Mumbai Traffic Police fine 12,585 vehicles for dazzling lights, collect Rs 88.47 lakh

Mumbai Traffic Police ran a special enforcement campaign against extremely bright, dazzling lights fitted on vehicles. During the campaign, 12,585 vehicles were fined and a total of Rs 88.47 lakh was collected in penalties.

The campaign, named Operation Dazzling Light, was run across Mumbai's 41 traffic divisions between June 1 and October 26, 2026. Its aim was to prevent road accidents caused by headlights and auxiliary lights, which temporarily impair the vision of motorists coming from the opposite direction.

The action targeted vehicles fitted with unauthorised flashing lights, LED light bars or high-intensity decorative headlights. Such lights can temporarily blind oncoming drivers. As a result, it becomes difficult to see pedestrians, hazards on the road and other vehicles, a problem that is worst at night.

The action was taken under the Motor Vehicles Act and the relevant Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules. Violators were penalised under Sections 235 and 177 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules and the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, as applicable.

The traffic police have asked motorists to use low-beam headlights when approaching oncoming vehicles. They have also advised against getting unauthorised lighting equipment fitted.

The police said the campaign will continue. They stressed that excessive headlight glare poses a threat to road safety and can increase the chances of accidents.