New Headlamp Rules For Two-Wheelers, Cars Likely From April 2027 To Reduce Road Glare

India's Union government is contemplating stricter headlamp regulations for both vehicles and two-wheelers to curb glare and bolster road safety, especially in cities. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has submitted proposals to amend Central Motor Vehicles Rules, which could mandate automatic headlamps in new two-wheelers to operate solely in passing-beam, or low-beam, mode starting April 2027.

The rationale behind these proposed changes is to curb the excessive use of high-beam lights, which can momentarily blind oncoming drivers and riders, potentially elevating accident risks.

Presently, vehicles can toggle between low and high beams according to their settings, under the Automatic Headlamp On system. However, the MoRTH believes that despite attempts to prompt drivers to use low beams when suitable, the desired impact hasn't been achieved. Consequently, they are contemplating lowering the maximum permissible intensity of high-powered headlamps.

For two-wheelers, this limit could be slashed from 150,000 candela (cd) to 100,000 cd, while for four-wheelers, it would decrease from 225,000 cd to 150,000 cd. Candela is the universally accepted unit for gauging luminous intensity.

Moreover, the proposed regulations may also stipulate a maximum colour temperature of 6,500 Kelvin (K) for vehicle headlamps. High-colour-temperature white lights from headlamps and fog lamps are suspected to heighten glare, discomfort, and diminish visibility for other road users. In an additional safety initiative, buses and other heavy vehicles might be mandated to employ genuine reflective tapes.

This step aims to heighten the visibility of these vehicles for motorists during nighttime driving and adverse weather conditions. Upon enactment, these proposals would signify a significant tightening of vehicle lighting standards, with the primary goals of enhancing road safety and reducing glare.