Asymmetric headlights - is this normal?

[AJ Smith]

The attached is when steering wheel oriented straight forward. Both headlights have raised sections with sharp edges on the left and trailing edges on the right. Is this normal / right?

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[MannyMan]

Yes. Normal. The beam is shaped like that due to regulations and DOT compliance.

 

[ElGuano]

Yes. The left side is always lower so you don't blind oncoming traffic. The right side is higher so you can illuminate signs on your side of the road.

 

[R1Yes]

I’ve been meaning to ask the same question. I assumed it was so the left side isn’t as bad for oncoming traffic, but the different in height is so small, even at a distance…

 

[defcon888]

I was today years old when I learned that about the headlights

 

[ElGuano]

There are some good example screenshots of it here:
https://www.auxito.com/blogs/news/guide-to-led-headlight-bulb-beam-patterns

 

[Daspes]

Every vehicle is supposed to be like that.

 

[vandy1981]

Every vehicle is supposed to be like that.

I think it's a lot more noticeable in cars that have projector LED headlights, which is probably why this same question gets asked all the time.

 

[stevieswanderlust]

I was today years old when I learned that about the headlights

Me too!!

 

[Hatbox_Ghoul]

The attached is when steering wheel oriented straight forward. Both headlights have raised sections with sharp edges on the left and trailing edges on the right. Is this normal / right?

Normal, been this way since the early 2000s when companies started using projector type lights, regardless halogen/HID/LED.

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