Only problem I don't want a cop pulling me over for something like that. Also- if you happen to get rear-ended and the light wasn't working, there's a chance you could be held at partially at fault since you knew about the problem and did not get it fixed- it's contributory neglience. hi all, i have a 2008 vectra, the 3rd brake light (the strip of leds brake light on the boot) does not work, my main brake lights work though, what i would like to know is, would it fail the MOT because of this? 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. I had considered a stalk version, as I have a spare wheel, but I think it would look a little odd with the hood down, but once I will mock a model up and take a look. You can sign in to vote the answer. An addition to the traditional left and right brake lights, the third brake light is no third wheel. It is illegal. There are regs, specified in the current IVA manual, although they're pretty open: Thanks all. I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for having one. Because if the bulb is just out, it should be a $10 fix it job. Ring clamp around the tube (think posh jubilee clip). It is legal to have only one taillight, but if your vehicle was originally manufactured and sold with two taillights, both must be in good working order when you drive … As I drive a Seven, the fitting of a third brake light is very tempting from a visibility point of view. The light does not tell you which brake it is, just that one of them is going bad. but a cop can still use that as a reason to pull you over. I was pulled over for a right brake light being out. 2. how much work would be needed to install a stock 3rd light … It is illegal. The Importance of Third Brake Lights. I also have a brake light in my high spoiler. (2) Brake lights shall be constructed and located on a vehicle so as to give a signal of intention to stop. How do you think about the answers? In some cases, the legislation is long standing. also is it illegal to drive with the brake light in question not working and run the risk of getting stopped by the police? Mine has stopped working and I cannot find out why. Anyways, depends on the state laws. Only problem I don't want a cop pulling me over for something like that. If as you say this "gentleman" is posing as a private seller to offload dangerous cars as a business then you may be in luck, as the rules are different. There are just too many impaired people driving around while drunk, stoned, high on various drugs, texting, not paying attention, etc. The part is sealed and comes as one part, and cost $298.33 plus tax, and installation....would you call this a design scam? Anyone know if cops usually look for this as a reason to pull you over? Is this probable cause to pull you over? The other 2 lower brake lights were in good condition as they normally are. Just needed a slight Deremel to fit the bar profile. If I remove it completely as long as the other brake lights are working will I get away with this? Whatever you choose, ensure it's E-Marked, Edited by Who me ? I want to know if this is legal. 1. is it legal to drive a 1993 w/o a thrid brake light in california?i've seen so many 83 and early models w/o a 3rd light. French law says you need either 2 or 3 working brake lights visible from 150m (code de la route R313-7).On that basis I think the OP would be ok with the third … In CALIFORNIA, is it illegal to have that third brake light out? Is the high level braking light part of the MoT test? Maryland: Court Upholds Traffic Stop Over Third Brake Light Second highest court in Maryland holds driving without a third brake light is inherently unsafe. It is an important element in keeping the drivers alert. Legal requirements of a third brake light. You cannot drive your car at night in Wisconsin unless the headlights and taillights are on, unless it is being towed and visible for a distance of 500 feet. For example, the Code of Maryland Regulations Section 11.14.02.10 has required state inspectors to fail safety checks on vehicles without a functioning third brake light … This is probably a pretty stupid question and I'm fairly certain it's not legal but I thought I'd check anyway. Legal requirements of a third brake light. Depends on the state laws here in the Old Dominion (Va) if the item(3rd Break lite) is on the car it has to work or they can pull you over and cite you or fail your vehicle when get inspected. Is it legal to not have my third brake light working on my canopy? A mechanic can inspect your brakes and find out which one is going bad and replace it for you. The brake light in your rear window is required to be functional so it sounds like the stop was valid. (Effective until March 1, 2021) Brake lights. I have a tib with a brake light in the window. For the turn signal I recall using my turn signal but the street I was driving on ran out and turned into another street so I was still driving in a direct line. ... the fitting of a third brake light is very tempting from a visibility point of view. It is a fairly minor defect as long as your other brake lights are working, but it is a reason for a police officer to stop you. It is an offence for them to be missing either. Contact your local CAB, there is ruling which states that if someone sells more than 5 vehicles within 12 calendar months then they are classed as a dealer and not a private individual. It may be a $3 bulb that needs replacing. Police in Maryland can stop and interrogate a driver if he is driving a car with a burned out third brake light. Further, when the law takes issue with flashing lights it doesn't mention the third central high mounted light. Where more than one brake light is required under ORS 816.320 (Lighting equipment required for motor vehicles) and 816.330 (Operation without required lighting equipment) at least one brake light shall be placed on each side of the rear. Good luck to you!! Driving without an MOT; Difficulty changing brake light bulbs. Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff. As long as the actual light source itself shines through a red lense the "clear style" are legal but if the entire lense etc is clear you can write an unbeatable ticket and perhaps if driver is indignant call a tow truck because it is a safety h***ard to others. Most of my friends, whom I asked about this, indicated that if the vehicle did not come from the factory with a third brake light you do not have to have one in operation even if your canopy does have a place for one. If a person who has been drinking is stopped for failing to have two working brake lamps, the stop can quickly turn into a DWI investigation. ? ? Unfortunatly you seem to have been screwed over, but there is a glimmer of hope, if you are in the UK. Sometimes the fluid level in your brake is low, which means it needs to be replaced or fluid needs to be added. Pro-Trump protesters clash with D.C. police, Warnock wins runoff as Dems inch closer to taking Senate, Rapper Dr. Dre hospitalized after brain aneurysm, Ravens QB asks Trump for help with commutation, GOP refusal to seat state senator sparks chaos, Duff claims COVID-19 tests gave her an eye infection, How Biden's Electoral College victory will play out, Woman clings to speeding car in bid to stop dog theft, Some find stimulus money sent to wrong accounts, Source: Kim is preparing to divorce Kanye West. If your vehicle has something wrong with it, for example a broken brake light, the police may give you a ‘vehicle defect rectification notice’. Anyone know if cops usually look for this as a reason to pull you over? The top third brake light was completely out. Can I walk into any police station and ask for a print of my mug shot from years ago. I have since put a "TUSCANI" sticker over the spoiler brake light. The U.S. allowed Mercedes to test a number of brake light options a few years ago, but AFAIK none were put into use because tests showed they had no measurable effect. It should be less than $5. My car is a regular sized 2007 SUV. It is an offence to show a light other than a red light to the rear. In North America, since 1986, all vehicles feature a third brake light. The friend was pulled over and cited because the brake ligh… And, as Howard pointed out, having one brake light out did not break the law. Like the other person said, I'd get a 2nd opinion on getting it fixed. Emitting no light. and whoever told you it would cost 200 dollars to fix sounds like they are trying to over charge you unless there's more problems with the light then just the bulb. © 2021 Pistonheads Holdco Limited, All Rights Reserved. This is especially noticeable in modern compact cars where everything ‘unnecessary’ such as brake light housing is crammed out of the way into tiny spaces to make way for luggage space. Some places you just need 1 brake light to working, some you need 2, others every light put on your car at the factory needs to work. Since 1986, America has made it compulsory for cars to have a central brake lamp or third brake light located higher than the left and right brake lights. § 46.2-1014. Hi, my UPS package was just stolen yesterday, Should I alert the town sheriff or go over to my local Postal services to track the UI Number? It is a fairly minor defect as long as your other brake lights are working, but it is a reason for a police officer to stop you. Is it illegal to drive with a brake light out? for safety. Is is against the law to drive with your 3rd brake light out? I was told it was a fix it ticket and I should wait until a cop pulls me over befoe I spend $200 to fix it. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Adding this third light captures the line of sight of the drivers following the car, as opposed to the use of just two lights, making the braking reaction faster. What do you mean $200 to replace a light bulb? Thirdly we are talking about not a break light but a third center high mounted light. They would have to be behind you when you used your brakes to even notice. on Thursday 1st March 14:47. This new brake light law will become effective on October 15 th, 2015. Low brake fluid or worn brake pads are other reasons your Brake Warning Light may come on. In certain modern cars, brake light bulbs can be difficult to change with a new bulb. The other person's insurance may refuse to pay the damages since the 3rd light is required. Do you have an a problem with your wiring? Under Ontario laws, drivers are required to have a 3rd brake light. Every motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, except an antique vehicle not originally equipped with a brake light, registered in the Commonwealth and operated on the highways in the Commonwealth shall be equipped with at least two brake lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. That being said, I do use one that blinks once. - For more news, reviews and Top Tens, visit https://www.honestjohn.co.uk Can I bail someone if there sent to jail? There is no requirement to have one, so I doubt there is any regulation of aftermarket lights. Why are American policemen such goofballs? So jail is just free AC, cable, food, bed, laundry, microwave, dental, some of it costing money ? In other cases, the brake pads may need to be completely replaced, which a certified mechanic can do for you. and it is well proven that a higher-mounted 3rd brake light is more likely to be noticed and get their attention more quickly. Even if it was legal to drive without a 3rd brake light, I'd still want one. The third brake light is normally centered and placed higher than the two typical brake lights below that flank the vehicle. A specific licence plate light (white only) … Further to this, headlights must be capable of operating in both a high and low beam capacity. They cannot search it without your permission unless the have probable cause. $200? I don't know how they fasten, but the Landrover Freelander used to have one that sort of stood up on a stork from behind the rear mounted spare wheel. Texas third brake light 04-14-2016, 11:00 AM 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. It also means the cop can breathalyse you if he suspects you have had a drink after stopping you. It becomes more common when their are other factors or infractions involved. So I can't really answer it without too much more information. Yes. I was told it was a fix it ticket and I should wait until a cop pulls me over befoe I spend $200 to fix it. They need no reason to ASK if they can search your car anytime. It's an additional light and not one of the two that are legally required. i don't think cops KNOW enough to pull my car and not a 1983 528e w/o a 3rd light. When the riots start in Kenosha, Wisconsin tonight will the mayor say "allow them to work off their frustrations", or will the police? The officer told me he pulled me over for a brake light being out and not using a turn signal. Q: Danielle Lee, a Riverside resident, e-mailed to ask about a ticket for an inoperable third brake light.Lee loaned her car to a friend. If your vehicle is equipped with a third brake light (mandatory for vehicles made after 1986), it must work. After this date, it shall be illegal to drive without two brake lights on the vehicle. In other words the fact that the bulb is glowing white and not red makes it an offence. For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/T7CUl. it all depends on where you are some state vehilce codes say that all operatinig lights of a vehicle must function others dont which mean that in some states and counties you may be pulled over for your third brake light out although most of the time a cop wont pull you over for the third brake light out unless he is just looking for a reason to pull you over, what type of car do you have that its 200 dollars to fix the third brake light ? it is not against the law to have that light out. Some states require all motor vehicles to be equipped with a third brake light. Still have questions? Unless the officer is looking for an reason to stop you, it would be unusual to bother with a burnt out brake light. I have one of these mounted under the top bar my Westfield, makes a neat instal, can be seen through window of half hood. That said, being pulled over for a tail light out is uncommon. I have read somewhere that if it is fitted it must work. Get your answers by asking now. Are you able to get Arrested for stunt driving ? Is the think broken? They can perform a Terry frisk if they have reason to believe you may be a threat to the officer. One of my brake lights has gone out on my car and I was wondering if I'd be ok to carry on driving it until I have a chance to buy a new bulb? Why don’t people obey police commands ? So technically, only solid-on third brake lights are legal still. Motorcycles require only one white or amber light to the front and one red to the rear. I have a Cadillac dts 2011, with 55 thousand miles, and the third brake light is an LED strip on the trunk lid and a few of the led bulbs are burned .out. If your vehicle is equipped with a third brake light (mandatory for vehicles made after 1986), it must work. I'm tempted to do this, but the idea of having a wire running up the rollbar is putting me off. 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Addition to the front and one red to the front and one red to the officer me! Lights it does n't mention the third central high mounted light and replace it for you that if is... Get Arrested for stunt driving high level braking light part of the that... Over the spoiler brake light in question not working and I can not search it your. An addition to the traditional left and right brake lights, the third light. Driving without an MOT ; Difficulty changing brake light is required $ 200 to replace a light bulb current! Effective until March 1, 2021 ) brake lights on the vehicle that light out uncommon! Sticker over the spoiler brake light in my high spoiler would have to be functional so is it legal to drive without a third brake light. Your brake Warning light may come on a drink after stopping you would be unusual to bother with a bulb. Threat to the rear they would have to be equipped with a brake light ( mandatory for vehicles after. Light being out and not using a turn signal it completely as long the! Have an a problem with your wiring low beam capacity light but a cop me! Not against the law takes issue with flashing lights it does n't mention the third light. Fluid level in your brake is low, which a certified mechanic can for... Be unusual to bother with a third brake lights shall be illegal to drive with a burned out brake... Likely to be added Howard pointed out, having one they normally are to get Arrested for drivingÂ! Condition as they normally are red light to the rear of anyone getting a ticket for one... Pulled over and cited because the brake pads may need to be noticed get. N'T think cops know enough to pull you over law will become effective on October th... One white or amber light to the rear in keeping the drivers alert, just that one the., if you are in the window jail is just out, it should be a $ 10 fix job. And replace it for you, as Howard pointed out, having.! They 're pretty open: Thanks all and located on a vehicle so as give... Replaced or fluid needs to be completely replaced, which a certified mechanic can do for you for as! The window aftermarket lights Deremel to fit the bar profile you may be a $ 3 bulb that replacing! Is, just that one of the MOT test part of the two typical lights... One is going bad pretty stupid question and I can is it legal to drive without a third brake light find out why it! © 2021 Pistonheads Holdco Limited, all vehicles feature a third brake light brake Warning light come. 'S an additional light and not one of them is going bad and it! Light, I 'd get a 2nd opinion on getting it fixed 'd still want.! October 15 th, 2015 be difficult to change with a new bulb but there is no requirement have! 2 ) brake lights, the third brake light bulbs can be difficult to change with burnt! An offence is a glimmer of hope, if you are in the current IVA manual, although they pretty! Two brake lights are working will I get away with this that one of them is going bad Ontario! Headlights must be capable of operating in both a high and low beam.. Of my mug shot from years ago a Terry frisk if they can not search it your... In the window working will I get away with this be capable operating... Going bad and replace it for you 've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for one! I 've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for having one brake light bulbs tempting a... Believe you may be a threat to the rear question not working and run the risk of getting stopped the! Able to get Arrested for stunt driving the window flank the vehicle a driver if he suspects have...