Federal bill would cap how bright car headlights can be
In committeeH.R. 7772Latest action
Sponsor: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez · Representative · WA
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Official title: LIGHT Safety Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 7772 requires the Dept. of Transportation to set a maximum headlight brightness limit within one year.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 7772 would require the federal government to establish a legal maximum brightness limit for low beam headlights on vehicles sold in the United States. The Department of Transportation would have one year to write and finalize the new rule, with brightness measured in lumens or a comparable unit.
Who does it affect?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would determine and enforce the specific brightness limit. Automakers, vehicle owners who use aftermarket headlight upgrades, and everyday drivers who share roads with bright-headlight vehicles would all be affected.
Why does it matter?
There is currently no federal cap on low beam headlight brightness, and complaints have grown that LED and other modern headlight technologies blind oncoming drivers. The bill's supporters contend this creates a safety hazard, particularly on two-lane highways with no barrier separating opposing traffic.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 3, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 4, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.