Originally Posted by JDA_yeg

While it is too soon to celebrate, I have received new words from the Regulations Officer that, "Transport Canada solicited comments from stakeholders regarding the allowance for new lighting technologies (AFS and ADB) in Canada. We received comments from stakeholders on this matter and have taken those comments into consideration while working on the Canada Gazette, Part II final regulation publication. At this time, it is our intention to allow the use of ADB on vehicles in Canada, meeting the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice J3069, Adaptive Driving Beam."

For those unfamiliar, SAE J3069 are the guidelines used for adaptive headlights that is used under UN Regulation 48. These are the same guidelines used for the active MATRIX/MULTIBEAM headlights you see sold in Europe. Since Transport Canada has indicated that they will update the CMVSS to meet SAE J3069, among others, that will make European automotive vehicles a lot more aligned with EU-spec than NA-spec coming to Canada.


How was this possible:
- Canada has passed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with EU not too long ago, allowing for a free trade agreement between Canada-EU market. Under CETA mandated a cooperation in the field of motor vehicle regulations under Article 4. Under consideration of the allowance of AFS/ADB was based on UN Regulations 48; which was not included in the annexed regulations. (Tables can be found here: Text of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ? Annex 4) So as of now, UN48 was under an amendment change which is showing promising results.

What we know:
- Gazette Part 2 of the "Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Interpretation and Standards 108 and 108.1)" is expected to be released by the end of this year. Which means that manufactures can implement the changes immediately on the date of publication of Part 2.

What will come:
- Active MATRIX LED will most likely be sold (subject to Audi of course) in 2019 models with no limitations to the technology since it would be permitted in Canada.

What that means for US:
- Historically, Canada has maintained or pursued close motor regulations to be aligned with US to help reduce trade barriers under NAFTA. The current US gov't is attacking NAFTA balance, but that's a whole other story to talk about. Since Canada has a trade agreement with EU, Canada is making part in the deal to align with EU regulations as well, despite many not applicable to US regulations. Since US has no direct relationships with EU, the SAE J3069 standard cannot be applied. Unfortunately, US regulation FMVSS 108 doesn't seem to be in the progression of an update anytime soon.
Therefore, Canada will allow the technology and US will not.
We may see the active MATRIX LED being sold in Canada but not in US, if Audi so chooses to offer it in the Canadian market.

Originally Posted by drive4fun

From what I have seen, Matrix LEDs aren't a panacea and basically are high beams that adjust to avoid dazzling other drivers. They carve out a dimmer spot in the light pattern for cars in front of you, including those driving in the same direction. So, you end up having bright spots and less bright spots moving around as cars move around on the road. This has to be a little distracting. I'm not positive, but if there are too many cars on the road, I'm assuming it basically shuts off. Also, these systems generally don't work in the city as they activate only above a certain speed.

Laser lights are exceptionally bright, above and beyond normal high beams. I think that's what people may think they are getting with a matrix LED, but I don't believe matrix LEDs are brighter than normal LEDs in high beam mode. Oh, and laser LEDs are available in the US on the R8.

Originally Posted by AudiFanFL

Unless you want to argue that drivers in the U.S. are not capable of handling these lights like the rest of the world...

Originally Posted by gsobol

Actually, I would argue the opposite. Americans are incapable of handling regular headlights right now!! I'm tired of getting blinded by clueless people driving with their high beams on. We need to dumb it down, Matrix headlights for everyone !!!

Originally Posted by JDA_yeg