A Proposed Solution for Glaring LED Headlights
When the topic of LED lighting comes up among consumers, a complaint about blinding headlights is bound to become part of the conversation. Now the government is weighing in.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is modernizing its outdated vehicle lighting standards – Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 – in effort to make driving conditions safer at night on American roads.
To accelerate the rulemaking process, NHTSA will consult industry stakeholders, safety advocates, and technical experts to tackle key safety and engineering challenges, including:
• Addressing Headlight Glare: Examining the role that modern headlighting technology has on glare for other road users and making appropriate changes.
• Modernizing Lighting Technology: Improving rules for LEDs, dusk sensors, automatic high beams, and replaceable light sources.
• Improving Performance: Evaluating how headlamp height and aim affect driver visibility.
• Updating Testing & Materials: Streamlining test procedures for plastic optics and replaceable lenses.
• Aligning Global Standards: Harmonizing U.S. vehicle lighting regulations with international safety standards.
“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,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. “This collaborative approach will allow us to update outdated regulations, foster innovation, and keep everyone on our roads safer.”
For the first time in more than 25 years, NHTSA is using negotiated rulemaking to update its vehicle lighting standards. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy will appoint up to 18 stakeholders across vehicle lighting manufacturers, motor vehicle equipment associations, safety organizations, research institutions, and engineering associations.
Make your opinion heard
NHTSA is soliciting public comments on the scope, committee membership balance, as well as formal nominations for membership. All comments and membership applications must be received by Nov. 9, 2026.
Applications and comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov (Docket No. NHTSA-2026-1981).
