These Rules on Vehicle Lighting Modifications: Don’t Dazzle Other Drivers

Solо, Kompas.com - Headlight modifications are frequently carried out by vehicle owners to improve appearance or visibility while driving. However, the use of vehicle lights must not be arbitrary as it can affect road safety. If not in accordance with the rules, the beam can dazzle other drivers and may even cause accidents. Sony Susmana, Training Director at Safety Defensive Consultant Indonesia, said that if you change the colour of the lights for modification, you should also consider safety aspects. “Review your driving approach again to minimise hazards by using the vehicle standards that exist,” Sony told Kompas.com recently. Meanwhile, the rules on the output and direction of the vehicle’s main beam are set in Government Regulation (PP) No. 55 of 2012, Article 64(2)(g). The rules include: b. The direction of the main beam shall not exceed 0 degrees 34 minutes to the right and 1 degree 9 minutes to the left, with the installation of lamps not exceeding 1.3 per cent of the difference in beam height between an empty and loaded vehicle. Provisions on lamps and reflective devices are also described in Article 61(2)(e) PP No. 55 of 2012. The rule states that the near and far headlamps on a vehicle must be white or pale yellow. Furthermore, for vehicles other than motorcycles, the near and far headlamps must meet several requirements, namely: a. Two or multiples thereof; b. Mounted on the front of the motor vehicle; c. Mounted at a height no higher than 1,500 mm from the road surface and no more than 400 mm from the outermost side of the vehicle; d. Capable of emitting light at a minimum of 40 metres forward for the near beam and 100 metres forward for the far beam.