4th Brake Light Laws

[TommyFive]

For the life of me, I cannot find any information regarding adding a 4th brake light to vehicles in NY state. All I can find is information on the center-mount 3rd brake light, and I can't find anything definitive about modulated brake lights for NY state either.

I'm very interested in adding the 4th brake light/rear fog light kit to my BRZ that is coming in May for safety reasons, but I want to be sure of the legality of it all/if the vehicle will pass inspection with it.

Anybody know more about this for NY state?

[fledonfoot]

You could always just pull the bulb for inspection, seeing as it has no other function on a stock car.

[Jayde]

I do not know either, but worst comes to worst install a kill switch.

Also, where abouts in the Hudson Valley are you located?

[TommyFive]

Originally Posted by Jayde

I do not know either, but worst comes to worst install a kill switch.

Also, where abouts in the Hudson Valley are you located?

Yeah, I assume a kill switch in trunk might be my only option for passing inspection.

I'm a bit south and east of you in Stormville - I may be moving to Pleasant Valley soon though, which is right in your neighborhood. I'm waiting on my BRZ from Mid-Hudson Subaru - pulled the trigger this weekend and signed papers, so it may still be almost 2 months 'till it gets here

[Foobar]

Legal in NY, just can't maintain a flashing strobe as that is restricted to authorized emergency vehicles.

Technically, as far as NY vehicle code is concerned, if your vehicle was built prior to 1953, you are required to have at least one brake light. 1953 and beyond, you are required to have at least two brake lights.

It doesn't say anything about requiring three, or not allowing more than 2.

Of course, federal law requires the third brake light, but it also doesn't restrict a fourth.

EDIT: whoops, should be 1953, not 1952.

[TommyFive]

Originally Posted by Foobar

Legal in NY, just can't maintain a flashing strobe as that is restricted to authorized emergency vehicles.

Technically, as far as NY vehicle code is concerned, if your vehicle was built prior to 1952, you are required to have at least one brake light. 1952 and beyond, you are required to have at least two brake lights.

It doesn't say anything about requiring three, or not allowing more than 2.

Of course, federal law requires the third brake light, but it also doesn't restrict a fourth.

Perfect info to know! I feel much less bad about my plans for the 4th brake light.

[Jayde]

Originally Posted by TommyFive

Yeah, I assume a kill switch in trunk might be my only option for passing inspection.

I'm a bit south and east of you in Stormville - I may be moving to Pleasant Valley soon though, which is right in your neighborhood. I'm waiting on my BRZ from Mid-Hudson Subaru - pulled the trigger this weekend and signed papers, so it may still be almost 2 months 'till it gets here

Whoa, Stormville isn't far from me, and I live right on the border of Pleasant Valley! And that's where I got mine too! Did you want to specific one they didn't have? I know Ruges has a few in stock last I checked. Who was your sales person at Mid-Hudson?

Next time there's the monthly meet at Ruges, you should come!

[Shagaliscious]

I have seen SUVs and trucks with that little trailer hitch add-on that lights up and gets brighter when you brake. I can recall seeing vehicles with PA & NJ plates. Not saying that they are legal, but I have never heard of SUVs or trucks getting pulled over for it.

[raptor87]

Originally Posted by Shagaliscious

I have seen SUVs and trucks with that little trailer hitch add-on that lights up and gets brighter when you brake. I can recall seeing vehicles with PA & NJ plates. Not saying that they are legal, but I have never heard of SUVs or trucks getting pulled over for it.

yup