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THE so-called 'white light' on the road is making motorists see
red.
The rash of illegally fitted high-intensity discharge (HID)
headlamps - which throw extremely bright white beams often blinding
to other road users - has also caught the attention of the Land
Transport Authority.
The LTA said it received 43 complaints last year regarding blinding
headlamps - or nearly once every week.
It is now planning to ban the import of vehicles with HID lamps
unless they come with proper anti-glare devices such as a
self-levelling system. A self-levelling system automatically
adjusts the lights so they do not point higher than they
should.
'We will consult the industry before making any decision to
implement this,' an LTA spokesman said.
The Straits Times understands that the main cause of complaints are
illegally modified headlamps which, like other illegal
modifications, can draw a fine of up to $1,000 or a jail term of up
to three months for first offenders.
Many consumers are unaware that many parallel importers sell their
cars with these illegal fittings.
Surveyor Hermanto Kassanri, 35, was shocked when he found that the
Honda Stream seven-seater he bought three months ago had these
illegal fittings.
'I discovered this when I went to the workshop for servicing. My
mechanic pointed out that the car's headlights were illegal,' he
said. 'It's worrying.'
Another Honda Stream owner, renovation agent Kamil F.S., 32, said
he found out about his illegal lights through an online car forum.
'I will go back to the importer and see what can be done,' he
said.
Mr Neo Nam Heng, president of the parallel importers' Automotive
Importers and Exporters Association, said 'all importers should be
aware of and compliant to all rules and technical
requirements'.
But industry sources say many parallel importers 'bend' these
rules.
Pinnacle Motors admitted that it had sold cars fitted with the
illegal HID lamps, but said it was taking steps to rectify
that.
Its managing director Larry Teo told The Straits Times that he
would 'recall' all the cars and replace them with the original
headlights.
He said his company had sold 'over 100'' of such cars, mainly
Hondas and Toyotas. 'It's a competitive market and we're not the
only ones doing it. We meant no harm,'' he said, adding that 'our
laws are not advanced'.
HID lamps fitted by parallel importers are not the only kind making
motorists squint. Some cars sold by authorised agents too can be
blinding.
This can happen when the rear of the vehicle is heavily loaded,
thereby lifting its nose. The slight tilt in angle is enough to get
the HID light into the eyes of other drivers.
Which is why the LTA is looking to implement the self-levelling
device requirement - which is mandatory in Europe.
For those who bought cars with illegal modifications, the LTA
advises them to keep documentation proof.
'They will have to give a statement and provide evidence, such as
the sales agreement to the investigation officer,' the spokesman
said. 'Appropriate action will be taken against the culpable party
who caused the offence.'
