Frontlykter

Frontlykter are the primary lighting devices at the front of motor vehicles, designed to illuminate the road ahead and signal the vehicle’s presence. They typically provide a low-beam setting for normal driving and a high-beam setting for enhanced visibility at night.

The term is used in Norwegian and Danish to denote front headlamps. A frontlykts assembly consists of paired lamps with lenses and reflectors, driven by a light source. Modern systems may add daytime running lights, automatic switching, and adaptive beam control.

Light sources have evolved from halogen bulbs to xenon/HID and LEDs. Some vehicles use adaptive or matrix lighting to adjust the beam while avoiding glare for oncoming traffic. Additional front lights such as cornering lamps and fog lamps are commonly integrated.

Regulations differ by country. Generally, frontlykter must be functional, properly aimed, and emit light within specified color and intensity. The EU follows ECE beam patterns and performance standards; the US follows SAE/FMVSS requirements. DRLs are mandatory in some markets and voluntary in others.

Maintenance involves keeping lenses clean, replacing bulbs as needed, and checking alignment. Fogging, yellowing, or moisture reduces brightness and should be addressed promptly.

History: Electric headlights emerged in the early 20th century, replacing gas lamps. Halogen lamps became common mid-century, followed by HID and, since the 2000s, LEDs. Modern systems include automatic high-beam control and, in some models, matrix lighting.