Finally: America's getting modern headlights

Wednesday · 45 min

0:00-45:17

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The U.S. is laughably behind the rest of the world when it comes to headlight technology. It’s not because the technology didn’t exist, but rather because outdated U.S. laws have prevented automakers from bringing these modern technological marvels to U.S. roads. Until now.

New laws that were finally enacted years ago are finally allowing automakers to bring adaptive headlights to the U.S. with a handful of automakers now launching the modern tech in America.

The Drive's Director Of Content And Product Joel Feder, Head of Exterior Lighting for Audi AG, Michael Kruppa, and vehicle lighting and regulation subject matter expert Daniel Stern break down the differences in these upcoming modern headlight technologies and why it took so long for the U.S. to catch up to the rest of the world.

Stories mentioned in today's episode:

Audi’s Matrix LED Headlights Are Finally Coming to America

Audi’s New Q9 Will Project Your Turn Signals Onto the Road

Here’s Why Modern Headlights Are So Unbelievably Annoying

It’s Not Just You: Six of 10 Drivers Say Headlight Glare Is a Problem

See Audi’s New Micro LED Digital Matrix Headlights in Action. Yes, They’re Still Illegal in America

Adaptive Headlights Will Finally Come to the US, Thanks to the Infrastructure Bill

00:00 Intro

04:58 Laws had to change to enable modern headlight tech

09:21 Addressing headlight glare

13:48 Adding communication to lighting

15:06 Rivian's adaptive lighting system vs. Audi's