2013-05-20 12:00:59

Toyota Fights Versus NHTSA Headlight Limits

Even after doubts about the Toyota FJ Cruisers shiny headlights, Toyota is hitting NHTSA to lower its stance about its top beam headlights.

While the FJ Cruiser’s shining lights problems are being solved, the Japanese brand is referring to its fresh automatic top beam headlight technology, which is now prohibited for use in the US. The system provides automatic control of the top beam headlights, and even gives a shade to prevent blinding pedestrians and oncoming cars. It’s possible thanks to a camera and sensor which can find traffic and pedestrians.

Nowadays Toyota and its elegant Lexus have sold 16,000 cars in Japan and Europe with this technology, and can’t provide the potentially vital feature to the US stores.

Other brands including Audi and Mercedes-Benz are also looking into automatic top beam technology, but face the same issues.

NHTSA provided a statement in reply to the petition, stating that it will assess the limits.

“The agency carries on looking at possible ways in which the federal lighting standard can give even better illumination for drivers,” NHTSA’s announcement informed. That limit was last refreshed in 1999, and auto brands claim that it doesn’t allow implementing the changes which can improve driver and pedestrian safety.