LED headlights, modifications in cars attract hefty fines
Drivers of pimped up vehicles might have to brace themselves for more unsavoury encounters with the police traffic officers for LED headlights.
The LED headlights are fashionable, and often fitted on vehicles such as V6s, Hilux and other oldfashioned makes that are pimped up. According to the Traffic Act, LED lights are not allowed as they are modified.
Any modern lights are tested by the Department of Roads, Transport and Safety which has the authority to approve or disapprove them, in accordance with internal regulations outlined by law.
A traffic police officer who did not want their identity revealed, told this publication that they are allowed to charge drivers with pimped up vehicles, including those with the popular bright lights, in accordance with the Road Traffic Act.
The officer explained that LEDs have a strong
glare which often blocks the vision of other drivers, particularly at night or when it is rainy and dark.
He explained that halogen bulbs, which are often allowed, have a dark brown tip at the end and they are easier to dim.
He said that in accordance with the Traffic Act, cars should be fitted with retro reflectors. One is not supposed to see halogen bulb as it has a shade inside, he said, adding that Xenon light should never be used in plain headlights.
“It is common for some drivers to have vehicles with fancy bright lights like Xenon lights even on small cars but this is not good because they cause reflections inside the headlight and when the vehicle is on the road and the driver switches on the lights, they create an unbearable glare for oncoming traffic.”
He said this is uncomfortable and sometimes even causes accidents. “Imagine if someone on the road blinds you with the glare of these Xenon or LED lights and then there is another vehicle coming or an animal jumping into the road and you cannot avoid it because of the bright light that affects vision.”
Clarification on the Roads Traffic Act indicates that lights should have a separate control unit to eliminate the glare on the road. Further, there should be valid evidence or justification for the modifications on a vehicle, such as extra lights – that is, whether it is for off-road use.
Botswana Police Director of Traffic Katlholo Mosimanegape reiterated to The Midweek Sun that it is important for car owners and drivers to familiarise themselves with the revised Road Traffic Act, in order to better understand what is and is not allowed on vehicles and on the roads within the confines of the law.
Several months ago, this publication ran a story indicating that traffic police officers were allowed to charge drivers with loud exhausts, commonly referred to as Vrrr phaas, in accordance with the traffic law - and had a field day charging them left, right and centre, for the modified exhaust sounds on their vehicles, which car enthusiasts often go crazy over.
While those “pimped” up cars bring excitement and admiration to car lovers, on the roads they attract charges of not less than P1000 depending on the modification.
This is because the law stipulates that traffic police officers are allowed to charge car owners/drivers for any modification done on the original model of the car.