What has been the requirement for high-mounted stop lamps since 9/1/1985?

High-mounted stop lamps, also known as third brake lights, became a requirement for every passenger car starting September 1, 1985. This regulation was put in place to increase visibility to drivers behind the vehicle during braking, thereby enhancing safety on the roads. The addition of this feature aimed to reduce the number of rear-end collisions by providing an extra alert to following vehicles when the driver engages the brakes.

While high-mounted stop lamps have been adopted in various forms across multiple vehicle types over the years, the specific requirement that began in 1985 focused exclusively on passenger vehicles. This does not preclude other vehicle categories from having them, but it clearly established that all passenger cars must include this important safety feature.

Understanding the history and the purpose behind the regulation helps reinforce the importance of safety equipment in automobiles, highlighting a proactive approach to reducing accidents and improving overall road safety.