Headlamp for vehicles

A halogen bulb (3) provides both visual and infrared light. A shutter (4) has a filter which permits only the passage of the latter. In the dipped position the shutter is raised to restrict the area illuminated by the light beam. In this position the infrared beam (10) still covers the main beam area and, by providing an IR detector a visual or audible alarm can warn the driver of obstacles lying in the vehicle path.