Check use of high beam lights within city limits

Sir,

We have been hearing a lot of criticisms by the public on the Police checks for violation of traffic rules. I fully support the Police action in enforcing traffic discipline and wish they look into another violation too — use of high beam lights within city limits.

There is provision under Section 177 of Motor Vehicles Act to levy penalty on use of high beam in city limits. This blinds persons/motorists coming from the opposite side more so when there is fog or rain.

It is to be noted that this violation harms the person in the opposite direction than the violator. Hence, this is against public interest and curbing this violation should be the priority of Police.

 As per rules, there is restriction on different types of lights such as head lights, parking lights, side indicators, fog lights, wattage of bulbs, use of LED bulbs, ornamental lights etc. This rule is also blatantly violated even by the educated class. High-end vehicles including private buses are main culprits.

A few years back, Police had removed the ornamental lights from private buses. Police periodically publish details of fine collected for various traffic offences, but not a single violator for above offence is penalised.

A Police Officer once told me that it is practically difficult to catch high beam violators due to darkness. Normally these violators do not lower the beam even at traffic signals. Moreover, vehicles move slowly within city limits. So, it should not be difficult to catch them at traffic signals.

Also, most of the violators are not aware of the rules. An awareness campaign may bring some discipline, but penalty will certainly have a good impact. I request the Police to look into these violations in public interest.

– K.S. Rao, Siddarthanagar, 22.12.2022

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