Adapt cheap lights to not blind oncoming traffic

[trevor brooker]

Having fitted lights powered off the main battery that complied with German standards I was astonished to see the clear horizontal beam cut off.
https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/stvzo-lights-with-lenses.35542/
It got me thinking about the backup battery lights I was using on country lanes to act as main beams.
Would it be possible to put say aluminium tape horizontally on the top of the lens to create a cut off?
http://ridershandbook.com/bikes-and-equipment/how-to-align-your-motorcycle-headlight-for-mot/
That way I could still have the light to the sides (lots of bends) & front (lots of dips) but not blinding oncoming traffic.
Has anyone tried something similar or any other suggestions?

 

[mike killay]

I suspect that you will need to put the tape on the bottom of the lens. That's what they do with cars going to the continent.

 

[anotherkiwi]

The cutoff is in the mirror design on quality lights so blocking with tape will probably work, test with a bit of cardboard. You will have less light output of course.