In a bid to enhance road safety and curb hazardous driving conditions, Ahmedabad Traffic Police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have fined 152 car owners in just two days for installing high-intensity aftermarket white LED headlamps. Each violator was penalised ₹1,000 under the Motor Vehicle Act. The campaign, launched earlier this week, aims to address the growing menace of unauthorised vehicle modifications that pose risks to public safety.
The crackdown was initiated following directives from the Gujarat Transport Department, which received numerous complaints about the blinding effect of these LED lights. According to officials, the intense glare from such modifications increases the likelihood of accidents, especially on highways and urban roads. “These aftermarket LEDs are installed solely for brightness but fail to account for the danger they pose to other road users,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East). The joint operation involves four RTO teams working alongside the city’s traffic police, with plans for regular enforcement drives to ensure compliance with road safety standards.
The Motor Vehicle Act explicitly prohibits unauthorised modifications, including retrofitting high-intensity LED lamps. Violators risk penalties of up to ₹5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. The ongoing drive also highlights the need for civic awareness about safe driving practices. By targeting these vehicles, the authorities aim to mitigate risks not only for motorists but also for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, whose safety is often compromised.
Sustainability is another key aspect of this initiative. By enforcing regulations against aftermarket LED headlamps, which consume excessive power and disrupt visibility, authorities are promoting energy-efficient solutions and better urban planning. Enhanced road safety contributes to sustainable urban mobility, ensuring smoother, safer traffic flow and reducing accident-related disruptions.
