Time frame when car lights must be on

The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, effective from January 1, 2025, has changed the mandatory timeframe. Turn on the headlights for the car., specialized motorcycles compared to the old regulations.

Specifically, according to Clause 1, Article 20,Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024Drivers of vehicles and specialized motorized vehicles participating in road traffic must turn on their headlights during the period from 6 PM the previous day to 18 AM the following day, or when there is fog, smoke, dust, rain, or bad weather that restricts visibility.

Previously, according to the 2008 Road Traffic Law and Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, the mandatory time frame was from 19 PM to 5 AM or during weather conditions that reduced visibility.

The new law also clearly specifies the circumstances under which vehicle owners must turn off high beam headlights and turn on low beam headlights, including: When encountering pedestrians crossing the street; When passing through a densely populated area where the street lighting system is operational; When encountering oncoming vehicles (except in cases where there is a glare-reducing median barrier) andWhen changing lanes at an intersection.

Regarding penalties for violations, according to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, the act of not turning on headlights at the correct time or in bad weather conditions may be subject to a fine.

Specifically, for motorcycles, the fine is usually between 200.000 and 400.000 VND. For cars and other motor vehicles, the fine is higher, ranging from 800.000 to 1.000.000 VND if headlights are not turned on during the mandatory time or if headlights are used improperly.

Extending the headlight on time will help increase safety in the dark or in low-light conditions, especially during rain, fog, or dust. The new regulation also aims to align with the reality of many areas experiencing earlier darkness and the need to ensure visibility for all types of vehicles on the road.