US cars: Parking Lights/Turn Signals?

Question

I've never been to North America but I've noticed that american cars seem to switch on their indicators (turn signals) whenever the headlights are on. Why is this? Isn't that just confusing as it looks like the car is turning? Also they don't seem to act as side markers 'coz some cars have them on the inside of the headlamp (not at the side). What are they for and when do they switch on (headlights, low beams only, parking lights, etc)? And how do the turn signals work at night? Never seen this in the UK or Europe! Thanks!

Alright thanks for the answers, that makes things a little clearer. So do you have amber front paking lights INSTEAD of white ones, or do you have BOTH amber and white parking lights together? Here in the UK the first set of lights you switch on (we call them side lights for some reason) are just very dim white lights on the front, as well as tail lights and dash lights.

Answer 1

American cars have front and rear sidemarker lights that must be colored red. European cars aren't required to have rear sidemarkers, and if they have them, they must be amber. These don't blink, so that's why people don't confuse them for sidemarkers. Also note that in the US, rear turn signals can be either red or amber, while in Europe, they must be amber. Brake lights and taillights are also red, so it's also possible that you are confusing the taillights for the turn signals. Finally, American cars, unlike European cars, aren't required to have front side turn signal repeaters, although some manufacturers (particularly European brands) put them on the side fender or in the side-view mirrors.

Answer 2

These lights are called clearance or parking lights. These parking lights are used during a breakdown on the side of the road, or if you pull over to sleep on the side of the road. It just alerts the drivers that you are there and to watch out.
They come on first before the headlights when you turn the headlights on.
Your indicator lights are on the same circuit as the parking lights so that the parking lights will cancel out, making the indicator light easier to see and distinguish.

Hope this helped...

Answer 3

Addendum to some good answers: At night (and during the day), if the front parking lights are on and the turn signal is used, the light on that side will start to flash. The other light will simply stay on. Instead of supplying power to make the light flash, it interrupts the power already being supplied to the light.

Its weird, I know. 13 years out here, and I'm still getting used to it.

Answer 4

turn signals are used when you are making a right or left turn....whether your head lights are on or not. your taillights come on when you are pressing on the brakes. your parking lights come on when you are parked and the car is on but not in motion. some cars headlights come on automatically whether it is dusk or not for safety and that is part of the manufacturer.

Answer 5

It sounds like he grew to become into being an *** to you. Horn barriers variety city to city. i be attentive to that they do have limits on sounding the horning in NYC. yet once you reside interior the boondocks or united states of america section the place congestion isn't a super deal, he might desire to honk at you all he needs.