Where daytime running lights connect and how to turn them off

Daytime running lights (DRLs) are controlled by a relay or module connected to your vehicle's electrical system, usually located under the dashboard or in the engine bay. You have three practical routes to disable them: through your vehicle's settings menu if your car has that option, by locating and removing the DRL relay, or by disconnecting the fuse that powers them. Which route works depends on your vehicle's year, make, and model — some cars let you toggle DRLs off in the infotainment system, while others require you to physically remove a relay or fuse.

Before you start, know that disconnecting DRLs will not affect your headlights, brake lights, or turn signals. Your vehicle will still be fully visible and legal to drive. However, some manufacturers design DRLs as a safety feature, so check your owner's manual to understand whether your specific vehicle has any warnings about disabling them.

Key Takeaways

  • Many newer vehicles let you disable DRLs through the settings menu on your dashboard display without touching any wires or relays.
  • If your car does not have a menu option, the DRL relay or fuse is usually located under the dashboard on the driver's side or in the engine bay fuse box.
  • Removing a relay takes seconds once you locate it — pull it straight out of its socket, and the DRLs will stop working when ready.
  • Your owner's manual or a vehicle-specific forum will tell you which relay or fuse number controls the DRLs, saving you from guessing.

Check your infotainment system first

Start by looking at your dashboard display or infotainment screen. Many vehicles built in the last ten years have a settings menu that controls DRL behavior without requiring any physical changes. Look for a menu labeled "Lighting," "Vehicle Settings," "Exterior Lights," or "Driver information." The exact path varies by manufacturer — Ford uses "Settings > Lighting > Daytime Running Lights," while GM vehicles often have the option under "Vehicle > Lighting."

Navigate to the lighting section and look for an option that says "Daytime Running Lights," "DRL," or "Automatic Headlights." Select it and toggle the setting to "Off" or "Disabled." The change takes effect when ready, and you are done. If your vehicle does not have this menu or you cannot find the option after checking your owner's manual, move to the relay or fuse method.

Locate the DRL relay in your vehicle

If your car does not have a menu option, you will need to find the DRL relay. The relay is a small plastic cube, usually black or tan, about the size of a postage stamp. It sits in a fuse box under the dashboard or in the engine bay. Your owner's manual will show you exactly which fuse box to open and which position the DRL relay occupies — this is the fastest way to find it without trial and error.

If you do not have your manual, search online for "[your vehicle year, make, model] DRL relay location." Vehicle-specific forums and YouTube channels often have photos or videos showing the exact location. Once you know where to look, open the fuse box cover by unclipping or unscrewing it. The cover itself usually has a diagram printed on the inside that labels each relay and fuse by number and function.

Remove the DRL relay

Once you have located the DRL relay, pull it straight out of its socket with a gentle, steady motion. The relay should come free without resistance. If it feels stuck, wiggle it slightly side to side while pulling — do not force it. The moment the relay is out, your daytime running lights will stop working.

Keep the relay in a safe place in case you want to reinstall it later. You can store it in a small bag or envelope labeled "DRL Relay" in your glove box. Reinstalling it is as straightforward as pushing it back into the same socket until it clicks into place.

Find and remove the DRL fuse if there is no relay

Some vehicles use a fuse instead of a relay to control DRLs. A fuse is a small cylinder, usually plastic with metal contacts on the ends, and it sits in the same fuse box as the relay would. Check your owner's manual or the diagram on the inside of the fuse box cover to identify which fuse controls the DRLs — it will be labeled by number and function.

Once you have identified the correct fuse, use the small plastic fuse puller that usually comes clipped to the inside of the fuse box cover. Grip the fuse with the puller and pull it straight out. If you do not have a puller, you can use needle-nose pliers or even your fingernails if you have a steady hand. Remove the fuse and set it aside in a labeled container. Your DRLs will stop working when ready.

What to expect after disconnecting your DRLs

After you remove the relay or fuse, your daytime running lights will no longer turn on automatically when you start the vehicle. Your regular headlights, parking lights, brake lights, and turn signals will continue to work normally. You can still turn your headlights on manually using your light switch if you want them on during the day.

Some vehicles may display a warning light on your dashboard indicating that a relay or fuse has been removed. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong with your vehicle. If the warning bothers you, you can reinstall the relay or fuse, or check your owner's manual to see if there is a way to clear the warning through the settings menu.

Reinstalling your DRL relay or fuse

If you change your mind and want to turn your DRLs back on, reinstalling is straightforward. Push the relay back into its socket until you hear or feel a click, or insert the fuse back into its slot until it sits flush with the fuse box. The DRLs will work again the next time you start your vehicle. There is no reset needed and no damage is done by removing and reinstalling the relay or fuse multiple times.

Keeping your removed relay or fuse in a labeled container makes the process even easier if you decide to switch back and forth. Many owners disable DRLs during winter months and reinstall them in summer, so having the component stored safely means you can make the change whenever you want without searching for it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disconnecting my DRL relay affect my headlights or other lights?

No. Your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and parking lights are all on separate circuits. Removing the DRL relay or fuse only stops the daytime running lights from turning on automatically. You can still use your headlight switch to turn your headlights on whenever you want.

Is it legal to disable daytime running lights?

Yes, in most places. DRLs are a safety feature, not a legal requirement in most countries. However, your local laws may vary, so check your state or country's vehicle regulations if you are unsure. Disabling DRLs does not affect your vehicle's ability to pass inspection in most jurisdictions.

What if I remove the relay and my DRLs still turn on?

Some vehicles have DRLs controlled by the headlight switch itself rather than a separate relay. If removing the relay does not work, try setting your headlight switch to the "Parking Lights" or "Off" position instead of "Auto." If that does not work, check your owner's manual or a vehicle-specific forum to confirm whether your model has a different DRL control method.

Can I just unplug the DRL bulbs instead of removing the relay?

You can, but it is not the best approach. Unplugging bulbs leaves the relay and wiring powered and active, which can cause warning lights on your dashboard. Removing the relay or fuse cuts power to the entire DRL system, which is cleaner and prevents dashboard warnings.

Where exactly is the fuse box on my car?

Most vehicles have one fuse box under the dashboard on the driver's side and another in the engine bay. Your owner's manual will show you the exact location and include a diagram of which fuse controls which system. If you do not have your manual, search online for "[your vehicle year, make, model] fuse box location" to find photos or videos.