Ahmedabad: The city traffic police have launched a drive to crack down on car owners who have modified their headlights by installing aftermarket white LED lights. This action follows a directive from the Gujarat Transport Department, which had previously banned the installation of such lights on vehicles.

A circular issued by the Transport Department in April 2024 raised concerns about the blinding effect of strong aftermarket LED headlamps.

The Ahmedabad Traffic Department and RTO have initiated a joint operation targeting vehicles equipped with high-intensity LED lights. “We are starting this campaign with the RTO from this evening,” confirmed DCP (Traffic) Safin Hasan on Monday.

JCP (Traffic) Sharad Singhal expressed concern about the growing issue. “Aftermarket LED lights are a serious problem on our roads. Many people install these lights solely for their brightness, without considering the risks they pose to other road users. These lights can blind oncoming drivers, leading to accidents,” he said.

This drive will not affect vehicles with LED headlights installed by manufacturers, as they are specially tuned and positioned to avoid overly bright and hazardous lighting.

Modifying a car with powerful LED white headlamps is an offence under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act, and the police are now taking strict action against those who have made such modifications. DeshGujarat