Many road users complained that they had problems with drivers who using HID lights (High-Intensity Discharge) especially at night. Their eyesight impaired due to vehicles that use high light because of glare too bright. This can be a danger to other driver’s eyesight thus bringing the risk of accidents on the roads.
Motorists who drive a car with HID lights may like it because it is bright with high brightness but for drivers who have to face with these HID lights had to be careful because HID lights too glare especially when they open the high lights at night. Similarly, during heavy rain difficult to see the white light of HID and this can certainly lead to accidents if not careful when driving.
The website of the Road Transport Department (RTD) clearly states that the use of High-intensity Discharged (HID) Headlamp which is not using filament lamps but using Xenon gas. HID lights assembly for accessories (Retrofit) is not permitted unless the overall conversion of the lighting system is accredited by the authorized bodies such as SIRIM.
On 19 November 2007, the RTD has been updating the C & U and add the regulatory requirements on the use of HID lights in Method 96 (2) (i) which states that “if the HID lights are used, installation, specification and lighting systems shall comply with UNECE 48, UNECE 98 and UNECE 99 “.
Enforcement against vehicles using HID lights that installed by accessories (Retrofit) can be taken action under Rules 94 Rules of Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Act 1959 which
“As the use of motor vehicles on the road and all its parts accessories should always not resulting or may resulting hazardous on the people in the vehicle or on the road ‘, this offense can be fined up to RM 2000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months under SECTION 119 (1) APJ 1987. Driver / owner will be given ten days (10) to rectify the lights to the original lights.
However, this regulation is not fully enforced by the authorities. More vehicles that installs this white lights although it endanger other road users. HID lights are probably only suitable for vehicles entering the interior or dark areas. If they want to install too, must find the best method such as only fitted to high light and low light shall be fitted with normal lights. These lights are only suitable for use in a dark place with no vehicle heading in the opposite direction so that it does not endanger other road users.
The RTD and the government should control the HID lights sold freely at the car accessories shop and new vehicles also have to follow the original specifications cannot be modified as they please to violate the road transport regulations.
However, for those concerned should think of other road users as well, not because of their selfish until it can be life threatening other road users. Be a considerate drivers while driving on the road so that the road users safely reach the destination. Legal action is a last resort for those who refuse to comply with the road regulations.
**** Article written by Jofri Jaraiee PAS Sarawak Deputy Commissioner
