See, ever since these new LED headlights have come into the scene, they have made both, good as well as bad impact. Sure, the visibility is much better with LED headlights, but the thing is, if you are using these headlines the wrong way, it can cause serious accidents as well. For example, some LED headlights are so strong that they tend to blind the other drivers on the road that are coming up from the opposite direction. But yes, it is true that LED headlights are legal in India, however, there are a few rules you must follow if you are going with these kinds of headlights. What are those? Well, let’s talk about just that.
Why Are LED Headlights So Popular In India?
There are several compelling reasons why LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes instead of traditional halogen bulbs, are fast becoming the vehicle lighting standard in India. A brighter and whiter light produced by LED headlights increases the visibility drivers have on the road to make informed judgments of distance, road conditions, etc. Similarly, LEDs tend to use a lesser amount of energy, allowing a longer life span for the car battery and also tend to last longer than halogen bulbs, which translates to fewer replacements. So, that’s why they are so popular, get it?
Are There Specific Rules or Laws Regarding LED Headlights In India?
In India, to use LED headlights legally, the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) dictate the way it is to be done, you know? As per these rules, LED headlights are considered legal or allowed only if they comply with the standards that are specifically laid down. These standards are mentioned in the Indian Standards (IS) for automotive lighting which are the specifications for the quality and intensity of the lights. And sure, these are the very standards that ensure safety on the road.
Additionally, the proper installation of LED headlights is an important rule too. If misaligned, LED headlights can cause blinding to other road users. If headlights are misaligned they can be blinding for the oncoming traffic and thus it becomes a great risk of accidents, that’s for sure. That’s the very reason why LED headlights must be adjusted to properly light the roads, without causing any interference in the vision of the coming traffic.
What Are Some State-Specific Rules and Penalties?
As we stated before, not only are the national regulations the base, but the other Indian states that allow the use of LED headlights have also come up with stricter rules in that regard. Like what? Well, for example, Gujarat has recently clamped down on the use of white LED headlights that are unauthorized, especially those that have been installed as aftermarket modifications. And just so you know, in Gujarat, offenders caught with unauthorized LED headlights have severe penalties laid on them. The state has come out with such a proactive mechanism, demonstrating that it is indeed serious about controlling the use of illegal headlights.
