Driving at night has increasingly become risky due to usage of blinding lights by many motorists. While modern lighting technology is designed to enhance safety, its improper application is creating a new, hazardous reality on the streets. The rising trend of using high-beam headlights and ultra-bright LED modifications within city limits is no longer just a nuisance, it is a significant threat to road users. In recent years, standard halogen bulbs have been widely replaced by High-Intensity Discharge (HID) and LED lights. These modern lamps emit a concentrated, white-blue beam that mimics daylight. While they provide unparalleled clarity for the driver using them, they can be devastating for those on the receiving end. The primary issue stems from light scattering and improper alignment. When high beams are used in well-lit urban areas or around oncoming traffic, they cause flash blindness,’ a phenomenon where a driver is temporarily unable to see for several critical seconds.

 

This disorientation significantly reduces depth perception and reaction times, leading to preventable collisions. It's like a white wall suddenly appears in front of me,” says a local daily commuter. Whenever a car with those bright white lights approaches on high beam, I literally have to squint and pray I don't hit the divider because I can't see the road markings for a few seconds., and not just in cars but nowadays a lot of bikers install fog lights of such kind which becomes a threat for the receiving rider.” Under current regulations, such as Rule 106 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), using high beams in city areas or heavy traffic is a punishable offense.

 

Furthermore, modifying original vehicle lighting with unauthorised, high-wattage LEDs is illegal. Fines for these violations can range from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500, with authorities increasingly using AI-powered cameras to issue e-challans. Many riders and drivers justify the use of high beams by citing improved visibility and the need to spot hazards like potholes or pedestrians earlier. However, in urban environments with functional street lighting, low beams are more than sufficient. “I use high beams because they cut through the darkness and help me see much further ahead,” explains one frequent highway traveler. “With the speed at which traffic moves now, I feel safer having that extra range of light.”