Third Brakelight?

[Eltrentz]

Im going to get my windows tinted tomorrow and eventually i want to get a carbon fiber trunk among other things, but back to the point, when i get the new trunk, im not going to put the spoiler on cause i like it better without. I was wondering if it is illegal not to have a third brakelight.

[Nomar06]

Third brake light is not needed.

[8thCivicNut]

It is illegal to remove the third brake light or diable it as it is to remove the airbags.

[cornerstrike]

I don't know about know about other states, but in the state of NJ, where I live, it has been law since 1986 that you have to have a 3rd brake light. I actually purchased the 3rd brake light from a Civic EX from a Honda Parts shop. I was planning on switching my spoiler on my Si and was going to install the 3rd brake light inside the car. It has the same color interior as the Si, so it matches perfectly. I ended up not installing the other wing and selling it. The 3rd brake light is still in the box.

[Nomar06]

I guess the law is different in all states. But why would older cars that dont have the third brake light be mandated to put a third light???

[jasongg06]

I remember when going through the california vehicle code, that legally, you only need 2 brake lights. I guess it varies for each state.

here you go, for cali:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24603.htm

[SiRyan]

I dont' have a 3rd brakelight. I have a CF trunk and wing.

[sbigshot]

Originally Posted by Nomar06

But why would older cars that dont have the third brake light be mandated to put a third light???

The older cars (mid 80's and back) are exempt, same deal as the cat converter (pretty sure it's 1979 and back do not have to have them).

[8thCivicNut]

Originally Posted by SiRyan

I dont' have a 3rd brakelight. I have a CF trunk and wing.

You should check in Cal. to see if you have to add a third light since it originally had one. Im sure cars after a certain year are exempt, but most on the road now are newer than 20 years and have the third light.
It was originally manditory in the 80's for safety reasons. I dont think that law would change any today.

[fa1]

Put a red sticker there

[SiRyan]

Will an ex or lx 3rd brake light work? How would I wire it up?

THanks!

[fa1]

I think you need to remove the pita rear deck tray thingy.

[bizzybearfigiblue]

i don't think here in S.FLA, u even need brake lights....this place really doesn't care what u drive around with....

[papagoonz]

I think the third brake light was introduced after a study with NYC taxis, wasn't it? The extra light made such a dramatic difference cutting down accidents that (I thought) it was mandated for all new cars after 19?? Guess it must have been left up to the states though....