US Agency To Update Vehicle Lighting Standards On Glare And Tech

America's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday that it will rewrite its vehicle lighting standards. The agency wants to address concerns about headlight glare and allow for the latest safety-improving lighting technologies. This move includes plans to improve rules for LEDs, dusk sensors, and automatic high beams.

The agency will also evaluate headlamp height and aim regarding driver visibility. They will make appropriate changes to address headlight glare resulting from these factors. Some lawmakers have urged the government to set a maximum headlight brightness standard as well.

Complaints about glare from headlights have increased recently. A growing number of taller trucks and SUVs on roads has also led to more complaints about glare. This trend contributes to the need for updated regulations.

LEDs, which now account for most headlights in new cars, are much brighter than traditional halogen headlights. The issue still accounts for a small number of nighttime crashes, according to a study last year from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The study noted that headlight glare contributes to far fewer crashes than insufficient visibility.

Federal headlight standards for minimum and maximum brightness have not changed since 1997. Drivers older than 70 appear to be most affected by headlight glare. In 2022, NHTSA said it would allow automakers to install adaptive driving beam headlights on new vehicles. These devices adjust the headlight beam pattern to dim portions directed at other vehicles.