Wisconsin Drivers Warned About Blinding Headlight Glare

State Patrol and NHTSA advise proper headlight alignment and use to improve road safety

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Wisconsin State Patrol and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are warning drivers about the growing problem of excessively bright and misaligned headlights, which can create dangerous glare for other motorists. Experts advise drivers to ensure their headlights are properly installed and aligned, avoid relying solely on automatic high beam settings, and turn on their lights whenever visibility is limited.

Why it matters

Blinding headlight glare from improperly installed or misaligned LED headlights has become a major safety concern, with the NHTSA acknowledging motorists' complaints and vowing to take action against non-compliant lighting equipment. Proper headlight maintenance and usage is crucial for visibility and safety on the roads.

The details

According to Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Anna Schopp, the issue isn't just the increased brightness of modern LED headlights, but also their improper alignment. Misaligned or aftermarket lights that are not properly installed can cause severe glare for oncoming drivers. The NHTSA has warned that the manufacture and sale of excessively bright, non-compliant headlights is illegal, and drivers using such equipment can face penalties.

  • The NHTSA recently released a statement addressing the headlight glare issue.
  • Wisconsin law requires drivers to turn on their headlights when visibility is limited, such as when windshield wipers are in use.

The players

Anna Schopp

A Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper who has observed the growing problem of blinding headlight glare.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The federal agency responsible for vehicle safety regulations, which has acknowledged motorists' concerns about LED headlight glare and vowed to take action against non-compliant lighting equipment.

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What’s next

The NHTSA is assessing a broader array of studies on LED headlamps and will consider taking additional steps depending on the findings.

The takeaway

Drivers must ensure their headlights are properly installed, aligned, and used to avoid creating dangerous glare for other motorists. Proper headlight maintenance and usage is crucial for visibility and safety on the roads.