Chinese LED lights fitted illegally on vehicles travelling on national highways across the Vidarbha region are turning night drives into a life-threatening gamble — and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) admits it can do little to stop it.
Under Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989, headlights must be designed so they do not directly blind oncoming drivers or pedestrians. The permissible limit is lumen or lux-based, with strict standards under Automotive Industry Standards (AIS-008, AIS-009). However, cheap Chinese LED lights — widely available in the market — far exceed these limits, with some emitting 15 times the permitted intensity.
Drivers and pedestrians on national highways report momentary blindness when these lights hit them head-on, causing the vehicle to veer off course. Elderly persons and two-wheeler riders are worst affected. Despite complaints, the RTO has not been able to crack down effectively because it lacks the certified lux meters and lumen-measuring equipment required to conduct on-the-spot checks.
Transport officials confirmed that no such measuring instruments are currently available with the RTO, making enforcement against dangerously bright LED headlights nearly impossible under current conditions.
Experts say stricter procurement of enforcement equipment and coordinated police-RTO action are urgently needed before more lives are lost.
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