United States?

In most US states, yes. There’s no federal law requiring DRLs. But some states have their own rules, so always check your local traffic laws before making any permanent changes to your lighting system.

Can I Turn Off DRLs Without Going to a Dealer?

Absolutely. Most cars let you do it through the dashboard settings or by pulling the DRL fuse. Only a few high-end or newer models require a dealer tool to make the change.

Can Removing the DRL Fuse Damage My Car?

No, not if you pull the correct fuse. Just make sure you use the fuse diagram on the fuse box cover to find the right one. Pulling the wrong fuse could affect other systems in your car.

Do All Cars Have a DRL Fuse?

Most do, but not all. Some cars run DRLs through a module or relay instead of a dedicated fuse. If you can’t find a DRL fuse listed in your diagram, check for a relay or consult your owner’s manual.

Can I Use an App to Turn Off My Daytime Running Lights?

Yes, for many cars. Apps like FORScan for Ford vehicles and BimmerCode for BMWs let you change DRL settings through your OBD2 port. Check your car’s brand-specific forums to see if this works for your model.

Do I Need a Mechanic to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights?

Not always. Most of the methods listed here are DIY-friendly. But if your car is a newer luxury model or has complex electronics, a mechanic or dealer will save you a lot of frustration.

Is It Possible to Turn DRLs Back On After Disabling Them?

Yes, every method in this guide is reversible. Put the fuse back, restore the relay, or re-enable the setting in your app. Nothing here makes a permanent change you can’t undo.