KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has warned vehicle owners against using headlights and horns that do not comply with manufacturer specifications.
Issuing a public notice, the department said action will be taken against vehicles fitted with unauthorized lighting systems and horns. According to the department, the use of high-intensity lights and non-standard horns has been increasing in recent years.
The department stated that such modifications can disturb other road users, reduce visibility, and increase the risk of traffic accidents.
Under Section 39 of the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 1993, modifications to a vehicle cannot be made without approval from the concerned authority. The department said installing headlights, horns, or other equipment beyond the manufacturer’s specifications is against the law.
According to the Vehicle Inspection and Testing Standards, 2017, the light intensity of dip or low-beam headlights must be between 15,000 and 30,000 candelas.
For high-beam headlights, the intensity of each lamp must remain below 100,000 candelas, while the combined intensity of all four headlights must be less than 200,000 candelas. The department also prohibits flashing lights and excessively bright auxiliary lamps.
Similarly, horn sound levels must remain between 90 and 112 decibels. The use of pressure horns and other non-compliant horns is not permitted.
The department has warned that vehicles found operating with unauthorized lights or horns will face action under prevailing laws.
