Source: AutoGuideSource: AutoGuideHeadlight output increasing dramatically thanks to new technology isn't necessarily a good thing across the board. Though it might improve visibility for the driver, near-blinding LED lights-especially those in electric cars-can well exceed the allowed maximum brightness, in turn hampering other drivers' (and pedestrians') ability to see.Tesla and General Motors are trying to skirt the blame for creating lights so demonically bright, and now the Department of Transportation is putting its foot down.Source: AutoGuideSource: AutoGuideAdvertisementAdvertisementTesla-notorious for doing things their way, whether the public is on board or not-was being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Model 3 and Model Y headlights that were too bright. Just shy of 20,000 Model Year 2017-2023 cars were being looked at in 2024 for headlights that had a throw and spread beyond what was safe for others on the roadways.Tesla went on the defense (as Tesla does) and did its own study, concluding they were not at fault. They also said they shouldn't have the burden as there were no formal complaints, attempting to absolve themselves of all blame. Shocking, we know.The NHTSA wasn't backing down, though. The organization ordered Tesla to repair or replace the headlights in these affected cars, free of cost to the owners.Source: GMCSource: GMCAdvertisementAdvertisementThe issue of overly bright headlights isn't an isolated incident. Looking back to 2022, almost 725,000 GMC Terrain SUVs were subject to an investigation over the headlights as well. These, too, were too bright and outside the legal limit. General Motors tried to say there wasn't a real issue here, but the NHTSA pressured the company for a recall. Despite GM's petition to avoid fixing the cars, the NHTSA put the pressure on, and GM went home with its tail between its legs.This is an important time in the ruling over "blinding" headlights; as technology further improves and lights continue to get brighter, it's not a matter of it but rather of when the next automaker steps over the line of legality for how bright lights can be.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.