Yes — Headlights are Brighter & New Standards are on the Way

It’s about time. Yes, headlights are brighter. Some are so bright that they are blinding oncoming drivers. This has FINALLY caused the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to do something.

It starts with setting some modern standards for vehicle lighting.

Actually, the NHTSA set some standards on vehicle headlights in 2022. They were largely ignored. Only automakers Rivian and Tesla complied and engineered a unique headlight system that met the regulations.

There are five key areas being added to the “update” — if you want to call it that:

• Headlight glare

• Modernizing light technology and improving LEDs, dusk sensors, automatic high beams

• Evaluating headlight height and aim and how they impact driver visibility

• Streamlining test procedures for plastic optics and replaceable lenses

• Harmonizing U.S. standards with the rest of the world

All that sounds good but for U.S. drivers, headlight glare is the most important item.

• 60% of U.S. drivers say headlight glare is a serious issue

• In 2025 in the U.K. 96% of drivers thought most or some headlights are too bright

Will some of this get fixed with improved technology on headlights? NHTSA administrator, Jonathan Morrison says yes. But even with better regulations, the slip-shod modifications made to older autos will still be a problem.

“Today’s standards do not allow automakers to deploy the latest safety-improving lighting technologies, so we are bringing key experts and stakeholders together to modernize our standards and address potential causes of glare,” Morrison said. “This collaborative approach will allow us to update outdated regulations, foster innovation, and keep everyone on our roads safer.”

The NHTSA does not have a timeline to install the new regs but you — and others — can submit comments until November 9th of this year.

Source link: Road & Track — https://bit.ly/4hHrLLY