Transport Canada is seeking public input on the growing concern of headlight glare from modern vehicles. The agency has launched an online survey to gather data on how headlight brightness affects road users, aiming to understand the factors contributing to nighttime glare. The survey, open to all Canadians aged 16 and over, will remain accessible until April 20th.
The initiative follows increasing complaints about the intensity of modern headlights, which, while designed to improve visibility for drivers, can create hazardous conditions for others. A petition was recently filed in the House of Commons by a Gatineau resident, calling for stricter regulations on headlight technology to mitigate glare. This reflects a wider sentiment that advancements in headlight technology have outpaced safety considerations for oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The survey addresses experiences traveling at night, factors contributing to headlight glare, driver behavior, and potential solutions. Transport Canada also assessed the impact of headlight glare on nighttime driving performance in 2024–2025. The findings of that study will be presented in May at the 28th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles in Toronto.
The consultation aims to identify specific vehicle and lighting system characteristics that influence how people respond to nighttime glare. Canadians are encouraged to participate in the anonymous survey to share their experiences and contribute to potential regulatory changes. This comes after a recall of 3,296 2025-2026 Ford Explorer vehicles in Canada due to software defects in the adaptive headlight system.
