Are Headlamps That Won’t Blind You Coming?
The U.S. has long lagged behind other regions in car headlamp technology due to strict federal regulations. Only recently has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allowed active-matrix LED lights, which can shape beams to prevent blinding oncoming drivers, onto U.S. roads. These lights, unlike traditional “auto high beam” systems, use controllable LED pixels to selectively dim only parts of the beam, allowing for safer, better-targeted illumination.
This technology, available for years in Europe and China, faced regulatory delays in the U.S., with automakers often forced to disable advanced features in American models. In 2022, NHTSA finally approved the technology but added unique testing requirements, further slowing its implementation.
Suppliers like Magna are working to meet these requirements and recently showcased new adaptive lighting tech, including models with 48-pixel and even 16K resolution options. These lights can project patterns on the road, communicate with pedestrians, and offer customizations based on automaker preferences. The validation process is nearly complete, and U.S. roads may see these advanced lights in a couple of years.