Strobing LED Brake lights

[Montana]

EU Regulation 2019/2144

Maybe I overlooked it, but can you show me where it states anything about this subject in there or that strobing brake lights fall under said category (any category in there)?
And I still have yet to see anyone that requires "dynamic brake lights" - of which seem to be a majority aftermarket and again... do not flash constantly.

I do find it funny that some of the "safest" states in the US are the ones to outright make these things illegal.

All that said, I'm not in disagreement that it CAN be applicably safer in certain scenarios. If you look at what is called: Brake Force Display - which is a product for BMW's, that wouldn't seem too bad, especially as just a third brake light solution. But "strobing" in a constant manor is not the same thing and that is what's being discussed in this thread along with the reasoning behind it - of which, the majority of people have already stated multiple reason to why they are (or should be) illegal and not smart. I really don't think we need one more citation in those regards. But we can still discuss the legality and implementation of them in "Europe" if you would like...

Sponsored

 

[TQM]

Maybe I overlooked it, but can you show me where it states anything about this subject in there or that strobing brake lights fall under said category (any category in there)?
And I still have yet to see anyone that requires "dynamic brake lights" - of which seem to be a majority aftermarket and again... do not flash constantly.

I do find it funny that some of the "safest" states in the US are the ones to outright make these things illegal.

All that said, I'm not in disagreement that it CAN be applicably safer in certain scenarios. If you look at what is called: Brake Force Display - which is a product for BMW's, that wouldn't seem too bad, especially as just a third brake light solution. But "strobing" in a constant manor is not the same thing and that is what's being discussed in this thread along with the reasoning behind it - of which, the majority of people have already stated multiple reason to why they are (or should be) illegal and not smart. I really don't think we need one more citation in those regards. But we can still discuss the legality and implementation of them in "Europe" if you would like...

Surprisingly strong feeling about this... I will note that I don't think anyone is looking for or installing brake lights that "flash constantly" or "strobing in a constant manor" (sic). What I found does three quick flashes and then is on constant (see my video). As for legality, I think it depends on the state and that seems harder to pin down than federal rules. The NTHSA has multiple letters explaining their interpretation of federal law (https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/8162, https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/aiam5116, https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/86-64). Here is their explanation:

"Motor vehicle lighting in the United States is subject to both Federal and State requirements. The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment are the Federal requirements to which I refer. Standard No. 108 prescribes requirements for center highmounted stop lamps that must be followed by the manufacturer of the vehicle, and met at the time the vehicle is sold by the dealer to its first owner. One of these requirements is that the center highmounted stop lamp be steady burning when it is in use. Because the Sensor creates a flashing light, a vehicle manufacturer would not be able to use it as original equipment on a vehicle subject to Standard No. 108's requirements for center lamps. These vehicles are passenger cars manufactured on and after September 1, 1985, and light trucks and vans manufactured on and after September 1, 1993.

The Safety Act governs modifications to vehicles after their initial sale. This Act does not prohibit a vehicle owner from modifications that affect compliance with Standard No. 108 (or any other Federal motor vehicle safety standard). Thus, a vehicle owner may install the Sensor without violation of Federal requirements. However, we interpret the Safety Act as prohibiting the installation of the Sensor by a manufacturer, dealer, distributor, or motor vehicle repair business. Under the Act, these persons shall not "render inoperative, in whole or in part, any device or element of design installed in accordance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard." In our view, this forbids the installation of equipment that would take a vehicle out of compliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. However, the Act does not forbid the sale of componentry such as the Sensor which creates a noncompliance once it is installed. In summary, under Federal law, any person may sell your device, but only a person other than a manufacturer, dealer, distributor, or motor vehicle repair business may install it."

So, in this weird circumstance, according to federal law, Ford can't make this a feature and a dealer (or repair shop) can't install it, but I as a customer can install it (and people can sell them, just not install them). As I said, I've never found them annoying when I have seen them. If you end up behind me, sorry. As for state law, I guess I'll find out when I have to do a safety inspection.

 

[GPSMan]

There is a difference between full time flashing (Emergency Vehicle) and three pulse then constantly on.

 

[GPSMan]

Aren't there OEM turn signals that "travel" left to right or right to left since they are no longer single bulbs but an array of LED's that can be sequenced individually?

If not OEM I sure see a heck of a lot of them.

 

[zf1]

Take a look at the video of this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GTHB262/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_ESARQSCGW1R1CGEB2DB7_0
3 quick flashes, followed by 3 slow pulses and then steadily on.
For the third brake light on a Maverick, I could see this being useful and not too much of a distraction for people behind you.

Whether legal or not for the third break light is a whole other matter.

 

[K5Blazer]

One scenario would be where someone thinks you are constantly tapping your brakes in an alert fashion so they create extra space for no reason - which can cause confusion to traffic behind you, possibly even try to switch lanes or make an evasive maneuver around you. Plus, as others have mentioned, there are numerous good reason why strobes are illegal (hazardous). I've seen them a couple times and they distract initially until you realize they are just strobes. So it's really less of a claim and more of an observation. Pretty rare I side with "safety administrations" within the government(s), but this is one of those scenarios.

To all who want strobes: Is it really that hard to check your mirrors/rearview then tap when it's actually necessary? Rhetorical. The answer is no. The "fact" is they create more of a distraction for that reason alone than they are helpful when used constantly.

This

I have had situations where I couldn’t tell if the person was actually stopping or just two footed driving.

I hate em.

Sponsored