In the wake of rising road accidents and pedestrians being blinded by high intensity silver head lights at night, the motor vehicles department and traffic authorities are launching a special drive against the use of headlights with high luminous intensity.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are not allowed but many drivers, particularly younger ones use them.
HID bulbs are filled with xenon gas. A cheaper Chinese variety has popularised these lights which can be fitted on motorcycles too.
“We are launching a special drive to check this practice and take serious action against persons who use dazzling head lights with high beams.
It will be considered as unauthorised alteration of the vehicle and driving with such vehicles come under dangerous driving offence,” said deputy transport commissioner (Central) P.A. Sainudeen.
HIDs used in luxury cars are in-built and expensive, costing anything from Rs 4000 to Rs 1 lakh. Cheaper ones costing Rs 2,500 are available locally. These head lamps produce 300% more light than normal halogen.
“There is a big difference between the headlights used in high-end cars like Mercedes Benz or BMW. These are company made headlights with xenon bulbs.
Unlike these good quality lights which have a shade to prevent the high intensity beams affecting visibility, the glare from cheaper varieties affects the visibility of pedestrians and vehicle drivers coming from the opposite direction, leading to accidents,” Sainudeen said.