Driving with your headlights on is considered safe so that other drivers notice your vehicle approaching then. Now, many automobile manufacturing companies are launching cars with daytime running lights (DRL) to increase visibility and enhance safety on the road. Many studies show that cars with DRLs reduce the risk of daytime collisions by 5 to 10 percent.
Continue reading to know more about the rules and penalties regarding headlights.
Penalty for Driving with one headlight
In India, driving without following road safety standards is treated to be driving recklessly. Driving without turning on your headlights is one of those road safety practices. If even one of your headlights is not working, then you can be subject to penalties for breaching traffic laws. However, it depends on the driving laws of your state.
A car driving with only one headlight on coming towards you would give an impression of a motorcycle is approaching, and can lead to catastrophic results. According to the law, all cars and trucks must have two working headlights and must be turned on, while two- wheelers only need one. If one of your car’s lights is off or broken, a traffic police officer can pull you over and give you a warning/citation to get your headlight fixed. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay a penalty, which can be more expensive than getting a headlight fixed.
In some Indian states traffic police have zero tolerance for defective headlights and have different rules about imposing fines for people who break the law. Drivers contravening the traffic rules related to the use of headlights are fined between ₹500 to ₹1,500. Drivers can also be fined Rs. 100 for the improper use of headlights or driving with high-beam headlights when not required. The penalty amount may vary from state to state.
So, consider fixing your headlight before you take your car on the road.
Penalty for Driving Without Headlight
Driving without headlights misleads other drivers into thinking that your vehicle is not moving. Therefore, headlights must be turned on:
- If you are driving in hilly areas.
- If the road sign is indicating you to use lights.
- If you are driving in wet, foggy, or snowy weather condition.
- If it is difficult to see roads due to darkness or low vision.
Driving without headlights will be charged with reckless driving and could face heavy fines or even jail time if there is an accident involved. Also, the driver’s car insurance premium rates will go up after a crash, especially if it is their fault.
Penalty for Driving without Headlight in day
Many people think that it is unnecessary to turn their headlights on during the day, but it is a much safer practice. Drivers are advised to turn on their headlights even during the day if it is dark outside or the visibility is low due to rain, smoke, fog, snow, etc.
If you see a ‘daylight headlight zone’ and still fail to turn on your headlights, you will be fined up to Rs. 500 for not obeying the road signs.
Penalty for Driving without Headlights at night
It is dangerous to drive without headlights on, especially at night. It is not only a legal concern, but a safety hazard as well. Driving without headlights on at night will not only put others’ life at risk but yourself too as there will have no visibility.
As per the law, it is mandatory to turn on your front & rear lights while driving from half an hour after sunset till sunrise OR whenever there is insufficient light. If the driver fails to do so, he or she will be penalized with a fine of Rs. 500 for the first offense and Rs. 1000 for the subsequent offense.