Does the middle brake light have to work?

Federal law mandates that all vehicles have the third brake light outfitted within the car. Additionally, the third light must be comparable to the other brake lights on the vehicle so that it is not distracting to the drivers behind the vehicle.

Is it illegal if your third brake light is out?

As mentioned, all cars 86 and up require a third brake light. You can remove it if you like, but you won’t pass your state inspection without it. If a cop is behind you, he may pull you over for not having it, as it’s a pretty important safety feature.

Are high mount brake lights required?

U.S. Requirement on ’86 Cars : High-Mounted Brake Lights Now Standard. Effective Monday, each new auto built for sale in the United States must bear the latest mark of safety regulation: High-mounted brake lights have become standard equipment by federal mandate.

When did third brake lights become mandatory?

1986
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) repeated Voevodsky’s experiment on a larger scale, and concluded that center high mounted stop lamps, as the government calls them, reduce accidents and injuries. As a result, in 1986, NHTSA began requiring all new cars to have a third brake light.

What is the 3rd brake light called?

Center High Mount Stop Lamp
In North America, since 1986, all vehicles feature a third brake light. Legally, this is called the Center High Mount Stop Lamp, CHMSL for short, but informally called center brake lamp, high-level or eye-level brake lamp, cyclops brake light, or safety brake lamp.

Why is there a 3rd brake light?

Also, called safety brake lamp or high-level brake lamp, the third brake light helps fellow drivers in knowing when you hit the brakes. It is useful when their view of the left and right brake lights is interrupted by other vehicles.

How much does it cost to replace a third brake light?

It was noted by the dealer during a “Fitness Inspection & Treatment Plan” when I took it for other service that the center brake light bulb in the rear window needed replacement. The cost estimate was 73.00.

Where are brake lights, high level, Whats the requirment?

Brake lights, High Level, whats the requirment? Can you offer a little advise, whats is the current standing on High Level brake lights (HLBL) or also known as 3rd brake light, normally placed in the top middle of your rear window.

When do brake lights need to be fitted?

Any fitted brake lights must function correctly. Two out of three does not a pass make. But the MOT manual doesn’t state that. Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1971 must be fitted with two obligatory stop lamps. Additional stop lamps fitted and connected must be tested.

Is the 3rd high level brake light a fail?

If it’s not a fail, it bloody well should be. 3rd high level brake lights are there for a reason. People who drive badly maintained cars on the road annoy me almost as much as those who speed past schools. This nonsense never dies because people who dont know what theyre talking about perpetuate it in pubs, and now on internet forums. Stop it.

Do you have to have center brake light on to pass inspection?

“They’re a little stunned; they say I checked my stop lights before I got there,” Jones says. “Aggravation for some, others are good with it, as long as it gets fixed and they get their car inspected. At least 50 percent of the bulbs have to be on and be illuminated to pass inspection,” says inspection technician Sam Upchurch.

Where are the high level brake lights located?

Can you offer a little advise, whats is the current standing on High Level brake lights (HLBL) or also known as 3rd brake light, normally placed in the top middle of your rear window. The question is drivers are now placing stickers which obscure (not block) the HLBL. with various words, ranging from a racing name to some rather unpleasant text.

How many brake lights do you need in Texas?

No announcement yet. I know in and of itself Texas only requires two brake lights but years ago on here I saw a Trooper (I believe) reference another statue in the the Transportation Code that basically says that a vehicle must have, in working condition equipment as required per the Federal Govt. for safety.

Do you have to have a center brake light?

“It’s required to have all three stop lights. Left , right and the center,” says Jones. Some models have LED lights, and can be pricey. “They get very expensive, up to $400 at times,” Upchurch says. Law enforcement has been aware of this for quite some time, and you can be ticketed if your center back light is not working.

What to do when your third brake light is not working?

When the lower lights do not come on and only the third-brake light works, the brake-light switch may be ruled out. Again try the emergency-flashers to check for wiring, socket and lamp problems. If the flashers work, check for blown fuses as a few vehicles use separate circuits for the lower and third brake lights.