Headlight
What are headlights?
Headlights are used to illuminate the road ahead of a vehicle. They form part of the vehicle’s lighting system and must meet specific photometric requirements for use on public roads.
Depending on the design, a headlight may perform a single lighting function or combine several functions within a single housing. The most important functions include low beam and high beam. In addition, functions such as daytime running lights, parking lights or direction indicators may be integrated.
Low beam and high beam
The low beam is designed to illuminate the road without excessively dazzling other road users. To this end, its light distribution has a defined cut-off line.
High beam, on the other hand, provides long-range illumination of the road ahead. As its light distribution can severely dazzle other road users, it must only be used under appropriate conditions.
The different beam patterns produced by headlights are specifically generated by the headlight’s optics.
Right-hand and left-hand traffic
With asymmetrical low beam, the light distribution differs for right-hand and left-hand traffic. In right-hand traffic, the right-hand side of the road is illuminated more intensely or over a greater distance; in left-hand traffic, the left-hand side is illuminated accordingly.
The design of the headlight must therefore be suitable for the respective direction of traffic.
Lighting technology
Headlights can be designed using different light sources and technologies. These include, for example, halogen and gas-discharge lamps, as well as LED systems.
Regardless of the technology used, it is not solely the amount of light generated that determines how the headlamp functions. The optical system shapes the light to produce the light distribution required for the respective function.
Statutory requirements
For use on public roads, headlights must comply with the applicable statutory requirements. In Europe, the ECE regulations are particularly relevant in this regard.
The photometric requirements for headlights are now set out in particular by UN Regulation No. 149. Requirements regarding the mounting and wiring of lighting equipment on the vehicle are contained, amongst other things, in UN Regulation No. 48. A corresponding ECE approval mark indicates that type approval has been granted.
In the case of high beam headlights, the reference number provides information on the photometric performance of the high beam and is particularly relevant to the permissible combination of several high beam headlights on the vehicle.
You can find an overview of our headlights in our shop.