The vehicle headlamps are fitted with adjustments to vary the pattern of the light output. A sensor system (14) monitors the presence of other vehicles, either in front of the vehicle or approaching the vehicle. The light distribution is automatically adjusted to prevent dazzling the other drivers and to provide optimum illumination of the road. When approaching a leading vehicle its spacing from the sensor system is calculated. If the spacing is below a set the long distance headlamp beam is lowered to prevent dazzling the leading driver and the road between the two vehicles is illuminated more brightly. The system detects oncoming vehicles and lowers the headlamp beams accordingly while increasing the intensity of the nearside beam to better illuminate the side of the road. The system is programmed for driving on either side of the road.
