GEORGE TOWN: They flash, shift colours and glare menacingly from front grilles – and they could be a recipe for disaster.
Custom “devil eyes” light modules are rapidly gaining popularity among drivers looking to give their vehicles a fierce new look.
However, safety advocates warn that these glowing LED displays are far more than just a stylistic flex – they are a dangerous visual distraction for everyone else on the road.
Once mainly seen on heavily modified cars, they are now widely available online and at vehicle accessories shops.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said his main concern was the impact of such modifications in relation to road safety.
“These modifications must get approval from the authorities, and safety and standards need to be considered,” he said.
Lee said the lights could distract motorists and pose risks to other road users.
“Authorities should conduct checks on such modifications during vehicle inspections and roadblocks to ensure they conform to safety requirements,” he said.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) guidelines state that vehicle modifications and accessories should not interfere with a vehicle’s safety characteristics.
The guidelines set specific requirements for additional lights, limiting them to two white or amber units on 4x4 vehicles, which must be switched off when the vehicle is on public roads.
However, guidelines on this new “devil eyes” trend are not found on JPJ’s website.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said consumers could not be expected to know whether every aftermarket lighting product was approved for use.
He said sellers and installers had a responsibility to provide clear information instead of simply making a sale.
“There needs to be clearer information at the point of sale. Sellers should not market these products without explaining the risks to road users.
“If they know a lighting product is excessively bright and distracting on roads at night, they should not encourage consumers to install it.
“Authorities should check whether businesses selling or fitting these products are complying with safety requirements,” he said.
Delivery rider Mark Khoo, 38, who spends six to eight hours on the road, said he has noticed such lights becoming common.
“It is obviously designed to catch your attention, and it works,” he said.
The lights are widely available through online platforms, with sets costing from below RM20 to more than RM200, depending on their size and features.
Some products come with controllers for users to select colours, flashing patterns and eye shapes.
Checks with several vehicle accessories shops found that installation services were available for about RM80 to RM200.
