Technology United States

Feds get ready to rewrite car headlight rules

One of the regulations that make vehicles in the US different from those in Europe or Japan is our headlight rules.

By The News Engine Desk Based on reporting by Ars Technica

9 Oct 2026, 01:56 IST Updated 2 hours ago 1 min read 0 views

Image accompanying the story: Feds get ready to rewrite car headlight rules — Image: Getty Images · via Ars Technica

Ars Technica reports: One of the regulations that make vehicles in the US different from those in Europe or Japan is our headlight rules.

They’re laid out in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and changing them is—or used to be—a lengthy, laborious process, which is a major reason automotive lighting technology has lagged in the US.

This technology story centres on the United States. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Europe, Japan and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety.

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Key details

Location: United States · Americas
Reported by: Ars Technica
First reported: 9 Oct 2026, 01:56 IST
Key names: Europe, Japan, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Standards
Section: Technology
Figure cited: But the current administration says it’s time for “bolstering driver safety, slashing red tape, and embracing new technologies,” so it’s going to start a negotiated rulemaking process to rewrite the regulations to suit 2026. (Ars Technica)