Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    A NEW set of cameras that are designated to check full beam light violations have been installed on Shennan Boulevard and Beihuan Boulevard and have started enforcing laws.

    The device, which includes two cameras, can detect the source of light, clearly distinguish full beam light from dimmed headlights, and videotape full beam light violations.

    Violators will be fined 300 yuan (US$43) and have one penalty point added to their driver’s license, according to the city’s traffic safety rule.

    “The use of cameras will improve the efficiency of police in tackling full beam light violations. It generally takes about 10 minutes for a field officer to intercept a car and impose fines. In addition, it is dangerous to check vehicles on expressways,” Zhu Ming with the technology department of Shenzhen’s traffic police bureau, said yesterday.

    Zhu said that more cameras will be installed on the city’s trunk roads and expressways.

    To handle violations, the bureau will also send officers on the roads to educate drivers, impose fines and reduce full beam light violations and related accidents.

    For violators who improperly use their full beams at night, they will be requested to experience their error by staring straight into the blinding lights for one minute.

    This measure was first tried back in 2014 and the punishment has become one of the most highly discussed topics on Chinese social media. It was reinstated earlier this year and received near unanimous approval and appreciation from netizens, who have apparently been blinded one too many times.

    The inappropriate use of full beam light can easily cause accidents and pose danger to night drivers.