Why are pop-up headlights not allowed?
2 Answers
The main reasons why pop-up headlights are not allowed are: 1. Pop-up headlights pose a significant hazard to pedestrians, as they can cause severe injuries in the event of a collision due to their square shape and sharp edges; 2. The structure of pop-up headlights is not conducive to aerodynamics, as they slightly increase wind resistance when raised; 3. Over time, pop-up headlights are prone to getting stuck, which can result in uneven opening speeds on both sides, creating a dangerous situation while driving; 4. The opening and closing mechanism of pop-up headlights places higher demands on the electrical system, and the number of open-close cycles is limited, making them highly susceptible to damage after repeated use. Pop-up headlights refer to a hidden headlight design where the headlights are recessed into the vehicle's front hood when turned off and flip upward when turned on.
As someone working in the field of automotive safety, I've seen numerous accident cases involving pop-up headlights. Their elimination is primarily due to pedestrian protection concerns. In the event of a collision, those protruding components can act like sharp objects, potentially lacerating pedestrians or cyclists and significantly increasing injury risks. Modern safety regulations, such as Europe's NCAP standards, strictly mandate that headlights must be flush with the vehicle body to absorb impact and enhance overall safety. Looking back, while the pop-up headlight designs on 1980s sports cars were stylish, they came with multiple issues: freezing and jamming in winter, water ingress and rusting in summer, with high failure rates affecting driving. Safety comes first—today's fixed, integrated headlights are more energy-efficient, reliable, and reduce maintenance hassles. Automotive design is always evolving, and abandoning pop-up headlights is a necessary step toward intelligent safety advancement.
