Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing one or more headlights by two or more vehicles. Various aspects may include receiving, by a first vehicle processor, a first vehicle collaborative lighting message from a second vehicle, in which the first vehicle collaborative lighting message requests that the first vehicle direct one or more headlights of the first vehicle to illuminate a target area of uncertainty that is disposed, relative to the first vehicle, in a direction other than a direction of travel of the first vehicle. The first vehicle processor may direct one or more the headlights of the first vehicle to illuminate the target area in accordance with the first vehicle collaborative lighting message.