Trucks Get Glow-Up: Special Amber Brake Lights Approved
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Notice
Summary
Yarde Metals, Inc. got the green light to use a special flashing amber brake light on their trucks for the next five years, starting April 28, 2026. This new light works alongside the regular brake lights and is expected to keep everyone just as safe, if not safer. Truck drivers and road users can expect better visibility without any extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Five‑Year Exemption for Amber Brake Lamp
FMCSA granted Yarde Metals a limited exemption allowing amber, brake-activated, pulsating auxiliary lamps to be installed on the rear center outside frame rail of its commercial trucks in addition to the required steady-burning brake lamps. The exemption is effective April 28, 2026 through April 28, 2031, and the Agency determined the lamps would likely provide a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the regulation requires, improving visibility for drivers who encounter Yarde Metals' trucks.
Federal Preemption of Conflicting State Rules
While the exemption is in effect (April 28, 2026 through April 28, 2031), no State may enforce laws or regulations applicable to interstate commerce that conflict with this exemption for a firm or person operating under it. States may, but are not required to, adopt the same exemption for intrastate operations.
Exemption Applies Only to Yarde Metals
The exemption applies exclusively to commercial motor vehicles operated by Yarde Metals, Inc. (USDOT No. 299202) and does not extend to any other motor carrier during the period April 28, 2026 through April 28, 2031.
Yearly Crash Data Reporting Requirement
Yarde Metals must submit yearly data on rear-impact crashes and incidents involving CMVs equipped with the amber pulsating lamps, with the first submission due April 28, 2027 and subsequent submissions every 12 months until the exemption expires. Reports must include crash rates; vehicle miles traveled; number and type of CMVs under the exemption; and crash date, time, location, and brief description, and must be emailed to FMCSA at the address specified in the decision.
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Key Dates
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