Blatant misuse of high beam headlights in Ludhiana’s industrial hub is emerging as a serious road safety concern, with enforcement by traffic police appearing inadequate despite widespread violations.
Vehicles using high beam lights and ornamental illumination at night are reportedly blinding oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. In almost every second vehicle, such practices are visible on city roads, according to local observations.
Information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from Ludhiana Police by activist Rohit Sabharwal highlights what appears to be weak enforcement by the traffic police.
The data shows that only 390 challans were issued over three consecutive years — 2023, 2024 and 2025 — for the use of high beam headlights. On average, this amounts to just 11 challans per month despite widespread violations.
In 2023, 270 challans were issued for high beam misuse. This fell sharply to 56 in 2024, before slightly rising to 64 in 2025. The declining trend has raised concerns among residents and activists.
Arvind Sharma, a social activist, said enforcement action by the Punjab Police in Ludhiana appears largely symbolic.
“Driving with high beam lights and installing additional LED fittings often leads to road accidents during night hours. The glaring LED headlights almost blind drivers coming from the opposite direction, contributing to accidents. It even obstructs the rear mirror view of the vehicle ahead, making it difficult to negotiate turns,” Sharma said.
He added that such practices violate provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.