A growing number of vehicles on city roads are being fitted with illegal projector lamps, LED-HID systems and modified high-beam headlights, creating a serious road safety concern. The intense glare emitted by these lights often blinds oncoming motorists at night, increasing the risk of accidents.
Taking cognisance of the danger posed by such modifications, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a special enforcement drive against vehicles using unauthorised lighting systems.
Officials said a rising trend has been observed among two-wheelers, cars and especially heavy vehicles to replace manufacturer-fitted headlights with high-intensity aftermarket lights. These modifications are often carried out to improve night-time visibility or for aesthetic reasons.
However, under the Motor Vehicles Act, any alteration to a vehicle’s original headlight system is prohibited. Despite the legal restrictions, illegal modifications continue to be widely used.
Road safety experts warn that the bright white light from approaching vehicles can severely affect a driver’s vision. When exposed to such glare, the pupils contract rapidly, a phenomenon medically referred to as the “glare effect”.
As a result, drivers may be unable to see the road clearly for three to five seconds. Even this brief loss of visibility can prove dangerous, potentially causing motorists to lose control of their vehicles and leading to serious accidents.
According to scientific standards, the total output of a light source is measured in lumens, while the intensity of light falling on the road surface is measured in lux. However, the local RTO currently lacks lux meters and other advanced digital equipment required to accurately measure headlight intensity.
In the absence of such devices, enforcement officials rely on visual inspections and other visible signs of vehicle modifications while taking action against offenders.
“Continuous action is being taken against vehicles using illegal LED lights and modified high-beam headlights. To accurately measure light intensity, modern equipment such as lux meters is required, and a proposal for the same has already been submitted to senior authorities,” said Vijay Chavan, Regional Transport Officer, Nagpur (Rural).
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