JPJ: Those who fix decorative lights face fines or jail time
GEORGE TOWN: Motorists who install flashing decorative lights known as “devil eyes” on their vehicles risk fines or could even face jail time, says the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Penang JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said the increasingly popular lights, particularly those fitted on lorries, could distract other motorists and endanger road users.
He said “devil eyes” were among the types of vehicle lighting modifications that were not permitted.
“Any lights that do not comply with specifications are not allowed on public roads. Devil eyes fall under such non-compliant lighting,” he said.
Zulkifly said enforcement action could be taken under Rule 94 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1959.
Offenders convicted under the rule could face a fine of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment of up to six months under Section 119(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Depending on the circumstances, JPJ could also issue a prohibition of use notice (PG1) under Section 59 of the Act.
Zulkifly said JPJ would step up enforcement against vehicles fitted with excessively bright, improperly aligned or modified lights that could dazzle other motorists.
He said Penang JPJ recorded 112 cases involving high-intensity discharge (HID) lights over the past two years, comprising 96 cases last year and 16 up to July this year.
“JPJ takes the issue seriously as inappropriate lighting modifications can affect the vision of other motorists and compromise road safety,” he said.
He said motorists should not assume brighter headlights are necessarily safer.
The suitability of a lighting system depended on the light source, headlamp design, beam pattern, installation position and vehicle type rather than wattage alone.
He said replacing original halogen bulbs with aftermarket LED or HID bulbs was generally not permitted if the headlamp housing and other components were not designed or approved for them.
Factory-fitted LED or HID systems were allowed if the vehicle model had undergone Vehicle Type Approval and complied with the relevant technical standards.
Zulkifly said JPJ would continue inspections, enforcement and public awareness efforts to prevent vehicle lighting modifications from endangering road users.
