Inconsiderate drivers who misuse their headlights in the Chinese city of Shenzen will be forced to stare at a full-beam headlights for five minutes, traffic police there have warned. 

In a light-hearted social media post, Shenzen traffic police warned drivers of the new punishment, accompanying the warning with a laughing emoticon and a photo of what appears to be a driver being made to sit through the new punishment. 

The image shows a man sitting on stool, facing a police van with its headlights shining into his face. A police officer stands nearby. 

Apart from the novel punishment, offending drivers will also be hit with a 300 yuan (€40) fine. 

The social media post sparked vigorous debate on Chinese social media netword Weibo. Some said the punishment did not go far enough - "I suggest extending the stare time to 30 minutes", one wrote - while others argued the punishment would make roads even more dangerous, with drivers returning to their vehicles dazed and confused. 

 

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