Trucking Firm Wants Brake Lights That Flash Before Staying Steady
Published Date: 10/26/2026
Notice
Summary
R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products wants permission to use special brake lights that flash quickly before staying steady, instead of the usual steady lights. This change affects their commercial trucks and aims to improve safety by grabbing attention when braking. The government is asking for public feedback by November 25, 2026, before deciding if this flashing light system can be officially allowed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Drivers May See Pulsing Brake Lamps on CMVs
If FMCSA grants the exemption, motorists who follow R.B. Stewart trucks may see the trucks' rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps pulse from low to high intensity 4 times in 2 seconds and then remain steady while the brakes are held; the applicant asserts this change would increase visibility and provide earlier warning to following drivers, potentially reducing rear-end collisions.
Carrier Seeks 5‑Year Exemption to Use Pulsing Brake Lights
R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products is asking FMCSA for a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.25(e) so it can operate its commercial motor vehicles with an Intellistop module that pulses the rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from low to high intensity 4 times in 2 seconds, then returns to steady illumination while brakes remain applied.
Other Carriers Can Apply for Carrier‑Specific Exemptions
FMCSA previously denied an industry-wide Intellistop exemption on October 7, 2022, but that decision did not prevent individual motor carriers from seeking their own exemptions; other carriers may apply for carrier-specific exemptions from 49 CFR 393.25(e) subject to terms, conditions, and monitoring.
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