KNOW WHY HEADLIGHTS OF NEW MOTORBIKES ARE ALWAYS ON !!

You might have seen all two-wheelers which are launched after 2017 have their headlights always ON, we do not have an option to turn it OFF. In this article, we will discuss the reason behind always ON headlight in two-wheelers.

All new motorcycles and scooters that roll into the market need to feature AHO from April 1st, 2017 onwards. Most two-wheeler manufacturers term AHO as All-time Headlight On or Automatic Headlight On system. As the name suggests, new motorcycles and scooters which are sold and registered after April 1st, 2017 need to have the headlights on at all times. Yes, even during the day.

This is in compliance to a notice issued by the Road and Transport Ministry of India. All new bikes equipped AHO will not have a button to switch on the headlight, since it will always be on, but will only get high-beam and low-beam buttons along with the pass switch.

Why headlights need to be turned ON always:

This is a safety measure initiated by the ministry and is followed in many international countries. The idea behind this is that keeping headlights on throughout the day, even when the sun is nice and bright, makes spotting two-wheelers easier on the road. So, others on the road can see the motorcycle or scooter from a distance. It is also helpful during tricky light conditions during dusk, dawn or in case of sudden clouds casting a shadow. In short, it is a safety measure to increase the visibility of the two-wheelers on the road so that accidents can be prevented.


This will strain two-wheeler batteries a little more, but without hampering the battery in any way. Most modern motorcycles and scooters use advanced battery and alternators system, which can comfortably manage the extra load. This will no way alter fuel economy either. So, no need to worry.

Now-a-days most of the companies are coming up with DRL (Day-time Running Lights) on their motorcycle headlights as seen on the Bajaj Platina. This is basically a small, but fairly bright strip of light incorporated in the headlight console. This strip remains illuminated even if the headlight isn’t switched on, so that the on-coming traffic can clearly see the motorcycle or scooter approaching.