Automakers’ struggle to launch ADB headlights in US market

While the revised FMVSS 108 rule by NHTSA, passed over three years ago, allowed automakers to start selling vehicles fitted with ADB headlights, the complex requirements set by the federal vehicle safety agency have essentially delayed the launch of such headlights in the world’s second-largest automotive market.

Over three years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made amendments to its Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108, which regulate lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment in the US, to allow the fitment of adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights in new vehicles sold in the country. For nearly 10 years, automakers operating in the US have been requesting the federal vehicle safety agency to change its old automotive lighting regulation, which has held back the sale of vehicles fitted with ADB headlights in the country, given their huge potential to reduce traffic accidents when driving at night.