Trucks Get Five More Years of Flashy Pulsating Brake Lights
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA just renewed Grote Industries’ special permission for another 5 years, letting trucks use their cool amber pulsating brake lights along with regular brake lights. This helps drivers spot braking trucks more easily, making roads safer for everyone. The new rule kicks in December 3, 2025, and runs through December 2, 2030, with no extra costs for truckers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Exemption Renewed for Amber Brake Lamps
FMCSA renewed an exemption allowing Grote's amber brake-activated pulsating lamps to be used on the rear of trailers and van body trucks in addition to the required steady-burning brake lamps. The exemption is effective December 3, 2025 through December 2, 2030, and the Agency concluded the lamps are likely to achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than without the exemption.
State Laws Preempted for Exempted Carriers
During December 3, 2025 through December 2, 2030, no State may enforce laws that conflict with this FMCSA exemption for a person operating under it. States may, but are not required to, adopt the same exemption for intrastate operations.
Required Lamp Configurations and Operation
Motor carriers operating trailers and van body trucks under the exemption must install Grote's lamps only in specified configurations (for example, an upper pair centered 6–12 inches from the trailer centerline, a single lower lamp, or combinations of upper and lower pairs). The lamps must be amber and pulsate as a Class II strobe for up to four seconds when the brake is applied, then transition to steady red for the duration of the brake circuit activation, remain off when the brake circuit is inactive, and be used in addition to the required steady-burning brake lamps.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-22829, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA said no to 16 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders who asked to drive big trucks across state lines. The rules still keep folks with conditions that might cause blackouts from driving commercial vehicles, aiming to keep roads safe for everyone. If you’re affected, this means no changes for now, and no new costs or deadlines to worry about.
2026-22507, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 12 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines, as long as they take their medication and stay safe. These special exemptions started on July 4, 2026, and last until July 4, 2028. This move helps skilled drivers keep working without risking safety or breaking rules.
2026-22508, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 11 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines, as long as they take their medication and stay safe. These special permissions started on July 1, 2026, and last until July 1, 2028. This change helps skilled drivers keep working without risking safety or breaking rules.
2026-22512, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Metronet Application for Exemption
Metronet wants permission to use a special blinking amber brake light on its trucks instead of the usual steady brake lights. This change affects commercial vehicles and could improve safety by making brake signals more noticeable. The public can share their thoughts by December 4, 2026, before a final decision is made.
2026-22510, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 16 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines, as long as they take their medication and stay safe. These special exemptions started on July 27, 2026, and last until July 27, 2028. This change helps qualified drivers keep working without risking safety or breaking rules.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19936, Agency Information Collection Activities: Announcement of Board Approval Under Delegated Authority and Submission to OMB
The Federal Reserve is keeping two important complaint forms for another three years without any changes. These forms let people report problems with banks or appraisals, so consumers and financial institutions are the main players here. No new costs or deadlines—just a smooth extension to keep things running.
Next: 2025-19938, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Exemption Renewal for National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration just renewed a 5-year exemption letting tank truck carriers keep using special red or amber blinking brake lights on their trailers, along with the regular brake lights. This affects companies like National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., helping improve safety without extra costs. The new rule kicks in on October 8, 2025, and runs through October 8, 2030.