Require a lumen cap on headlights in Washington state

Recent signers:
Nathan Nordgaarden and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Driving at night should be a straightforward task, but for many of us, it has become a challenge due to exceptionally bright headlights blinding oncoming drivers. Personally and through countless conversations both in-person and online, I've encountered numerous stories of drivers struggling with visibility when faced with modern headlights that exceed reasonable brightness levels. It's not just an inconvenience—it's a significant safety concern that affects everyone on the road.

High lumen headlights are increasingly common in vehicles across Washington State, and while they may enhance visibility for drivers, they drastically reduce the visibility for those in oncoming traffic. According to reports from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, glare caused by high-intensity lights is linked to an increase in the risk of accidents, as it temporarily blinds drivers, making it difficult to see lane lines, street signs, and pedestrians.

Current headlight technology is designed to improve driving conditions, but without proper regulation, these advancements become a threat. Washington State needs to implement a strict lumen cap on vehicle headlights to ensure they are optimized for safety and functionality without jeopardizing others’ ability to drive safely. By introducing a legal limit on headlight brightness, we can reduce the blinding effect of high beams and help prevent potential accidents caused by impaired visibility.

This petition calls for Washington State legislators to take urgent action to regulate the permissible brightness of vehicle headlights, implementing a cap that ensures safe driving conditions for everyone. Through collaborative efforts between automotive manufacturers, policymakers, and concerned citizens, a balance can be struck that maintains visibility without sacrificing safety.

Join us in advocating for safer Washington roads by signing this petition. Let's illuminate the path toward a sensible, safer future for all drivers.

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Recent signers:
Nathan Nordgaarden and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Driving at night should be a straightforward task, but for many of us, it has become a challenge due to exceptionally bright headlights blinding oncoming drivers. Personally and through countless conversations both in-person and online, I've encountered numerous stories of drivers struggling with visibility when faced with modern headlights that exceed reasonable brightness levels. It's not just an inconvenience—it's a significant safety concern that affects everyone on the road.

High lumen headlights are increasingly common in vehicles across Washington State, and while they may enhance visibility for drivers, they drastically reduce the visibility for those in oncoming traffic. According to reports from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, glare caused by high-intensity lights is linked to an increase in the risk of accidents, as it temporarily blinds drivers, making it difficult to see lane lines, street signs, and pedestrians.

Current headlight technology is designed to improve driving conditions, but without proper regulation, these advancements become a threat. Washington State needs to implement a strict lumen cap on vehicle headlights to ensure they are optimized for safety and functionality without jeopardizing others’ ability to drive safely. By introducing a legal limit on headlight brightness, we can reduce the blinding effect of high beams and help prevent potential accidents caused by impaired visibility.

This petition calls for Washington State legislators to take urgent action to regulate the permissible brightness of vehicle headlights, implementing a cap that ensures safe driving conditions for everyone. Through collaborative efforts between automotive manufacturers, policymakers, and concerned citizens, a balance can be struck that maintains visibility without sacrificing safety.

Join us in advocating for safer Washington roads by signing this petition. Let's illuminate the path toward a sensible, safer future for all drivers.

The Decision Makers

Dave Upthegrove
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands
Bob Ferguson
Washington Governor
Patty Kuderer
Washington Insurance Commissioner

Supporter Voices

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Petition created on December 9, 2025