NHTSA Begins Review of FMVSS No. 108 Lighting Rules

NHTSA Begins Negotiated Review of Vehicle Lighting Rules

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is beginning a negotiated rulemaking process to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, which governs vehicle lighting in the United States. The review will examine several lighting-related requirements, including headlight glare, headlamp height and aim, as well as provisions covering newer technologies. The initiative will also assess whether existing requirements remain appropriate as vehicle lighting systems evolve. Through the negotiated rulemaking process, NHTSA plans to bring representatives from relevant industries, safety organizations, research institutions and engineering groups into the review of the federal lighting standard.

Review Covers Headlights and Emerging Lighting Technologies

The NHTSA review will examine headlight glare, headlamp height and headlamp aim, which are key areas of vehicle lighting performance. The agency will also evaluate requirements for newer technologies such as LEDs, dusk sensors and automatic high beams. These technologies have changed how vehicle lighting systems operate and are increasingly incorporated into modern vehicles. By reviewing the existing standard, NHTSA will assess the requirements governing these systems within the United States. The process is intended to consider how current lighting technologies and associated safety requirements can be addressed within Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.

Testing Procedures and International Alignment Also Under Review

In addition to lighting performance requirements, NHTSA plans to evaluate testing procedures for plastic optics and replaceable lenses. The agency will also consider increasing alignment with international lighting standards as part of the review. These areas could affect how vehicle lighting components are evaluated and how federal requirements correspond with broader lighting standards. The review therefore extends beyond individual headlamp characteristics to include testing methods and regulatory alignment. Any changes considered through the process would affect the framework governing vehicle lighting requirements in the United States, while the negotiated approach is intended to incorporate technical perspectives from organizations involved in lighting, vehicle equipment, safety and engineering.

Rulemaking Committee Will Include Up to 18 Representatives

NHTSA will appoint up to 18 representatives to participate in the negotiated rulemaking committee. The participants will come from lighting manufacturers, automotive equipment associations, safety organizations, research institutions and engineering groups, providing representation from multiple areas connected to vehicle lighting. NHTSA is also accepting public comments and nominations for the committee through November 9, 2026. The process gives affected stakeholders an opportunity to contribute technical and safety perspectives as the agency evaluates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. The committee's composition is intended to bring relevant expertise into discussions surrounding lighting requirements, testing procedures and potential alignment with international standards.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The review could influence vehicle lighting requirements and compliance considerations for manufacturers and automotive equipment suppliers in the United States, particularly as LED systems, sensors and automatic high beams become more established. Evaluating headlamp glare, aiming, component testing and international alignment may help determine whether existing requirements remain suitable for newer lighting architectures. The negotiated rulemaking structure also gives manufacturers, safety groups, researchers and engineering organizations a direct role in the technical discussion. The next significant step will be the formation of the committee after the November 9, 2026, deadline, followed by its evaluation of potential updates to the lighting standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NHTSA reviewing under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108?
NHTSA is reviewing vehicle lighting requirements covering headlight glare, headlamp height and aim, newer technologies, and testing procedures for certain lighting components. The agency will also consider requirements for LEDs, dusk sensors and automatic high beams as part of the negotiated rulemaking process. The review includes plastic optics and replaceable lens testing procedures and may consider greater alignment with international lighting standards. NHTSA will involve representatives from manufacturers, equipment associations, safety organizations, research institutions and engineering groups.