3rd Brake Light Delete

[LpAbsolute]

How can I completely delete my 3rd brake light? I'm adding 37"s and don't want to extend it or have it hit the rear windshield wiper like i've heard from some. I don't want to relocate it or do an aftermarket kit. Just want to delete it all together. Thanks.

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[jludave]

How can I completely delete my 3rd brake light? I'm adding 37"s and don't want to extend it or have it hit the rear windshield wiper like i've heard from some. I don't want to relocate it or do an aftermarket kit. Just want to delete it all together. Thanks.

Disconnect and remove.

It is technically not legal to do so, but it's your vehicle.

Also, not sure if removing the light will throw a warning but I don't know of any other way to eliminate the light completely.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@LpAbsolute
@jludave

Does you have State Vehicle Inspections?

States that require yearly inspection will be looking for that 3rd brake light on your 2021 JLR.

I know my local NYS Inspectors... depending on the inspector... some will not pass a vehicle with no 3rd brake light if the vehicle / Model year... left the factory with a 3rd brake light.

Sure you can easily just unplug it / remove it but in order to pass Sate inspection you will have to reinstall for inspection.

 

[LpAbsolute]

@LpAbsolute
@jludave

Does you have State Vehicle Inspections?

States that require yearly inspection will be looking for that 3rd brake light on your 2021 JLR.

I know my local NYS Inspectors... depending on the inspector... some will not pass a vehicle with no 3rd brake light if the vehicle / Model year... left the factory with a 3rd brake light.

Sure you can easily just unplug it / remove it but in order to pass Sate inspection you will have to reinstall for inspection.

No inspection. Just want to remove it.

 

[jludave]

Does you have State Vehicle Inspections?

States that require yearly inspection will be looking for that 3rd brake light on your 2021 JLR.

A 3rd brake light is technically required in all 50 states. It's a federal law/mandate.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Disconnect and remove.

It is technically not legal to do so, but it's your vehicle.

Also, not sure if removing the light will throw a warning but I don't know of any other way to eliminate the light completely.

@jludave

NYS ... most vehicle inspectors

A 3rd brake light is technically required in all 50 states. It's a federal law/mandate.

Yes ...true.... not enforced usually but if there is State Inspection.... 8-)

@LpAbsolute

It's cute to remove but required by law. Could possibly work against you if/when you get into an accident... Dependent on the severity of the accident probably.. It is more prudent/wise to relocate / keep it..

 

[LpAbsolute]

Did the delete last night. Pretty simple. Removed the spare, removed the bracket for the light and unplugged it. Then just took some electrical tape and sealed up the end of the plug and stuck it back down in the base of the spare tire housing and put the spare back on. All-and-All about 30 mins start to finish. Looks 100% better in my opinion, clean. Having the 37's installed in the AM. No lights on the dash from the light being unplugged also for anyone who might plan on doing the same.

 

[RoadiJeff]

Good luck with the SC cops.

 

[limeade]

In regards to the several posts concerning the legality of removing a 3rd brake light:

• local and state cops do not and cannot enforce federal vehicle safety standards (FVSS)
  • enforcement of Commercial Vehicle (semi trucks, etc) laws are a different animal, I am only referring to passenger vehicles
• look up your local and/or state vehicle equipment laws to determine what your locality requires
  • Some states/localities incorporate FVSS into their vehicle code, but these are strictly state and local laws
• My state doesn't have vehicle inspections and I've never dealt with them. But I'd guess the inspections incorporate whatever their state laws require as far as vehicle equipment, etc. These laws may incorporate certain FVSS provisions

In Nevada, state law requires a minimum of 2 stop lamps (brake lights). Therefore it is legal to remove the CHMSL so long as the other 2 stop lamps are still operational.

Making general statements as to the legality of the removal of CHMSL doesn't do anything to properly educate others. And, not all of us live in states with mandatory vehicle inspections (Thank God!). Research your state laws so you know what's legal or not for you.

To the OP, glad you got it figured out and you like the look.

 

[jhrodd]

My Ram truck doesn't have a third brake light and it's perfectly legal. Heck, it doesn't even have turn signals!

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@limeade

OP was asked if he had State Inspection in his State.... and if so to understand that he may need to keep his 3rd brake light. I saw no "general statements" made.. He was educated in that ....dependent on his State, there could very well be an issue.

I concur with your well written post.

 

[jludave]

@jludave

NYS ... most vehicle inspectors

I live in NY. My father owns/operates a repair shop and used to do NYS inspections. When he used to do inspections, he would not pass a vehicle without a 3rd brake light. If caught doing so, he could have been fined and had his inspection license revoked.

 

[limeade]

It is technically not legal to do so, but it's your vehicle.

General statement......it is state dependent.

A 3rd brake light is technically required in all 50 states. It's a federal law/mandate.

This is incorrect. The Federal Mandate is for the vehicle manufacturer to install the CHMSL. Just like it's a mandate to install Air Bags.

@jludave

NYS ... most vehicle inspectors


Yes ...true.... not enforced usually but if there is State Inspection.... 8-)

@LpAbsolute

It's cute to remove but required by law. Could possibly work against you if/when you get into an accident... Dependent on the severity of the accident probably.. It is more prudent/wise to relocate / keep it..

Not required by some state laws....again state dependent. And as long as the vehicle meets the current equipment requirements of the state it's registered in, then no legal ramifications.

I was pointing out to the OP in particular, and others in general, that what the vehicle owners in one state have to go through aren't necessarily true in other states.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I live in NY. My father owns/operates a repair shop and used to do NYS inspections. When he used to do inspections, he would not pass a vehicle without a 3rd brake light. If caught doing so, he could have been fined and had his inspection license revoked.

@jludave

Yes, most NYS inspectors, especially today.... follow the laws/rules closely... and their inspection process is on camera.

I am fortunate enough to be very very close to a guy that owns a local shop... that does inspections and he lets me slide .... or would let me slide on certain things. Again, now days the process is on camera that is tied to the DMV so he is monitored quite closely..

Example..... he is suppose to pull a wheel and check pads, etc..... the camera accidentally gets turned and he does not pull a wheel on my vehicle.... not that my pads are worn...

I do not think he would let me slide on no 3rd brake light as that might come back to bite him..

 

[AlgUSF]

I remember in the 1980's when the CHMSL was installed on new cars. There were aftermarket versions available for existing vehicles and they'd be wired incorrectly and blink when a turn signal was activated. It was a "cool new thing", made your car look modern. Now in 2021, people are looking to delete them.

I do have to admit that on the Wrangler the CHMSL looks like an afterthought.

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