JPJ takes action against 40 vehicles retrofitted with LED, HID headlights during Ops Silau in Sibu

SIBU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sibu branch has taken action against owners of 40 vehicles found to be retrofitted with light emitting diode (LED) and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights during Ops Silau in Jalan Oya on Wednesday (May 17) night.

Its head Mohamad Faizal David Jemat said the owners have been ordered under Section 61(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 to change the vehicle lights to the original one installed from the factory.

According to him, any owner who failed to do so within 10 days from the date the notice was issued would be charged with failing to comply with the notice.

Meanwhile, he said, vehicles fitted with HID type headlights were also issued the same notice along with a notice prohibiting the use of the vehicle and were subject to a summons.

"After it has been changed to the original light (as installed from the factory) the owner must immediately bring their vehicle to the nearest JPJ counter for inspection and verification purposes.

"If the owner fails to do so within the 10-day period that has been set, they will be charged with the offence of failing to comply with the notice," he said on Thursday (May 18).

Faizal said, retrofitting LED and HID lights is an offence under Rule 94 of the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Rules 1959 and can be fined up to RM2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months under Section 119(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987.

"We have received many complaints from the public regarding many vehicles in the town with white lights that dazzle and affect the vision of other drivers.

"This can endanger the safety of the driver himself as well as other road users.

"Operations like this will continue from time to time in addition to daily operations to raise awareness among vehicle owners in this city not to modify vehicles that violate the law and endanger the safety of other road users," he said.

Faizal said, vehicle owners can refer to the JPJ Automotive Engineering Unit before making modifications to their vehicles to avoid legal action.