How high should headlights be at 25 feet?

At 25 feet, low-beam headlights should be aimed so the cutoff line is about 2 inches (50 mm) below the center of each headlight. This standard helps illuminate the road ahead while reducing glare for oncoming drivers. Exact requirements can vary by country, vehicle, and manufacturer, so consult your owner's manual or a certified technician for your specific car.

What the guideline means at 25 feet

Technicians use a wall or screen placed 25 feet away to measure beam height. The goal is to align the low-beam cutoff so that the brightest portion of the beam sits roughly 50 mm (2 inches) below the headlight’s centerline. This creates a sharp downward cutoff that lights the road ahead without blinding other drivers. The concept relies on a level car and proper distance to ensure consistent results across vehicles.

Regional standards

While the basic aim is consistent—maximize forward visibility while minimizing glare—the exact methods and offsets can differ by jurisdiction. In the United States, FMVSS 108 guidance uses a 25-foot test with a target offset near 2 inches below the headlight centerline. In many European countries and other regions following the ECE regime, the approach is similar but may involve different reference heights or testing procedures. Always verify with local rules and your vehicle’s manual.

How to measure and adjust headlights

If you want to assess or adjust your headlights yourself, you’ll need a level surface, a wall about 25 feet away, masking tape, and a measuring tool. The steps below reflect a common approach used by hobbyists and technicians. Your vehicle may have specific procedures listed in the owner’s manual.

1. Park the car on a level surface with the load representative of typical driving (tires inflated to spec, fuel in the tank, passengers inside as needed).


2. Back the vehicle up to a flat, light-colored wall or screen positioned 25 feet away from the headlights.


3. Mark the center point of each headlight on the wall with tape. Draw a horizontal line through these center points to establish the reference height for each lamp.


4. On the wall, mark a line 2 inches (50 mm) below each headlight centerline. This is the aiming target for the low beams.


5. Turn on the low beams and observe the beam pattern. If the cutoff sits below the target, adjust the vertical aim using the headlight’s vertical adjustment screws per the owner’s manual.


6. Repeat the process for both headlights, ensuring both beams are aligned horizontally as well as vertically toward the targets.


7. Test the headlights at night to confirm adequate road illumination without producing glare to oncoming traffic. Readjust if necessary.

Note: If your vehicle has adaptive or dynamic lighting systems, or you’re unsure about adjustments, seek professional service to ensure proper alignment.

Safety considerations

Adjusting headlights should be done in a safe environment away from traffic. Use proper lighting, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid making adjustments on public roads. If you’re uncertain about the process or if the vehicle uses sophisticated lighting technologies, a professional alignment is recommended.

Summary

The practical rule of thumb is that the low-beam cutoff should sit about 2 inches (50 mm) below the headlight centerline at a 25-foot measurement. This balances forward visibility with glare reduction for other drivers. Always confirm the exact specifications for your vehicle and local regulations, and consider professional alignment for precise results or if your headlights use advanced lighting systems.

What is the correct height for headlights?

Headlights should be aimed so the top of the low-beam is about 2 to 4 inches below the center of the headlight, at a distance of 25 feet. This downward angle is crucial to illuminate the road ahead without blinding oncoming drivers. For a simpler check, the top of the beam should be just below the side-view mirror of a passenger car when parked 25 feet away.
 
This video demonstrates how to adjust headlights: 1mMotorWeekYouTube · Oct 19, 2024
How to aim your headlights

• Park on a flat surface 25 feet from a wall. 
• Mark the center of your headlight on the wall, then mark a horizontal line at the height of the headlight's center. 
• Measure the height of the headlight's center from the ground and mark that same height on the wall. 
• For your low beams, adjust them so the brightest part of the beam is 2 to 4 inches below the horizontal line you marked on the wall. 
• Ensure both headlights are aimed at the same height and are horizontally aligned with each other. 
• If your vehicle is over 36 inches tall at the headlight aiming point, you should aim 2 inches down from the initial mark on the wall. 

How to tell if they are aimed correctly

• The top of the brightest part of the beam should be just below your side-view mirror, or at the 2- to 4-inch mark on the wall, depending on the method. 
• The road ahead should be clearly illuminated without the beam being excessively high. 
• You won't have oncoming drivers flashing their high beams at you. 

This video explains how to adjust the side-to-side alignment of headlights: 59sTheRetrofitSourceYouTube · Aug 13, 2015

What are signs of headlight misalignment?

The signs of misaligned headlights are most noticeable at night, and include:

• Uneven illumination of a straight road surface.
• You can't properly see road signs, or miss them altogether.
• You're late detecting or reacting to obstacles or changes in road direction.

How high should headlights shine at 25 feet?

Headlamp Aiming Criteria: at the correct distance (25'), a reject would occur if the brightest portion of the beam is more than 4” to the right or more than 4” to the left of the vertical center line or more than 4” above or more than 4” below the horizontal center line.
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What is the rule of thumb for aiming headlights?

The rule of thumb for aiming headlights is to park 25 feet from a wall on level ground and adjust the light so the top of the beam is about 2 to 4 inches below the center height of each headlight. The pattern should be a "hot spot" that is higher on the passenger's side to illuminate signs, and lower on the driver's side to avoid blinding other drivers.
 
Step-by-step guide
This video demonstrates how to adjust your vehicle's headlights: 59sFCP EuroYouTube · Feb 4, 2025

1. Prepare the vehicle: Park on a level surface with a vertical wall in front of the vehicle. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and the vehicle has its normal load, or is at a normal driving height. 
2. Mark the wall:
   • Turn your headlights on. 
   • Measure the height of the center of each headlight to the ground. 
   • Use masking tape to mark the center of each headlight beam on the wall at that height. 
3. Position the car: Back your car up in a straight line exactly 25 feet from the wall. 
4. Aim the lights:
   • Turn off the headlights. 
   • Adjust each headlight so that the top of the low beam is 2 to 4 inches below the taped line you made on the wall. 
   • Fine-tune the vertical and horizontal adjustments using the adjustment screws on the back of the headlight assembly. 
   • Ensure the highest point of the beam is slightly lower than the driver's side to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.