The design of the automatic light control for the headlamps subjugates the responsibility state law places on the vehicle operator. The operator certantly can _choose_ to allow a automatic system to operate the lights if they want to, however should not be forced to use it if the operator is not comforable with the way the automatic system operates. Additionally, the automatic lighting systems can only determine when ambient lighting conditions _may_ require lighting but _cannot_ determine other specific weather-related conditions when the laws of my state also mandate vehicle lighting be used. Most notably, the auto system does not always "know" when it's foggy, raining or snowing during daylight hours, applying lighting sometimes in those cases, but now always. Or beginning with the lights on, then they go off, then on again, then off again during a trip when the lights should remain on continously. This often occurs without any indication to the operator that these changes in status of the lights are occuring. In fact, with drls lit in the front, the normal visual queue that the lights are out that one would expect is absent (the drls look like headlights) and it's too bright out to tell if the dash lights are on or not. In my opinion, this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. GM should retrofit the Malibu's with total override of the auto system (complete disable of the auto lights and drls) for those owners that request it.

- Burtonsville, MD, USA