NHTSA Moves to Modernize Vehicle Lighting Standards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is beginning a major review of federal Vehicle Lighting standards, including rules covering headlights, LEDs, glare and newer lighting technologies.

NHTSA announced the initiative on October 6 as it moves to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. The federal standard establishes requirements for lamps, reflective devices and related equipment on passenger vehicles, trucks, buses and trailers.

The agency plans to examine several issues that affect visibility on U.S. roads, including headlight glare, headlamp height and aim, automatic high beams and newer LED technology.

For truck drivers and carriers, the announcement does not create new requirements yet. Instead, it begins a federal rulemaking process that could eventually change how lighting equipment is regulated on new trucks and other vehicles.

Vehicle Lighting Review Includes Trucks and Trailers

FMVSS No. 108 has a broad reach. The federal standard applies to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, trailers, motorcycles and certain replacement lighting equipment.

For commercial vehicles, the standard covers much more than headlights.

It includes requirements involving lamps and reflective equipment used to help other motorists recognize a vehicle’s presence, size and movements. The existing standard includes provisions covering equipment such as clearance lamps, identification lamps, side marker lamps, turn signals, taillamps and reflective materials.

Truck tractors and trailers over certain size and weight thresholds are also subject to conspicuity requirements involving retroreflective sheeting, reflectors or a combination of the two.

That makes NHTSA’s broader Vehicle Lighting review relevant to the commercial trucking industry even though the agency’s announcement is not limited to trucks.

Headlight Glare Is a Major Part of the Review

One of NHTSA’s priorities is examining headlight glare.

The agency said it will look at how modern headlighting technology contributes to glare experienced by other road users and consider appropriate changes to federal standards.

NHTSA also plans to evaluate how headlamp height and aim affect driver visibility.

Those issues could be particularly relevant on roads shared by vehicles with significantly different heights, including passenger cars, pickup trucks and large commercial vehicles.

However, NHTSA has not proposed specific new limits for headlamp height or aim. Those subjects are currently areas the agency intends to examine during the rulemaking process.

Vehicle Lighting Technology Has Changed

Another goal is bringing federal Vehicle Lighting rules closer to modern vehicle technology.

NHTSA specifically identified LEDs, dusk sensors, automatic high beams and replaceable light sources as areas it wants to address.

The agency also plans to review testing procedures involving plastic optics and replaceable lenses.

NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said current standards can prevent manufacturers from deploying some newer lighting technologies. The agency says modernizing the rules could allow additional safety technology while addressing concerns such as glare.

Federal officials will also consider greater alignment between U.S. Vehicle Lighting regulations and international safety standards.

NHTSA Uses Negotiated Rulemaking for Vehicle Lighting

Rather than developing the changes entirely through the traditional rulemaking process, NHTSA is using a process known as negotiated rulemaking.

According to the agency, this is the first time in more than 25 years that NHTSA has used negotiated rulemaking to update federal Vehicle Lighting standards.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy will appoint up to 18 stakeholders to participate.

NHTSA said the committee will include representatives from vehicle-lighting manufacturers, motor vehicle equipment associations, safety organizations, research institutions and engineering associations.

The goal is to bring technical experts and affected groups together as the agency develops possible changes to FMVSS No. 108.

Current Truck Lighting Requirements Remain in Place

The October announcement does not immediately change the lighting equipment required on commercial trucks or trailers.

Existing FMVSS No. 108 requirements remain in effect while NHTSA goes through the rulemaking process.

The current standard contains detailed requirements covering the number, color, location, visibility and operation of different lighting and reflective devices. Its stated purpose is to provide adequate roadway illumination while making vehicles more visible and their signals easier for other road users to understand.

For trucking operations, that means the announcement should not be treated as a new compliance deadline or a requirement to replace existing lighting equipment.

Any specific regulatory changes would need to emerge through the federal rulemaking process.

Public Comments on Vehicle Lighting Due in November

NHTSA is currently seeking public input on the scope of the negotiated rulemaking and the balance of membership on the committee. The agency is also accepting formal nominations for committee members.

Comments and membership applications are due November 9, 2026.

Submissions are being accepted through the federal rulemaking portal under Docket No. NHTSA-2026-1981.

The process could ultimately lead to significant changes in how the federal government regulates vehicle lighting technology. For the trucking industry, the areas to watch include headlamp height and aim, glare, newer LED systems and any changes affecting lighting or reflective equipment used on trucks and trailers.

For now, however, NHTSA is beginning the discussion rather than implementing new Vehicle Lighting requirements.