NHMP warns drivers against using illegal HID headlights

ISLAMABAD: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) have warned motorists against using high-intensity discharge (HID) and LED headlights, saying that these lights are not allowed under traffic laws and pose serious risks to road safety.

In a recent social media post, the NHMP stated that the use of HID lights causes visibility problems for other drivers and can lead to accidents. The department urged motorists to avoid such lights and follow standard lighting rules to ensure safety on highways and city roads.

Despite repeated warnings, the trend of using bright HID and LED lights continues to rise across major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Sialkot. Drivers say night travel has become increasingly difficult as vehicles equipped with these powerful lights blind both the oncoming traffic and cars ahead.

Many motorists have complained that flashing headlights at the vehicle in front has become a common practice, often startling or confusing drivers and making it hard to see through side or rear-view mirrors.

Several social media users have also highlighted another growing problem — the excessive use of high beams. They say even standard headlights, when used on high beam, can cause temporary blindness and increase the risk of collisions, whether on city roads or motorways.

Adding to the issue, motorists pointed out that several stretches of highways, including parts of the M2 between Lahore and Islamabad, lack proper street lighting. The nearly 400-kilometre route has dark patches that make night driving particularly challenging. Some drivers argue that they rely on HID or LED lights to improve visibility on such unlit roads.

However, others counter this by noting that many vehicles now come with built-in projector or LED headlights designed for specific angles and brightness levels, which comply with safety standards. They believe that installing aftermarket HID or LED lights in older cars is what creates glare and puts others at risk.

Experts and safety advocates say stricter checks are needed to curb the sale and installation of illegal high-intensity lights. They urge drivers to use factory-fitted headlights and follow proper beam settings to make night travel safer for everyone on the road.