Car lights

Vehicles should only be installed with factory-fitted Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) as the vehicle manufacturer would have designed the lamps to meet international safety standards. For aftermarket DRL kits that are retrofitted onto existing vehicles, there are concerns that such lamps would have prosperity to cause unwanted glare and distraction to other motorists on the road. Therefore the installation of DRL kits are not allowed.

Decorative lamps can cause unwanted confusion and distract other motorists along the modified vehicle. Examples of decorative lights include neon lights on the undercarriage, wiper washer LEDs and flashing lights that are not part of the vehicle.

Only factory-fitted High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps are fitted as they can comply with international safety standards. Since 1 January 2009, new cars must have High Intensity Discharge to have auto-labelling feature. Aftermarket HID kits can cause glare and therefore they are not allowed in Singapore.

Replacement bulbs for headlights have to adhere to specifications laid down by the vehicle manufacturer. Bulbs of higher wattage cause fires, owing to the increased current that is required to power them.

As the name suggests, NIDs introduce highly reactive nitrogen oxide into the combustion chamber. This enables faster fuel combustion that leads to greater acceleration and speed. However, NIDs can cause premature engine failureand also affect the safety and emissions of the vehicle. They are thus banned under Singaporean law.

A spot lamp is useful for travelling in the remote places without road lightings and for search and rescue operations. The use of spot lamps are not permitted in Singapore as they can cause glare and distract other motorists. If fitted in Singapore, they must be covered at all times.