Tesla Loses Fight to Dodge Recall Over Blinding Headlights on Model 3 and Model Y

If you’ve ever been momentarily blinded by an oncoming car’s headlights and wondered if they were actually legal, the answer may be no, especially if that car was a Tesla. Two years after Tesla told federal regulators that the low-beam headlights on some of its electric vehicles exceeded legal brightness limits, the company’s attempt to avoid a recall has been rejected.

In its petition, Tesla argued that the overly bright light falls outside the field of vision of oncoming drivers, making the noncompliance harmless. But the NHTSA wasn’t buying it. In a written response, associate administrator Eileen Sullivan said the agency disagrees that there’s no increased risk of glare for surrounding traffic.

She pointed to public comments and a similar 2022 decision involving GM Terrain vehicles as evidence that the headlights can still produce dangerous glare. The ruling means Tesla must provide a free fix for affected owners.

The broader issue of blinding headlights is gaining attention beyond the recall. The NHTSA is currently studying LED-headlamp glare and may take additional action. S. House, the LIGHT Safety Act, would set maximum brightness limits for low-beam headlights. That proposal has been stuck in committee since March.

For now, drivers of taller vehicles like SUVs, combined with the rise of powerful LED lights, are likely to keep noticing those harsh beams on the road.