Truck Company Asks Feds to Approve Blinking Amber Brake Lights
Published Date: 11/4/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Metronet seeks 5‑year brake‑lamp exemption
Metronet applied for a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.25(e) to install Grote's auxiliary pulsating brake lamp on its trailers, van body straight trucks, and pickup truck service vehicles. The auxiliary lamp would operate as a Class II strobe for up to 4 seconds when the brakes are applied, then illuminate steady red for the remainder of the brake application, and would be used in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the FMCSRs.
Existing Grote exemption through 2022‑12‑02
FMCSA previously granted an exemption permitting motor carriers to use Grote's auxiliary pulsating brake lamps on trailers and van body straight trucks; that existing exemption expires on December 2, 2030. Metronet's request would extend similar use to include pickup truck service vehicles not covered by the prior exemption if granted.
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