Car Headlight Safety: Tips for High Beams, Visibility & Maintenance

Article overview

• Learn how to use high beams safely and effectively to improve nighttime visibility.
• Explore the pros and cons of different headlight types, including halogen, HID, LED and laser.
• Understand state laws and regulations on headlight brightness, alignment and color.
• Get practical tips for maintaining, restoring and aiming your headlights for optimal performance.

A 2024 analysis of driving patterns and crashes found that although only 9% of driving occurs from sunset to sunrise, nearly 49% of fatal crashes occur during that time. In many cases, ineffective car headlights are a contributing factor. This makes it crucial for drivers to ensure their headlights are functioning properly to stay safe on the road.

According to research from AAA, many drivers aren't getting the most from their car headlights, whether through improper use or neglect of maintenance.

Here are safety tips and maintenance suggestions to ensure maximum headlight visibility.

Use your high beams safely at night

Improving your nighttime visibility is as simple as flicking a switch. High-beam settings can improve your sight distance by 28%. Despite the added visibility that high beams offer, particularly on unlit roads, AAA found that 64% of Americans admit to not using these settings regularly.

AAA recommends using high beams whenever possible when driving at night on an unlit road—but never when there's oncoming traffic or a vehicle in front of you.

Many newer U.S. vehicles are equipped with technology that will use high beams when appropriate conditions are present. In February 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruled that automakers could now install adaptive driving beam headlights on new vehicles to enhance visibility. AAA Public Affairs was actively involved in efforts to help pass this vital policy change enacted. Since this ruling, as of late 2025, only one car brand, Rivian, offers full adaptive driving beam headlights in its model R1S in the United States. Tesla and Audi have announced plans to provide this feature in future car models.

Understanding headlight beam types: Halogen, HID, LED and laser

Headlights have come a long way, offering drivers various options to suit their needs. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

• Halogen: Affordable and widely used, halogen bulbs are easy to replace but have a shorter lifespan and lower brightness than newer technologies.
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge): Known for their bright, white light, HIDs offer better visibility but can be more expensive and require careful maintenance.
• LED (Light Emitting Diode): Energy-efficient and long-lasting, LEDs are becoming the standard in modern vehicles. They provide excellent brightness but may come with a higher upfront cost.
• Laser: The cutting-edge of headlight technology, laser lights are incredibly bright and energy-efficient but are currently the most expensive option.

Each type has its pros and cons, ranging from cost and brightness to maintenance and lifespan, making it essential to choose the right one for your specific driving needs.

In fact, AAA automotive engineers compared the performance of halogen, HID and LED headlights to determine illumination provided at both low- and high-beam settings. Surprisingly, they found that a vehicle can "outrun" its headlights. The results showed that although 80% of vehicles on the road have halogen headlights, they are all insufficient on low-beam settings when driving at highway speeds.

While high beams are essential for visibility, proper maintenance and alignment of headlights are also important.

Avoid glare and maintain safe following distances

Even with the high beams, headlights may only provide enough light to help drivers safely stop at speeds up to 48 mph in real-world conditions, leaving drivers vulnerable at highway speeds.

With visibility limited to about 500 feet (250 feet for regular headlights), there is less reaction time to avoid obstacles or other situations on the road. So put even more space between yourself and the cars in front of you, and drive at a safe speed.

Other advice to help you drive safely at night includes:

• Aim your headlights correctly
• Dim your dashboard lights
• Encountering bright headlights: Look to the line on the right side of the road
• Wear anti-reflective eyeglasses if you need them to drive
• Clean the windshield to eliminate smudges or streaks
• Slow down in limited visibility to reduce stopping time
• Make sure your headlights are clean

Let’s explore the first piece of advice— “aim your headlights correctly.” Here are some DIY tips on how to do this at home.

How to aim your headlights

Properly aimed headlights are crucial for safe driving, especially at night. Misaligned headlights can reduce your visibility and blind oncoming drivers. Here are some steps to make sure that your headlights are aimed correctly:

• Park your car on a flat surface: Park your car on a flat, level surface about 25 feet away from a wall or garage door. Ensure the vehicle is level and remove any heavy cargo that could affect its height.
• Mark your headlight beams: Turn on your low beams and use masking or painter's tape to mark the center of each headlight on the wall.
• Measure the height of the beam: Measure the distance from the ground to the center of your headlights and ensure the marks on the wall are at the same height.
• Adjust the headlights: Open your car's hood and locate the adjustment screws near the headlight assembly. Use these screws to adjust the vertical and horizontal aim of the beams. The top of the beam should be slightly below the height of the headlight itself to avoid blinding other drivers.
• Test your adjustments: Take your car for a test drive to ensure the headlights illuminate the road properly without causing glare for oncoming traffic.

It is essential to check and adjust your headlights regularly, as this can greatly improve nighttime visibility and overall road safety.

The proper height of your vehicle’s headlights is one of the most important factors in safe nighttime driving. Maintaining your headlights is also important. Here is some information on restoring or replacing damaged headlights

Restoring or replacing dull or damaged headlights

Even with the best technology, your headlights might not be lighting the way as well as they could. Years of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause oxidation and wear down the protective coating on the lenses, causing them to absorb more blue light and emit a weaker, yellowish light. Other potential issues, like road damage, dirt, chemical residue and water vapor trapped inside the headlight, can cause visibility problems.

Restoring old headlights can double the maximum light intensity and reduce glare-producing light scatter by up to 60%. Yet only 20% of Americans have performed this service.

You can clean your headlights, but if there's no significant improvement after washing, or your beams appear to be throwing light in two different directions, get assistance from a professional.

How automatic high/low beam adaptive headlights add safety

Automatic high/low beam systems take the guesswork out of adjusting your headlights. Here's how they work and what to watch out for:

• How they work: These systems use sensors to detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch between high and low beams.
• Benefits: Improved visibility without blinding other drivers, and less distraction for you.
• Potential issues: Sensors may not always detect smaller vehicles or cyclists, and the system might struggle in heavy rain or fog.
• Tips for drivers: Always ensure the system is calibrated correctly and understand its limitations to avoid over-reliance.

Additionally, many luxury brands have been including adaptive headlights in their models. These advanced headlights pivot to illuminate curves and corners, improving visibility and safety.

The technology directs the headlight beam based on steering, speed and road elevation.

Legal and regulatory aspects of headlights

State laws on headlight brightness, height and alignment

Many states have specific regulations on the maximum brightness (measured in lumens) that headlights can emit to prevent excessive glare for other drivers. For example, some states cap brightness at 3,000 lumens.

Headlight height is also regulated, typically requiring the beam to be positioned between 22 and 54 inches from the ground. This ensures proper road illumination without blinding oncoming traffic.

Alignment standards often require headlights to be aimed so that the beam does not extend too far above the horizon line, reducing the risk of glare.

Headlight color requirements

Most jurisdictions mandate headlights to emit white or amber light. Blue or other colored lights are often prohibited, as they can be mistaken for emergency vehicles.

Some states allow slight variations in color temperature (measured in Kelvin), but the light must remain within the "white" spectrum to comply with federal standards.

Penalties for non-compliance

Misaligned or failing headlights can result in fines or penalties during routine traffic stops or vehicle inspections.

In some states, vehicles with non-compliant headlights may fail annual safety inspections, requiring immediate repairs to pass.

Persistent violations, such as using illegal aftermarket lights, can lead to higher fines or even vehicle impoundment in extreme cases.

Federal standards and oversight

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets federal guidelines for headlight performance, including brightness, beam pattern and durability. Automakers must comply with these standards before selling vehicles in the U.S.

Adaptive headlights, for example, were only recently approved for use in the U.S. after meeting NHTSA safety requirements.

Why compliance matters

Properly functioning and legally compliant headlights not only keep you safe but also protect other drivers from glare and confusion. Staying informed about your state’s regulations can help you avoid fines and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.

How to keep your car headlights clean and clear

You can also do a few simple things to keep your headlights in optimal working condition. Here are some tips to keep your headlights in top shape for optimal working conditions and driving safety.

• When possible, park in covered areas.
• Park with your headlights facing away from the sun.
• Wash your car with automotive soap to prevent the buildup of dirt and other substances.
• Purchase a restoration kit from a retailer like NAPA Auto Parts. (AAA Members save 10%.)