When will they be on the road?
The many benefits of adaptive headlights have been well-known around the globe, except in the United States, where they are illegal. They used to be illegal but they are now legal. The $1 billion US infrastructure bill was signed into law last November. It contained a measure to amend the old rule that kept adaptive headlights off US roads. Before it could become official, however, a new rule was needed. It’s now official. You can read the entire new rule if you want. Check out all 327 pages You can find more information at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration website. We’ll only explain why this was an issue for our purposes. Federal motor vehicle safety standards established a rule in 1967 that prohibited high-beam and low-beam light functions from being combined. The purpose of adaptive headlights was to provide simultaneous functionality that benefits drivers and other motorists. However, the old rule was frustratingly technical and kept the new technology out of the US market.
If you don’t know what adaptive headlights are, they feature a bank of computer-controlled LEDs within headlight housings that can be directed in specific places. The adaptive lights are able to illuminate distant roads in front of the driver like high beams but also aim the light away from traffic. Advanced systems can focus light to illuminate symbols on the road ahead of the vehicle, such as arrows and other navigation prompts.
Benz and Audi both have used adaptive headlights since years. The legal pathway to the US is now clear. When will American buyers be allowed to use this new technology? Motor1.com reached to many automakers for comment, but the trick lights won’t be there overnight. Jacob Brown, spokesperson for Audi offered some insight into the future. Audi of America, a world leader in lighting technology is thrilled about the FMVSS 108 amendment that will bring high-quality driving beam headlights to American customers. We are currently evaluating the ruling and deciding on next steps.