Is changing the color of a motorcycle's turn signal lights punishable by law?

Turn signals are a very important component on both motorcycles and cars. The main function of turn signals, also known as indicator lights, is to signal to other vehicles in traffic that we are about to turn.

In addition, turn signals are also used when overtaking, changing lanes, warning of danger, etc. Using turn signals correctly not only ensures the safety of the driver but also reduces collisions with other road users. Not using turn signals properly is highly inadvisable and should be developed as a habit.

The traditional and almost default color of turn signals on motorcycles and cars is yellow, although some manufacturers use red turn signals on a few of their models. However, some young people are now trending towards modifying their turn signals to change their color. Is this practice permissible?

Clause 13 of Article 8 of the 2008 Road Traffic Law stipulates that the following actions are strictly prohibited:

- Installing and using horns and lights that do not conform to the manufacturer's design for each type of motor vehicle;

- Using sound devices that disrupt traffic safety and public order.

According to regulations, turn signals must be yellow or red.

Therefore, installing and using lights (including changing the color of turn signals in violation of regulations) that do not conform to the manufacturer's design for each type of motor vehicle is a violation of the law and will be subject to penalties under Point c, Clause 4, Article 30 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, with fines ranging from VND 800,000 to VND 2,000,000 for individuals and from VND 1,600,000 to VND 4,000,000 for organizations that own motorcycles, mopeds, and similar vehicles.

In fact, most manufacturers design turn signals to be yellow because the wavelength of yellow light is the most sensitive to the human eye compared to other colors. Using yellow turn signals, along with a flashing effect, increases eye attention.

Currently, regulations from the Ministry of Transport require turn signals to emit either amber yellow or red light. Therefore, besides yellow, vehicle owners still have another option: changing to red. It is important to emphasize that arbitrarily changing to any color other than the two mentioned above will still result in a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 2,000,000 for individuals and VND 1,600,000 to VND 4,000,000 for organizations.

BAO HUNG

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