What indicates that the headlights are misaligned on a vehicle during an inspection?

The determination that headlights are misaligned is based on their failure to shine at the correct height or direction. Properly aligned headlights illuminate the road ahead effectively and in a specific pattern. When headlights are misaligned, they may shine too high, blinding oncoming drivers, or too low, not adequately illuminating the road ahead. This misalignment can lead to reduced visibility for the driver and create a safety hazard for others on the road.

Other options relate to issues that can affect headlight performance but do not specifically indicate alignment problems. Flickering bulbs often suggest a problem with the electrical system or the bulb itself, rather than alignment. Dimmer headlights point to a potential issue with the bulbs or electrical connections, while cracked lenses can impair light output but do not directly relate to the alignment of the beams. Therefore, the key indicator of misalignment is the incorrect height or direction of the headlight beams.