Tezzbuzz Desk- While driving at night, the bright high beam of the vehicles coming from the front often causes problems for the drivers. Sudden bright light makes it difficult to see the road for a few seconds and increases the risk of an accident. In view of this problem, the central government is preparing to change the rules related to the use of headlights.
In the new rules proposed by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it has been said to set new standards regarding headlight intensity, color temperature and use of high beam of vehicles. The ministry has sought suggestions and objections from the people on this proposal within 30 days. If the proposal is approved, the new rules can be implemented from April next year.
According to the proposal, headlights in new vehicles will start on low beam by default. The driver will be able to do this on high beam as per the need. Especially in new two-wheelers, it is proposed to remain in light low beam mode when the automatic headlamp is on. There will be no changes in the existing system of old vehicles at present.
Alarm will ring at speed less than 60 km per hour
There is also a special provision in the new proposal regarding the use of high beam. There is a proposal to sound an alarm in the vehicle if the vehicle is traveling at a speed of less than 60 kilometers per hour and the driver switches on the high beam. Its purpose is to prevent unnecessary use of high beam. This alarm rule will not apply to vehicles speeding more than 60 km per hour, especially on highways.
The government is also considering reducing the maximum intensity of headlights. According to the proposal, the maximum intensity of two-wheelers can be reduced from 1.5 lakh candela to 1 lakh candela. Whereas for cars and other four-wheelers, it is proposed to reduce this limit from 2.25 lakh candela to 1.5 lakh candela.
Blue-white light also controlled
The color temperature is proposed to be capped at 6,500 Kelvin to reduce glare caused by excessive blue-white light from headlights. Apart from this, there are also preparations to make reflective safety tape mandatory for easily identifying buses and heavy vehicles at night and in bad weather.
A fine of Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 can be imposed for unnecessary use of high beam. If the rule is broken for the first time, the fine can go up to Rs 500 and for repeated violations it can reach Rs 1,500. There may also be a provision for suspension of driving license in case of continuous rule breaking or accident due to high beam.
When to use high beam?
High beam should be used mainly on roads where there are not enough street lights and no vehicles around. High beam can be useful on deserted rural roads, dark roads on the outskirts or in places where you need to see the road far away. However, low beam should be switched on immediately when a vehicle approaches from the front.
It is better to use low beam in cities and crowded areas. High beams should also be avoided during fog, rain or mist, as bright light can reflect back into the eyes, further reducing visibility.
The government believes that these changes related to headlights can help in reducing glare on the road and preventing road accidents at night. However, before the final rules are implemented, the technical preparations of the vehicle manufacturing companies and the suggestions received will also be taken into consideration.