The Road Transport Board (RTB) Taskforce has reminded all vehicle owners and drivers to comply with traffic regulations under the Road Transport Act (Cap 131), particularly Section 28, which governs the use of lights on motor vehicles and trailers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Taskforce said recent traffic checks in Honiara revealed that many vehicles are fitted with non-standard lights, including LED and disco lights, which are not compliant with the regulations.
“These lights can cause distraction and impair visibility on the road, thereby compromising road safety for all road users,” the statement said.
Under Regulation 28(1), every motor vehicle must be fitted with two lamps at the front—one on each side. When travelling at night, the lamps must be lit and emit either white or yellow light. Vehicles capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour must have headlights strong enough to illuminate the road ahead for at least 110 yards.
Regulation 28(3) further states that every motor vehicle or trailer, whether moving or parked, must display one red light at the rear that is clearly visible to traffic approaching from behind.
The rear lamp must also provide sufficient uncoloured light to clearly illuminate the rear identification plate, unless other approved means are provided.
The Taskforce also highlighted Regulation 28(6), which prohibits the use of spotlights or swivelling lights as a substitute for headlights or in any manner that causes annoyance or impairs the vision of other road users.
The joint operation will continue throughout the year and will later be extended to major provincial centres.
- MID
