Is covering third brake light illegal?
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.
When did the third brake light become law?
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.
How many brake lights are required by law?
Brake lights It may seem obvious but these are essential for letting drivers behind you know when you’re braking. By law you need to have two working brake lights. However, because they’re positioned on the back of your car it’s not unusual for you to go for a few days, without noticing that one of your bulbs has gone.
Does every car have 3 brake lights?
In North America, since 1986, all vehicles feature a third brake light. Positioned higher than the corner stop lamps, the third brake light is more visible to other drivers. The center brake light is usually located on the centerline of the vehicle, but may be offset if the vehicle features split rear doors.
Is it illegal to only have one brake light?
By law you need to have two working brake lights. As soon as you’re aware that one of your brake lights is faulty, make sure you fit a new bulb straight away. If you’re stopped by police you could receive: A verbal warning.
Is a high mount brake light 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.
Why is a third brake light required?
A third brake light provides an extra signal to distracted drivers—and studies confirm that it reduces automobile accidents.