In this article, the authors propose a novel illumination strategy for light detection and ranging (lidar) systems emitting in the retinal hazard region (400 m <= lambda <= 1400 nm), which allows to improve lidar performance. This illumination strategy was enabled by the 2014 update from edition 2 to edition 3 of the international laser product safety standard IEC 60825-1 [Safety of Laser Products-Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements, 3rd ed. (IEC, Geneva, 2014)] regarding the exposure to multiple pulses. First, the authors introduce critical parameters for lidar performance. Second, the authors summarize the limitations of power emission and state how the standard has changed. Third, the authors highlight how edition 2 of the laser safety standard used to limit some of these parameters. To conclude, the authors present the novel illumination strategy and explain how it allows to improve the performance of lidar systems. (C) 2018 Laser Institute of America.