HCMC – While the regulation on daytime running lights (DRLs) for motorcycles is under discussion for inclusion in the draft amended Law on Road Traffic, some motorcycle manufacturers have introduced motorbikes that feature automated running lights since 2019.
Showcased at some Honda motorcycle showrooms in HCMC, a number of models produced in 2019 boast an automatic headlight.
A salesperson at a Honda motorcycle showroom on Vo Van Ngan Street in HCMC’s Thu Duc District noted that some made-in-2019 models such as the Wave RSX FI 110, Lead, Airblade and Winner X have LED lights that turn on automatically when the motorcycles are running.
As these motorcycles do not have an on/off switch, the light installed on each of these motorcycles will remain on regardless of the time of day when the vehicle is running, the salesperson explained.
Apart from this, Yamaha is also selling models such as the Yamaha MX King with an automatic headlight system and no light switch.
After the draft regulation was introduced to gather feedback, sparking public concern, the Ministry of Transport announced that as a member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on road traffic, Vietnam must comply with the regulation on DRLs.
According to the convention, the purpose of the light is to improve the identification of vehicles on roads.
In Southeast Asia, most countries other than Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar have applied the DRL regulation.
Observers claim that as Vietnam has a hot climate, it is inappropriate to allow motorcycle lights to remain on in the daytime. Responding to these comments, the ministry remarked that the headlights are not very hot and do not consume much fuel.
Clause 3 of Article 27 of the draft law regulates that motorcycles, electric bikes and electric motorbikes running on roads must have their headlights on at all times.
By Le Anh
