Brighter lights on cars may be dimmed

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The federal government is considering new standards for headlights after a spike in complaints from motorists who say they’ve been blinded by oncoming vehicles.

Authorities say the increase in complaints can be traced to the proliferation of sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, and more vehicles with high-intensity headlights and fog lights.

"New technologies allow headlighting to be more robust than in the past," Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said in a statement. "While such technologies can be beneficial for drivers, we must be certain the public is protected from high levels of glare."

Mineta said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would look into whether new standards for headlights are needed.

NHTSA officials say few if any crashes are directly caused by headlights. But they say that glare can increase stress for a driver and reduce visibility, which can result in more accidents.

Many complaints to the agency involve high-intensity discharge lamps, which emit a bluish hue and are brighter than traditional halogen lights. The lamps have been offered as a $400 to $800 option on vehicles. Cheaper imitations that use tinted glass or colored bulbs also are available, some that meet federal standards and some that are illegal.

In the request for public comment published Wednesday, the agency suggested lowering the height of headlights on light trucks, which include pickups, SUVs and vans.

Federal law says that headlights cannot be higher than 54 inches. The standard was set in 1968, when most passenger vehicles were cars. Today about half of all vehicles sold are light trucks, which can have headlights much higher than those on cars.

NHTSA sought comment on other possible changes as well, such as lights angled to direct light away from oncoming drivers. Changes inside vehicles might include enhanced mirrors, windows that can dim oncoming headlights and improved instrument panels that reflect less light.

NHTSA has been getting complaints about fog lights for years, but the agency said there has been a sharp increase recently.

The lights are mounted low and meant to shine through fog, rain, snow and dust. But complaints and research indicate drivers often leave them on even when conditions don’t require them.

States have varying laws restricting when fog lights can be used. NHTSA plans to regulate the lamps at the federal level.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.nhtsa.dot.gov