Can you get a saman for improper light use in haze?

When visibility drops, switching on every available light may feel reassuring. However, choosing the correct settings, keeping your lights working and slowing down are more useful habits. This Motorist guide explains what to watch for before your next hazy drive.

Key takeaways

• Lighting offences still apply in haze. Poor visibility does not excuse unsafe modifications or missing required lights.
• Use low-beam headlights. They help other drivers see your vehicle without the unnecessary glare of high beams.
• Use fog lights selectively. Switch them on when visibility is severely limited and off when conditions improve. Check all three brake lights. Include the centre-mounted third brake light in your inspection.
• Use the Motorist App for ownership support. Vehicle reminders, traffic information and AutoConcierge chat can help you stay organised. 

Why can improper lighting lead to a saman?

Your lights must be safe for everyone. Vehicle lighting helps drivers recognise your position, braking and intended movements. Unsafe accessories or unsuitable modifications can create glare and make those signals harder to understand.

Haze does not remove existing requirements. Enforcement can involve general vehicle-safety provisions, including Rule 94 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1959. The concern is whether the vehicle and its accessories could endanger people in the vehicle or on the road. 

Focus on maintenance before modifications. If your lights seem ineffective, check their condition and alignment with a qualified workshop. Installing brighter bulbs without checking suitability can introduce another problem.

Is there one fixed fine for improper lighting?

There is no single amount to apply to every situation. A missing required light, an unsafe installation and another lighting offence may involve different enforcement circumstances.

A maximum court penalty is not a standard compound. Official guidance concerning a missing third brake light has cited a fine upon conviction of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment of up to six months under Section 119(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Check the offence and amount on your actual notice rather than assuming every lighting saman costs RM2,000. 

Which lights should you use in haze?

Start with low-beam headlights

Make your vehicle easier to notice. Switch on your low-beam headlights when haze reduces visibility, even during daylight. Functioning headlights help other road users identify your vehicle sooner.

Check the rear of your car too. Before travelling, inspect the tail lights, indicators and brake lights. A working front light does not compensate for a failed lamp behind you.

Avoid unnecessary high beams

Brighter does not always mean clearer. High beams can reflect off airborne particles, producing glare that makes the road harder to see. Keep to low beams and reduce your speed when visibility deteriorates. 

Do not drive beyond your view. If you cannot clearly judge the road ahead, a different light setting alone will not solve the problem. Give yourself more time and space to respond.

Use fog lights when visibility is severely limited

Use them for the conditions. Fog lights can help when visibility is severely limited. Switch them off when conditions improve, particularly rear fog lights that can create glare for following drivers. 

Know which switch does what. Front and rear fog-light controls vary between vehicles. Check your owner’s manual while parked so you can operate them confidently during a journey.

How can you avoid lighting mistakes?

Inspect your lights regularly. Look for failed bulbs, flickering lamps, damaged covers and unusually dim output. Arrange repairs promptly rather than waiting until you need to drive in poor visibility.

Choose suitable replacement bulbs. Follow your vehicle’s specifications and applicable requirements. Ask a qualified workshop to check compatibility and alignment before fitting a lighting upgrade.

Avoid unauthorised coloured brake-light bulbs. Ice-blue rear brake-light installations can create distracting glare and lead to enforcement. Keep your vehicle’s lighting clear, recognisable and compliant. 

Adjust your driving too. Reduce speed progressively, increase your following distance and avoid sudden manoeuvres. Lighting works best alongside driving that matches the visibility available. 

The old way vs the Motorist App

Keep ownership tasks organised. The Motorist App brings vehicle reminders, traffic information and AutoConcierge support into one place. It can support your preparation while physical lighting checks remain your responsibility. 

Epert tip: Test all three brake lights

Ask someone to watch while your vehicle is safely parked. Press and release the brake pedal so they can check that both side brake lights and the centre-mounted third brake light respond correctly. Repair any failed lamp before your next journey.

Common mistake: Upgrading bulbs before checking alignment

Do not assume weak visibility means you need brighter bulbs. Dirty lamp covers, a failed bulb or poor alignment may need attention first. Have a workshop inspect the existing system before spending money on an upgrade.

Conclusion

You can get a saman for lighting offences during haze, so keep required lights working and avoid unsafe modifications. Use low beams, reserve fog lights for severely limited visibility and adjust your driving as conditions change.

FAQ

1. Can you get a saman for improper light use in haze?
Yes. General lighting offences can apply during haze, including unsafe modifications and missing required lights.

2. Can I switch on my headlights during daytime haze?
Yes. Functioning headlights help other drivers see your vehicle when haze reduces visibility.

3. Is using fog lights in haze automatically an offence?
No. Fog lights can be appropriate when visibility is severely limited; unsafe installations and inappropriate use are separate concerns.

4. Should I use high beams in thick haze?
High beams can reflect off airborne particles and worsen glare. Use low beams, slow down and reassess whether it is safe to continue.

5. Is RM2,000 the standard fine for every lighting offence?
No. A maximum fine upon conviction is different from a compound amount, so check the details on the notice issued to you.

6. Can a missing third brake light lead to a saman?
Yes. A missing required third brake light can lead to enforcement, so include it in your regular lighting checks.

7. Should I fit ice-blue rear brake-light bulbs?
Avoid unauthorised ice-blue rear brake-light bulbs. Choose replacements that meet your vehicle’s specifications and applicable requirements.

8. When should I switch off my fog lights?
Switch them off when visibility improves and they are no longer needed. Pay particular attention to rear fog lights because of their brightness.

Stay organised with the Motorist App 

Download the Motorist App for vehicle reminders, traffic information and AutoConcierge support.

Read More: Someone hit your parked car and drove away? What to do

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