Automatic headlight dipping control

An automatic headlight control device comprises a photocell for detecting the lights of an approaching vehicle provided with a shield for preventing illumination by stray sources, and a multiposition switch for causing in one position thereof a headlight to be dipped when the photocell is illuminated. The shield means may be of hollow frustoconical construction with light entering at its narrow end and the photocell being located at its broad end. If a slot is provided extending from end to end, the shield can be so positioned that the photoelectric means will continue to register the presence of an approaching vehicle until that vehicle is level. If the slot is shorter or not present at all, the photocell will cease to register the presence of an approaching vehicle a short time before that vehicle is level. An adjustable shutter may be provided for changing the length of the slot. Both headlights may be controlled by a single photocell secured on the offside. Other positions of the switch means permit manual override.