THE so-called 'white light' on the road is making motorists see red.
The rash of illegally fitted high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps - which throw extremely bright white beams often blinding to other road users - has also caught the attention of the Land Transport Authority.
The LTA said it received 43 complaints last year regarding blinding headlamps - or nearly once every week.
It is now planning to ban the import of vehicles with HID lamps unless they come with proper anti-glare devices such as a self-levelling system. A self-levelling system automatically adjusts the lights so they do not point higher than they should.
'We will consult the industry before making any decision to implement this,' an LTA spokesman said.
The Straits Times understands that the main cause of complaints are illegally modified headlamps which, like other illegal modifications, can draw a fine of up to $1,000 or a jail term of up to three months for first offenders.
Many consumers are unaware that many parallel importers sell their cars with these illegal fittings.
Surveyor Hermanto Kassanri, 35, was shocked when he found that the Honda Stream seven-seater he bought three months ago had these illegal fittings.
'I discovered this when I went to the workshop for servicing. My mechanic pointed out that the car's headlights were illegal,' he said. 'It's worrying.'
Another Honda Stream owner, renovation agent Kamil F.S., 32, said he found out about his illegal lights through an online car forum. 'I will go back to the importer and see what can be done,' he said.
Mr Neo Nam Heng, president of the parallel importers' Automotive Importers and Exporters Association, said 'all importers should be aware of and compliant to all rules and technical requirements'.
But industry sources say many parallel importers 'bend' these rules.
Pinnacle Motors admitted that it had sold cars fitted with the illegal HID lamps, but said it was taking steps to rectify that.
Its managing director Larry Teo told The Straits Times that he would 'recall' all the cars and replace them with the original headlights.
He said his company had sold 'over 100'' of such cars, mainly Hondas and Toyotas. 'It's a competitive market and we're not the only ones doing it. We meant no harm,'' he said, adding that 'our laws are not advanced'.
HID lamps fitted by parallel importers are not the only kind making motorists squint. Some cars sold by authorised agents too can be blinding.
This can happen when the rear of the vehicle is heavily loaded, thereby lifting its nose. The slight tilt in angle is enough to get the HID light into the eyes of other drivers.
Which is why the LTA is looking to implement the self-levelling device requirement - which is mandatory in Europe.
For those who bought cars with illegal modifications, the LTA advises them to keep documentation proof.
'They will have to give a statement and provide evidence, such as the sales agreement to the investigation officer,' the spokesman said. 'Appropriate action will be taken against the culpable party who caused the offence.'
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