SEMA Responds to NHTSA's Request for Comments on Perceived Glare from Front-Mounted Lamps

NHTSA Actions To Further Regulate Lighting Equipment
In September 2001, NHTSA requested public comment on how to respond to public complaints about headlamp glare. NHTSA now intends to propose new lighting rules beginning in late 2003. The rules will address consumer complaints regarding perceived glare from high intensity discharge headlights (HIDs), HID knock-offs, and higher-mounted and supplemental front-mounted auxiliary lamps (ex: fog lamps) and possibly headlamp-aiming requirements as well. NHTSA has acknowledged that there are a myriad of issues associated with glare. For example, it cited a possibility that many drivers look directly at HIDs because they are unfamiliar with the light, and thus experience glare.

Summary of SEMA’s Concerns and Recommendations

The agency is reviewing consumer and law enforcement complaints concerning the perceived glare from headlamps and front-mounted auxiliary lamps. To this end, NHTSA is requesting comments on means to reduce glare. The agency is focusing its attention on: 1) HID lights; 2) fog lights and other optional lights; 3) high-mounted headlights on trucks and SUVs. SEMA is concerned that many of the suggested actions contained in this proposal will have the effect of restricting the ability of aftermarket suppliers to provide a full range of safe and compliant motor vehicle lighting product to consumers. Our primary concerns and recommendations are summarized as follows:

• NHTSA should encourage cutting edge technology, such as HID lamps, that comply with federal standards while producing more light and an increased field of view, allowing the driver to see more clearly and concentrate better.
• NHTSA should not further regulate front mounted lamps nor regulate optional lighting equipment without evidence that proves that these lamps are a significant safety hazard, directly responsible for highway injuries or deaths.
• NHTSA should encourage states to focus enforcement on correcting misaimed lamps.
• NHTSA should encourage local law enforcement to uphold current laws restricting conditions when fog lamp/auxiliary lamp use is allowed, as long as these restrictions are based on a demonstrated safety concern.
• Aftermarket lamps should not be required to conform to the specifications of standardized original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lamps.
• Aftermarket manufacturers should only be required to meet the lighting parameters required by NHTSA. The distinction must be drawn between complying and non-complying products, not OEM and aftermarket products since many aftermarket products, such as fog lamps, are not prohibited by law and upgrade or enhance OEM lights.
• NHTSA should work with lighting industry manufacturers to develop a consistent and street-enforceable means to distinguish compliant lamps from non-compliant lamps based on performance criteria, not design specifications.

Status

In early 2003, SEMA’s Lighting Task Force met with NHTSA officials in Washington, D.C. charged with overseeing federal lighting regulations to discuss the group’s goals and to gain insight to pending agency regulatory actions. NHTSA intends to propose new lighting rules in 2003 and 2004. SEMA also continues to work with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) in its review of lighting products for compliance with state and federal regulations. AAMVA is in the process of developing model state regulations that reflect federal mandates on lighting products. The Task Force is considering coordinating efforts with MEMA’s newly formed Motor Vehicle Lighting Council.

NHTSA’s current estimated timetable for action:

• Publish proposed rule to regulate certain front-mounted auxiliary lamps (ex: fog lamps) in late 2003
• Publish proposed rule for headlamp mounting height in early 2004
• Reach a decision on how to address HIDs and other advanced lighting sources in early 2004 (and probably issue a proposed rule)
• Issue a proposed rule to regulate HID-knock-offs in early 2004
• Reach a decision on how to address headlamp aiming issues in mid 2004

Current as of July 28, 2003.

Originally posted by BigDeal
Hey Rockpick, maybe the ban will only apply to non-factory HID setups. Guess ya better get out the old Lightning heads you had in your truck previously and dust 'em off. They may see some more use here real soon.

-Mike-

Originally posted by BigDeal
Hey Rockpick, maybe the ban will only apply to non-factory HID setups. Guess ya better get out the old Lightning heads you had in your truck previously and dust 'em off. They may see some more use here real soon.

-Mike-

Originally posted by webmaster
Here is the latest...does not look like any new legislation has passed...

http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosins...b01-221695.htm