A procedure is provided for actuating at least one main headlamp of a lighting unit for a motor vehicle. An overall light distribution generated by means of at least two segments of a segmented light module is allocated to a light function. The light control switches on or switches off the light function depending on at least one electric input signal of the light control. In order to facilitate the application of an animation of a vehicle lighting for a plurality of vehicle and environmental situations, the overall light distribution of the light function is built up from a plurality of light distribution segments (a-f; a-b; a-c). Each of the light distribution segments (a-f; a-b; a-c) is generated by means of at least one segment of the segmented light module. The plurality of light distribution segments (a-f; a-b; a-c) are switched on and/or switched off by the light control in a previously determined and stored sequence.