flashing third brake light

[wybes569]

Has anyone installed a module to cause the high mounted third brake light to flash when the brake are applied? I have a 2015 explorer and I would like to add this feature.

 

[Sgt1411]

Are you referring to the quick flicker just before the brake lights illuminate?

If so be careful its illegal in some areas.

 

[wybes569]

yes, when you step on the brakes, only the top third brake light flashes for a couple seconds then goes solid. I'm not aware of this being illegal in the US.

 

[Sgt1411]

It does catch your eye if your not paying attention to what's in front of you, I wonder why the OEM's don't use it if theres no issues?

I see it here on motorcycles, but haven't seen it on vehicles.

 

[wybes569]

It does get your attention. I was rear ended last year from a distracted driver. Don't know if a flashing third brake light would have prevented this or not. I guess OEM's are not installing them because of the uncertainty of the laws covering flashing brake lights. However, there is a company out there (Pulse) that claims they are DOT approved.

 

[AZmom]

We have added this to our Mustang and love it. For the size of the module I cannot figure out how to install in Explorer or F-150. I agree they capture your attention. If you find anything please post as I would love to add these.

 

[comper]

I remember seeing a couple of European models from Mercedes and BMW with OEM flashing F1 style brake lights. From what I've read it's still illegal in North America...

http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mo...r-options-the-law-wont-let-you-have-4#slide-4

I've been trying to find a nice looking solution to a low position strobe brake light, but have only found cheap looking rice-version and an ugly hitch led light so far. Will probably end up with a strobe module in the top brake light at the end

 

[74d34h]

I have this on one of my motorcycles, and I decided in the Spring I am turning the flashing off. The majority of drivers are trained for the solid red light, the blinking/flashing might confuse people. If it was ever a severe accident that ended up in litigation, that kind of modification could cause a major issue. Not that you want that, but most drivers do not pay attention and altering lights that we are trained to respond to might not be a good idea. That's just my opinion.

 

[wybes569]

I never thought about the litigation issue, especially if this type of light is illegal in North America. Besides, all the lights I've been looking at only flash for a couple of seconds before going solid. It you are stopped and the light has turned solid and the yahoo behind you finally looks up from his text, all he'll see is three solid lights right before he rams into you. I guess the only drivers that would even notice a flashing third brake light are the ones paying attention in the first place and they're not the problem anyway!

 

[peterk9]

According to a post I read on a Ford Escape forum, what you are looking at is illegal.

http://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2005/05/23/05-10136.html

Peter

 

[comper]

The difference between the OEM strobe brake lights and the modules sold throughout the Internet is that OEM only flashes when you brake hard. Warning drivers behind you that you've slowing rapidly. So it has a very good purpose.

 

[.:TF:.]

The difference between the OEM strobe brake lights and the modules sold throughout the Internet is that OEM only flashes when you brake hard. Warning drivers behind you that you've slowing rapidly. So it has a very good purpose.

I've had vehicles (European) that activate their hazard warning lights when the brake pedal is struck with a certain amount of force and a certain level of deceleration is attained, like during an emergency stop. It doesn't activate each time the brake pedal is touched though which is what the aftermarket ones do. Personally I find the aftermarket ones really annoying. Granted they catch your eye the first time they activate but following a vehicle in stop-start traffic with a constantly blinking brake light is infuriating.

 

[JETZ]

I have it on my Vette, and only stopped once. The issue is that it is not a 'strobe' light action, therefore no problem.

 

[Jzales]

Our state police explorers have a red strobe in the turn signal housing that flashes two or three times quickly and then goes solid when the brakes are applied. I thought about doing something similiar myself.

 

[360]

It wouldn't be illegal if it had a clear lense.

 

[MarkM]

The easiest way to obtain this effect is to simply replace the bulbs. You can get these bulbs from a number of websites. As stated above, some states restrict the use of any kind of flashing lights. I can tell you that in Virginia it is NOT illegal. Many emergency vehicles and tow trucks have this lights installed on them.

 

[Jzales]

The easiest way to obtain this effect is to simply replace the bulbs. You can get these bulbs from a number of websites. As stated above, some states restrict the use of any kind of flashing lights. I can tell you that in Virginia it is NOT illegal. Many emergency vehicles and tow trucks have this lights installed on them.

The only replaceable bulbs are the backup and turn signal. Everything else is multiple leds in a sealed housing, no way to swap them out.

 

[twodogs603]

The easiest way to obtain this effect is to simply replace the bulbs. You can get these bulbs from a number of websites. As stated above, some states restrict the use of any kind of flashing lights. I can tell you that in Virginia it is NOT illegal. Many emergency vehicles and tow trucks have this lights installed on them.

Im not so sure. I know the state code is written for motorcycles to be able to flash their brake lights, but it can only do so for no more than 5 seconds then must go steady red. I cant find anything in the code that allows passenger cars to do it.

 

[MarkM]

I assure you it isn't illegal. It can only be a momentary then steady light.

 

[Sunny32_1967]

It does catch your eye if your not paying attention to what's in front of you, I wonder why the OEM's don't use it if theres no issues?

I see it here on motorcycles, but haven't seen it on vehicles.

On 2015 Sports model, it is OEM. My sport 2015 always blinks 3 - 4 times before going solid.