Headlamp tech that doesn’t blind oncoming drivers—where is it?

The US is a bit of backwater for automotive lighting technology.

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[NetMage]

My goto counter example to all those that claim regulations will be changed quickly when mandating tech standards may have to change now, though 13 years is still a pretty good example of regulatory speed.

The recent example of the FAA requiring a no smoking sign illumination switch on airplane instrument panels for years after smoking was banned from all flights (thanks to an Ars comment) is a better example anyway.

 

[NetMage]

While faster approval of factory headlights would be nice, regulation of aftermarket lighting has become the more immediate need.

There is regulation of aftermarket lighting, but enforcement is the problem. Perhaps if states including legality checks for that lighting as part of annual inspections (if your state has any).

 

[NetMage]

I’m pretty sure Tesla owners are supposed to self-calibrate their headlights when they first take possession of the car. Wouldn’t surprise of me if most don’t and that’s why their beams are all over the place.

That's not what the Tesla Model 3 manual says. Do you make up stuff about other car manufacturers as well?

Spoiler

Warning
Proceed with caution when adjusting headlights. Tesla has carefully calibrated the position of the headlights to be in an optimum position for most driving scenarios. Tesla recommends that you do not adjust headlights unless you are familiar with how headlights should be adjusted. Once adjusted, you will be unable to automatically restore them to their originally calibrated position. Contact Tesla for assistance when adjusting headlights.

Edit: typo

 

[NetMage]

The quoted snippet appears to be warning against physically adjusting the headlight units, normally done by winding one or more ball joints in/out/up/down with a screwdriver and typically something done by your mechanic if/when needed.

Sorry, I didn't post the whole section of the manual, just the warning. The section is about using the touchscreen to adjust the headlights, I doubt if physical adjustment is supported.

Spoiler: Manual section

Headlight Adjustments​

To adjust the angle of the headlights, touch Controls> Service > Adjust Headlights, then follow the onscreen instructions. You can choose which headlight you would like to adjust by selecting it on the touchscreen.

 

[NetMage]

So does the Model 3 prompt you to run through a setup routine to calibrate the alignment and brightness, or is that not necessary?

I don't have a Tesla, though my car does have motorized headlights that self test at start and auto adjust while driving, including auto level and auto aim further based on speed and point around corners.

The Tesla manual has nothing about a needed calibration when first receiving the vehicle and the quoted text says it is factory adjusted.