Tank Trucks Cleared for Blinking Brake Lights Renewal
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FMCSA Finds Safety Benefits Likely
FMCSA evaluated data from carriers (including Groendyke Transport, Inc. and Trimac Transportation Services, Inc.) and concluded that use of amber brake-activated auxiliary pulsating warning lamps is likely to achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than without the exemption. FMCSA cites measurable reductions in the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes after installation.
Five-Year Exemption Renewed
FMCSA renewed NTTC’s exemption for five years, effective October 8, 2025, through October 8, 2030. During this period, motor carriers operating tank trailers may continue to operate under the exemption instead of the standard steady-burning lamp requirement.
Permitted Lamp Types and Locations
Motor carriers operating tank trailers are allowed to install or continue to use a red or amber brake-activated pulsating lamp in the upper center position or in an upper dual outboard position on the rear of the trailers, in addition to required steady-burning brake lamps. This permission is part of the renewed exemption and applies during October 8, 2025–October 8, 2030.
Federal Preemption During Exemption Period
While this exemption is in effect (October 8, 2025–October 8, 2030), no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption for persons operating under it. States may choose to adopt the same exemption for intrastate operations, but are not required to do so.
Exemption Revocation Conditions
FMCSA will rescind the exemption if carriers fail to comply with its terms, if safety declines compared to pre-exemption levels, or if continuation would conflict with statutory goals. Interested parties may submit information to FMCSA showing safety is not being maintained.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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