An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle light having an adjustable light output are provided. An apparatus includes a processor configured to receive sensor data from a sensor module having a number of sensors. The processor is further able to determine a light output mode for the vehicle light in accordance with the sensor data. The sensor data indicates a vehicle or environment condition. A method of using an apparatus for controlling a vehicle light with adjustable light output is provided that includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors in a vehicle, determining a light output mode in accordance with the sensor data, and sending to the vehicle light appropriate commands for adjusting the light output in accordance with the determined light output mode.