Pop up headlights, also known as a retractable headlight or simply "pop-ups", are a mechanism pulls down the headlight assembly so it is hidden and flush with the lines of the car. This aids in aerodynamics and asethics. When the headlights are turned on, they flip up or "pop up" out the
hood/bumper, allowing the bulbs to illuminate the road.
This was a common feature on many import cars such as the Miata and Mk3
Supra and
even exotics like 80s Ferraris. However, they were banned from new car designs in the early 2000s for pedestrian safety issues, such as like lack of DRL and also to meet newer fuel economy standards (
poor aerodynamics). These could also
break, causing more safety issues.