i think its a good safety feature to keep, legality idk though. i know in Virgina it is required to work and be there if it came with one from factory.
Are third brake lights required by law?
Is it legal to remove the third brake light?
I HATE the third brake light on my 2g Mx6. My car didn't come with a spoiler from factory so it has the interior brake light on the rear dash. It rattles constantly and I would just like to get rid of it.
I know that Mx6's with a stock spoiler came without a third brake light since there is one on the spoiler. I already have a good source and price for a rear dash but I will not buy it if it's going to cause me major headaches down the road.
I HATE the third brake light on my 2g Mx6. My car didn't come with a spoiler from factory so it has the interior brake light on the rear dash. It rattles constantly and I would just like to get rid of it.
I know that Mx6's with a stock spoiler came without a third brake light since there is one on the spoiler. I already have a good source and price for a rear dash but I will not buy it if it's going to cause me major headaches down the road.
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Yes it is. If you had one, you are required to keep it.
But they would never know if I had one to begin with if I replace the rear dash. What about people who had stock spoilers and removed them?
I know in some states it's required, don't know about all.Is it legal to remove the third brake light?
I HATE the third brake light on my 2g Mx6. My car didn't come with a spoiler from factory so it has the interior brake light on the rear dash. It rattles constantly and I would just like to get rid of it.
I know that Mx6's with a stock spoiler came without a third brake light since there is one on the spoiler. I already have a good source and price for a rear dash but I will not buy it if it's going to cause me major headaches down the road.
If you end up getting rid of it, I'll buy it perhaps. The MS spoiler doesn't come with one, so I'll need it.
I removed mine but never had any problems with the law about not having a 3rd light, i never knew about that law until u brought it up. I figure they wont know as long as u replace the rear cover and if the ask just say the car came like that....
I know they are not required in MA, but are in NH... and as for PA:
From the PA department of transportation vehicle inspection and equipment regulations, subchapter E, subsection 175.66 "Lighting and Electrical systems," subletter (e):
"Other Required Lamps - A vehicle specified
under this subchapter shall have at least one
red stop lamp on each side of rear of vehicle,
which shall be illuminated immediately upon
application of the service brake."
Doesn't say anything about a third brake light, so you could probably get away with it. Under the inspection procedure, it says to reject if a required lamp is missing... but if the third brake light isn't required like the above suggests, then they shouldn't reject you for it. And worst case is they tell you to put it back on.
There's some other good stuff in there too... like you're not allowed to have wheel spacers thicker than 1/4"...
I'd say take a look, get some other opinions on what it says, and print out a copy to show them (if needed) when you get it inspected, or to show a cop if he pulls you over for it.
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pub_45/section_e.pdf
From the PA department of transportation vehicle inspection and equipment regulations, subchapter E, subsection 175.66 "Lighting and Electrical systems," subletter (e):
"Other Required Lamps - A vehicle specified
under this subchapter shall have at least one
red stop lamp on each side of rear of vehicle,
which shall be illuminated immediately upon
application of the service brake."
Doesn't say anything about a third brake light, so you could probably get away with it. Under the inspection procedure, it says to reject if a required lamp is missing... but if the third brake light isn't required like the above suggests, then they shouldn't reject you for it. And worst case is they tell you to put it back on.
There's some other good stuff in there too... like you're not allowed to have wheel spacers thicker than 1/4"...
I'd say take a look, get some other opinions on what it says, and print out a copy to show them (if needed) when you get it inspected, or to show a cop if he pulls you over for it.
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pub_45/section_e.pdf
I'm actually going to replace the whole rear dash so they will never know it had one. They probably won't even ask. :shrug:
I may be wrong on this, but I think the third brake light deal was federally mandated durring the Reagan years in the mid 80's. In other words it's federal law unless I'm wrong.
i would keep it honestly. In the case your side brake lights decide not to work at least you have a fail safe. Can't say how many beaters in the area i've seen with no brake lights but half of the center high mount works.
I'm actually trying to get the center high mount in the honda to work. Its already got 5 brake lights including the spolier but it pisses me off. That and the stupid brake lamp light.....
I'm actually trying to get the center high mount in the honda to work. Its already got 5 brake lights including the spolier but it pisses me off. That and the stupid brake lamp light.....
It was a federal mandate in the 80's and removing it is illegal but I havent had one for a few years and havent had any issues even when I get pulled over.
But theres so much about the car thats illegal that if they ever decide to enforce laws here it'll just have to become a race car lol.
But theres so much about the car thats illegal that if they ever decide to enforce laws here it'll just have to become a race car lol.
Good point, I thought I was right on the timing of the mandate going into effect.It was a federal mandate in the 80's and removing it is illegal but I havent had one for a few years and havent had any issues even when I get pulled over.
But theres so much about the car thats illegal that if they ever decide to enforce laws here it'll just have to become a race car lol.
meh if they ever ask, just say the car had a spoiler on it at some point in time and due to a freak accident of some sort the trunk and spoiler were replaced with a spoilerless trunk lid..
I think I am going to do this. I assume it's not too hard to remove the rear dash anyway. And for those of you worried about burnt out lights in the rear the mx6 has two sets of brake lights on each side along with the turn signal. The chances of two bulbs on one side going out are slim.
in texas, it isnt checked on a state inspection, just the 2 main tail and stop lights. if its there it has to work but if it is removed, then o well but i like them cause some brake lights on older cars are dim and the 3rd brake light is good cause u know that they r using the brakes.
i passed my safety without the brake light on the spoiler.
You're in Canada. That third light is called the Dole light, and Elizabeth Dole made it necessary for every car registered in the US since the 80's, so it definitely isn't legal to go without one. This light also helps prevent you from getting rear ended. I don't know about any of you, but it's a little more annoying to drive behind someone who doesn't have one. In that case, I look for the Dole light 2 or 3 cars ahead to see when the braking starts.
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
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