Contrary to what was reported in the media, the Commission’s proposal does not require further approval of the Council and the European Parliament. In fact, the Commission’s directive was already published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on 15 October 2008. Under Article 39 of the directive 2007/46/EC, the EU will establish a complete framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for vehicles. The Commission adopted this directive through the back door, via the “comitology procedure.” The Commission was assisted by a regulatory committee, the Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles, composed of representatives of the EU Member States, which backed the Commission’s proposal. Only qualified majority is required to back the proposal. According to a Commission press release, its proposal was unanimously approved by executives from Member States, industry and NGOs.

In order to improve road safety, the European Commission will introduce “Daytime Running Light” from 2011 on all types of motor vehicles. These lights are automatically switched on when the engine starts and when it gets dark; the drivers manually turn on the headlights when the lights go off. Hence, the daytime lights would not switch off automatically as drivers will have to switch on the headlight manually for the daylights to go out. Under the Commission’s directive, from 7 February, all new types of passenger cars and small delivery vans will have to be equipped with DRL; and from August 2012, trucks and buses will also be equipped with DRL.

Member States are required to refuse any EC type approval or national approval for new types of vehicles which do not comply with the directive requirements. Moreover, Member States are required to adopt and publish by October 2009 legislative measures necessary to comply with this directive.

According to the Commission, the energy consumption of the DRL is around “25-30 % of the energy consumption of the normal driving light” – therefore, accordingly, they are deemed to be more environmentally friendly. However there are concerns that day lights will increase fuel consumption, and, consequently, carbon emissions, by 1.5%. Under the Commission’s proposal, EU carmakers will be required to introduce in new car models special daylights.

This measure implies that further burdens will be placed on UK manufactures and will add nothing to road safety. The Commission believes that the Daytime Running Light will improve road safety as it will be easier to all road users to earlier and better detect vehicles equipped with DRL.

However, according to a spokesperson of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders “There is a small risk that some drivers will forget to switch on their headlights at night. We think there could also be confusion among road users between these lights and front fog lamps.” There are concerns that the daylights would reduce the visibility of motorcyclists and that they can divert a driver's attention away from unlit objects. This measure is aiming at increasing road safety but it might increase risks for road users and environment.

Conservative MP, Timothy Kirkhope, has said “We remain sceptical about the need for EU-wide action, when different parts of Europe receive considerably varying levels of natural light.” He added “At a time when we are pushing for reductions in the use of fuel and resultant emissions, we must be certain we are not causing extra carbon emissions without an additional benefit.”

According to Eurobusiness, the mandatory requirement of Daytime Running Light is expected to raise car prices by around €150 and also cause a rise in petrol consumption.