From Road & Track · Zac Palmer · · 1m 10s
NHTSA Modernizes Headlight Standards
NHTSA updates headlight rules to fix glare and align with global standards.
In brief
NHTSA updates headlight rules to fix glare and align with global standards. NHTSA is modernizing U.S. headlight standards to address glare and align with international safety rules after previous attempts failed. Originally reported by Road & Track.
NHTSA updates headlight rules
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Tuesday it is modernizing U.S. vehicle lighting standards to address glare and improve safety.
Previous attempt failed
NHTSA updated FMVSS 108 in 2022 but created unique U.S.-specific rules that no automakers met, except Rivian and Tesla.
Five key areas for change
NHTSA will address headlight glare, modernize lighting technology, improve performance, update testing materials, and align global standards.
Public criticism of glare
A recent AAA study found six in ten American drivers consider headlight glare a serious issue, and a 2025 U.K. study found 96 percent of drivers think most headlights are too bright.
NHTSA administrator comments
NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison said today’s standards don’t allow new safety technologies, so they’re modernizing rules to foster innovation and keep roads safer.
Public comments deadline
Public comments on the new headlight standards can be submitted until November 9 this year, with no timeline for when new regulations will be issued.
The main idea
NHTSA is modernizing U.S. headlight standards to address glare and align with international safety rules after previous attempts failed.
