Motorists Warned Against Use Of Illegal Lights

The Land Transport Authority is once again reminding all motorists and drivers to refrain from installing ‘nonconforming coloured or flashing lights’ on their vehicles.

LTA chief executive officer Carmine Piantedosi said: “High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights are those that emit a greater intensity of light also causing more glare compared with other normal vehicle headlamps such as halogen lamps.”

The Land Transport Regulation 2000, which covers vehicle registration and construction clearly states: ‘All lamps must be constructed and adjusted as to minimise glare’. “Some of the disadvantages of retrofitting HID lamps include obstruction to oncoming traffic causing temporary blindness for the oncoming vehicle driver. “This can get worse during heavy rain as wet roads can reflect bright light directly onto oncoming vehicles,” added Mr Piantedosi. Mr Piantedosi said the only HID lights allowed by the LTA are imported vehicles with factory fitted headlamps by vehicles manufacturers.

They have been designed and engineered to meet the required industry safety standards. Another practice the LTA is warning against is ‘smoking or tinting’ of vehicle headlamps and tail lamps. “Non-conforming lights include colored headlamps and tinted or smoked lamps which can distract drivers on the road leading to accidents,” Mr Piantedosi said.

“Flashing or rotating lights are also meant for emergency vehicles only.”

Public Service Vehicles (PSV) with flashing lights inside and outside have also been warned to follow proper standards. Last year the LTA penalised 187 drivers for installing non-conforming lights.

So far in January this year, 366 TIN’s have been issued for similar offences.

The public is encouraged to report sightings of illegal vehicle lights to LTA via free texting to 582 or email complaints@lta.com.fj