[roby_dk]

For a long time, bright aftermarket headlamps have remained a menace on the Indian roads. Traffic Police often let go of vehicles with bright aftermarket headlamps because of the absence of a device to measure the intensity of such headlamps. Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has now decided to deploy lux meter to measure the intensity of such vehicles and issue a fine to the owners.

Lux meters can accurately measure the luminosity of the headlamps, which in turn helps the cops to know the exact measure of the headlamps. The MVD has already distributed such lux meters to 14 districts of the state. It is not known how many of such devices have been implemented but the cost of each device is said to be around Rs. 15,000. Initially, the light meters would be deployed in the southern districts of the state. The Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts would first see the implementation of the new devices and later all the districts of the state would be covered with the lux meters.

SOURCE: https://www.cartoq.com/police-car-headlamp-fine/amp/

[ashis89]

Now how will the cop if the headlights are OE or aftermarket? OE lamps could be super bright (Honda Activa) or user could have added aftermarket halogen/LED bulbs. Seems like another gimmick rule which will lose steam very soon.

The cops have targeted Aux lamps earlier and should continue to ban those.

[roby_dk]

Originally Posted by ashis89

The cops have targeted Aux lamps earlier and should continue to ban those.

I have seen many bhpians complaining about the high intensity hid plonked in their head lamp and fog lamp which certainly blind the oncoming traffic. This will definitely put a check on such high powered lamps and make sure people stick within limits.

Auxiliary lamps should be covered most of the time and can be used for off road excursions.

[ajmat]

Frankly there should be two aspects to be checked

1: The actual intensity of the headlight - now measured by these meters. However, what exactly is the allowable intensity as per the regulations?

2: Whether this is an original fitment. The UK have clamped down on this. It is okay to upgrade the bulb but it is now an offence to change halogens to HID or LED as the headlight reflectors are not matched to these. Also HID requires headlight washers to be fitted by law.

[deadguy25]

Instead of having a "light meter", cant they totally ban the sales of such bulbs?
They should probably do something about the two-wheeler factory-fitted headlights, it is blinding even if they are on the low beam.

[Rennjit]

^ if it's banned, how do all sort of agencies involved - manufacturer, sellers, police & govt earn money ? Similar case of loud exhausts and ear shattering horns.

[roby_dk]

Originally Posted by deadguy25

Instead of having a "light meter", cant they totally ban the sales of such bulbs?

I think it is not that easy to ban sales, one can see recent example of supreme court banning crackers in delhi/ncr. Despite of the ban people still sourced crackers. International online shopping is quite easy for lamps Aliexpress, Ebay, Amazon etc. provide multiple options to upgrade to high intensity lamps.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/shift...ml#post4491833 (Will you burn crackers this diwali?)

A better option is to target the issue gradually like sun films and bull-bars so that people slowly adapt things and products can be swept out from market in a better way.

[Steeroid]

This, like other such “initiatives” that are not backed by a policy framework, will fizzle out in 6 months. Soon thenmeters will stop working, there will be another ‘new’ knee jerk initiative that keeps the cops busy etc

Like those laser cams that were mounted on highway patrol vehicles and the spot cameras that stopped working when the roads were relaid because the sensors were embedded on the surface and nobody told the contractor about them.

Useless waste of public money - somebody made $ selling these meters and all those involved are happy.

No policy, no maintenance, no real long-term intent. Some toys to keep them happy for a while and some additional revenue by way of fines - for about 3 months, after which the equipment is forgotten & discarded.

[naveen.raju]

While I appreciate this move, they should also track down vehicles with extra lights especially the long distance buses. It's a nightmare during night.





Source - Google Images

Like many have pointed out, such initiatives are dropped by various agencies in the long run. But am confident MVD Kerala will hold on to this since they appreciate such technical innovations and still introduce many cameras/interceptors across Kerala.

[anjan_c2007]

A good step worthy of emulation by other states. This will help motorists and all other traffic users who are badly affected by such glaring, abnormal illumination from oncoming motor vehicles. Many of such illuminations are done to flaunt an onstesible show of might and wealth by the respective automobile owners.

Let us hope that violators are booked for traffic offences.

[ashutoshb]

A related issue is the lack of common sense in many of us, gross misuse while using these high powered lights.

Some morons, in fully lit streets, will have their high powered LED / HID high beam on, blinding everybody, coming from the opposite direction.

Another thing I have noticed is, drivers of high end cars, do not honk anymore. If they have to overtake, they will keep flashing their high beams till you let them pass. And the light is so bright, you just get blinded by the light through your rear view mirrors. It completely distracts you from watching the road ahead.

Kunal Kamra rightly puts it. We can't handle goodness. These lights, which were supposed to be a blessing, have now become a curse.

When, I read this news earlier today, I was actually glad that something is being done about it. How effective is the enforcement going to be, I have my doubts.

[sridhu]

I have a very fundamental question - intensity varies as the square of the distance. That means even minor variations in distance will change the reading drastically.

Does anyone know if it is handheld?

The spec has to be clear & uniform. It can't be "not OE". It should be xyz lumens.

It would be great if the thing can also check the elevation of the lights as a lot of the cabbies low beams are aimed high enough to blind

[roby_dk]

Originally Posted by sridhu

I have a very fundamental question - intensity varies as the square of the distance. That means even minor variations in distance will change the reading drastically.

I think they will stop the vehicle in case they identify that the oncoming vehicle might have aftermarket high intensity lights. This can be done by naked eyes as the high powered lights are generally white or blue in colour. After stopping the vehicle they can use the instrument which can be placed at a recommended distance from headlamp, guess this distance to be same for all cars. If the reading is greater than the permitted value the owner can be charged.

[landcruiser123]

Interesting move. Just a question- has the CMVR/ARAI laid down specifications for headlamp brightness intensity?
If not, this move is just for the cops to get their monthly quota.

[sgiitk]

On my Civic I have put in HID fogs but have not altered the headlights. So I guess we are kosher as per the law. However, the City of my son (which I have) has HID headlights (with projector casings). I do not like it since the spread/leakage is not there.