Disabling daytime running lights on your vehicle

Daytime running lights (DRL) are the headlights that turn on automatically whenever your engine runs, even in daylight. Most cars made after 2011 have them as standard. You can disable them through your vehicle's settings menu, though the exact steps depend on whether your car has a traditional dashboard or a touchscreen infotainment system. Some vehicles also let you disable them through the headlight stalk itself, and a few require a trip to the dealer or a mechanic to change the setting permanently.

Why you might want to turn them off varies: some people find them distracting, others want to reduce power draw, and some straightforward prefer the look of their car without them. Whatever your reason, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Most modern cars let you disable DRL through the settings menu on the dashboard or touchscreen, usually under "Lights" or "Vehicle Settings".
  • Some vehicles have a dedicated DRL button or switch on the headlight stalk that toggles them on and off without entering the menu.
  • If your car does not offer a menu option, you may need to visit a dealer or mechanic, as some manufacturers lock this setting to the factory default.
  • Disabling DRL does not affect your ability to turn on regular headlights manually or use automatic headlight mode.
  • Check your owner's manual first, as the location of the DRL setting varies significantly between manufacturers and model years.

Finding the DRL setting in your vehicle menu

Start by locating your vehicle's main settings menu. On cars with a traditional dashboard (buttons and dials), look for a menu button on the steering wheel or dashboard panel. On cars with a touchscreen, tap the settings icon, usually a gear symbol. Once you are in the main menu, look for a section labeled "Lights," "Lighting," "Vehicle Settings," or "Driving information."

Inside that section, you should see an option for "Daytime Running Lights," "DRL," or "Automatic Headlights." Select it and choose the option to turn them off or disable them. The exact wording varies by manufacturer — some say "Off," others say "Disabled," and some use "DRL Off." After you make the change, the menu will usually ask you to confirm. Select yes or confirm, and the setting should take effect when ready. Your DRL will no longer turn on when you start the engine.

If you cannot find a lights section in your menu, try searching under "Driver information," "Safety," or "Comfort Settings." Some manufacturers nest the DRL option in unexpected places. Your owner's manual will tell you the exact path for your specific model.

Using the headlight stalk or dedicated button

Some vehicles, particularly certain Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW models, have a dedicated DRL button or a multi-position headlight stalk that lets you toggle DRL without entering the menu. Look at the stalk to the left of your steering wheel that controls the headlights. It may have multiple positions: off, parking lights, low beams, and high beams. Some stalks also have a position or a button labeled DRL or a symbol showing lights.

If your stalk has a DRL position, rotate or pull it to that position to turn DRL on or off. If there is a separate button, press it to cycle through the DRL options. You may see a light on the dashboard confirm the change. This method is faster than navigating a menu and takes effect when ready.

Not all vehicles have this option, so if your stalk does not show a DRL position or button, move on to the menu method or check your owner's manual to confirm whether your car supports DRL control at all.

What to do if your car does not have a DRL setting

Some manufacturers, particularly luxury brands and certain truck makers, do not give drivers the option to disable DRL through the menu or stalk. This is a deliberate design choice — the manufacturer has decided that DRL should always be on for safety reasons. If you have searched the settings menu thoroughly and checked your owner's manual without finding an option, your vehicle likely falls into this category.

Your options at this point are limited. You can visit a dealer and ask whether they can disable DRL through the vehicle's computer system, though many dealers will refuse or charge a service fee. Some independent mechanics who specialize in your brand may also be able to make the change. Another option is to contact the manufacturer's customer service line to ask whether the setting exists and where to find it — sometimes the option is hidden in a submenu that is not obvious.

If none of those routes work, you can also explore aftermarket solutions like DRL relay modules, which interrupt the power to the DRL circuit. These are inexpensive but require some electrical knowledge to install, and they may void your warranty. For most people, accepting that the DRL will stay on is the simplest choice.

Understanding what happens when you disable DRL

When you turn off DRL, your daytime running lights will no longer illuminate automatically when you start the engine. However, this does not affect any other lighting function on your car. You can still turn on your regular headlights manually using the headlight stalk, and if your car has automatic headlights, that feature will continue to work as designed — the lights will turn on automatically in low-light conditions like tunnels or heavy rain.

Disabling DRL also does not affect your brake lights, turn signals, or any safety lighting. It only removes the automatic daytime illumination. Some drivers worry that turning off DRL will make their car less visible to other drivers, but studies on this topic show mixed results, and many countries do not require DRL at all. The choice is yours to make based on your preference.

If you change your mind later, you can re-enable DRL by following the same steps in reverse. The setting will remain as you left it until you change it again, even if you turn the car off and on multiple times.

Checking your owner's manual for your specific model

The fastest way to find the DRL setting for your car is to consult your owner's manual. The manual will tell you exactly where the setting is located, what it is called, and how to access it. If you have a physical manual in your car, look in the index for "daytime running lights," "DRL," or "lights." If you do not have the manual, you can find a PDF version online by searching for your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "owner's manual."

Many manufacturers also host owner's manuals on their websites. Visit the manufacturer's support page, enter your vehicle information, and read the manual. Once you have it, use the search function to find references to DRL. The manual will also tell you whether your specific model year supports DRL control, which can save you time if you are unsure whether the option exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off DRL affect my car's warranty?

No. Disabling DRL through your vehicle's settings menu is a normal user adjustment and will not void your warranty. If you use an aftermarket relay or modify the electrical system, that could potentially affect warranty coverage, but changing a setting through the official menu is safe.

Can I disable DRL on only one side of the car?

No. DRL are controlled as a single system, so disabling them turns off both sides at once. You cannot selectively disable the left or right light through the settings menu.

Do I need to disable DRL every time I start my car?

No. Once you change the DRL setting in your vehicle's menu, it stays changed. The next time you start the car, DRL will remain off unless you manually turn them back on.

What if I cannot find the settings menu on my dashboard?

Check your owner's manual for the exact location of the settings menu in your model. Some cars use a button on the steering wheel, others use a menu button on the dashboard, and some use the touchscreen. The manual will show you where to look.

Can a mechanic disable DRL if my car does not have a menu option?

Some mechanics can access the vehicle's computer system to change DRL settings that are not available through the user menu. Contact a dealer or independent mechanic who specializes in your brand to ask whether they offer this service. There may be a fee involved.