Most, if not all, motorcycle models that were launched locally from 2018 onward have a feature called Auto Headlight On (AHO) which, as the name suggests, automatically turns on the headlight whenever the engine is started. This is in compliance with the Mandatory Automatic Headlights On for Motorcycles Act of 2018, which requires motorcycle manufacturers, assemblers, and distributors to ensure that any unit sold in the country must have a headlight that automatically turns on when the engine of the motorcycle is started and which must remain lit as long as the engine is running.

This is why newer motorcycle models no longer have headlight switches because the said law negates the need for them. For motorcycle riders and operators of older models that still have switches, it is mandatory to turn on their headlights as soon as they start their motorcycle engines and to maintain their headlights on, any time of the day and night as long as their motorcycles are running on any road.

The purpose of this law is to lessen road accidents involving motorcycles by making them more visible to other road users.

Motorcycles and scooters are comparatively smaller vehicles and having their headlights on all the time adds road presence. This will also make it easier for other road users in the opposite lane to judge the velocity of an oncoming two-wheeler. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Yet, some geniuses have switches installed on their bikes just so they could have the option of turning the headlight off, to save on bulb replacement costs.

Would you have an illegal modification done on your bike just to prolong the life of your bulb, which, in turn, may shorten your own?