Flashing Third Brake Light

[cheflionfoot]

Hi all. I had a Saturn Vue that had the third brake light that flashed three times and then went steady when you applied the brake, and found it to be a great safety feature. I am looking to install a module in my LaCrosse that would make the third brake light flash and was wondering if anyone installed one like it on their car. If you don't know what I am talking about, check out this link. http://www.flashingbrakelights.com/

 

[GolfingDuo]

Hi all. I had a Saturn Vue that had the third brake light that flashed three times and then went steady when you applied the brake, and found it to be a great safety feature. I am looking to install a module in my LaCrosse that would make the third brake light flash and was wondering if anyone installed one like it on their car. If you don't know what I am talking about, check out this link. http://www.flashingbrakelights.com/

Looking around I saw this one. http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=01004&click=37735

It looks like this will work. Instead of 3 it does 5 flashes but all the same and there is a user selection for a different pattern as well.

 

[mmadden2]

That seems really annoying for the drivers behind you- so... it probably works great 🙂

 

[warmpabst]

Don't do it! Those are totally illegal and "unauthorized lights" are a quick way to attract other cars with flashing lights, if you get my drift. A person in MI with flashing red or blue lights (of any sort) will quickly be said to be "impersonating an emergency vehicle."

Where are you from? I'll buy your lunch if your state doesn't have a similar restriction. 😉

I'll agree that those sound like a good idea, but they will also attract the wrong kind of attention.

 

[HMTJ6821]

In Arizona, I saw a lot of motorcycles that had continuously flashing headlights. They seem to have been manufactured with that feature. It was really annoying and distracted from the sensitivity of drivers to the flashing lights of emergency vehicles and school buses.

What is really annoying is the driver that has these pulsing brakes lights and who rides the brake pedal with the left foot. They do not realize that their brake lights are constantly flashing.

 

[mmadden2]

If the guy behind you is riding closely just tap your brakes a few times. There- free and legal.

One thing I always thought would be cool is a physical momentary switch up front that turns on the brake lights without applying the breaks. Jerk face riding your butt? Just push you're little button and watch his eyes get big 😱

 

[cheflionfoot]

That seems really annoying for the drivers behind you- so... it probably works great 🙂

The ones I had and the ones I will install flash six times and then stay steady. If you step on the break again within 8 seconds then they do not flash again, but stay steady. They are meant as an initial flash. Not constant

 

[cheflionfoot]

Don't do it! Those are totally illegal and "unauthorized lights" are a quick way to attract other cars with flashing lights, if you get my drift. A person in MI with flashing red or blue lights (of any sort) will quickly be said to be "impersonating an emergency vehicle."

Where are you from? I'll buy your lunch if your state doesn't have a similar restriction. 😉

I'll agree that those sound like a good idea, but they will also attract the wrong kind of attention.

From my research, so long as they follow the "three second rule", in that they flash only within the first three seconds on pressing the brake and then remain steady, they are fine in all fifty states according to the department of transportation.

 

[scandalous]

Don't do it! Those are totally illegal and "unauthorized lights" are a quick way to attract other cars with flashing lights, if you get my drift. A person in MI with flashing red or blue lights (of any sort) will quickly be said to be "impersonating an emergency vehicle."

Where are you from? I'll buy your lunch if your state doesn't have a similar restriction. 😉

I'll agree that those sound like a good idea, but they will also attract the wrong kind of attention.

These are brake lights tho, what would the difference be if some one was tapping the brakes a few times before coming to a stop. I think if you were actually driving while the lights were flashing non stop then it might be a problem.

It might be a problem and annoying if stopped in slow traffic the brake lights would almost be flashing non stop.

 

[cheflionfoot]

This ia what I got from the NHTSA, which governs all 50 states. "The stop lamps on vehicles are traditionally placed in the same housing as the tail lights and turn signals. The CHMSL provides a deceleration warning to following drivers, whose view of the braking vehicle's regular stop lamps is blocked by interceding vehicles. It also helps to disambiguate brake vs. turn signal messages in North America, where red rear turn signals identical in appearance to brake lamps are permitted, and also provides a backup brake lamp in the event of a brake lamp malfunction. The CHMSL is required to illuminate steadily; it is permitted to flash for a time (Not Constantly) for less than three (3) seconds and more in certain cases under severe braking."

 

[cheflionfoot]

Oh, and for those that will argue that the state law is the law, the Supremacy Clause was written into Article IV of the Constitution providing the primary basis for the federal government's power over states. The article states the "acts of the Federal Government are operational as supreme law throughout the Union . . . enforceable in all courts of the land. Thestates have no power to impede, burden, or in any manner control the operation of" federal law." This is in relation to and two laws that govern the same action. There for if the FEDS permit a flashing break light under three seconds, States have no argument.

That said, I suppose no one has installed one on ther LaCrosse .....

 

[mmadden2]

So where's this free lunch taking place?

 

[warmpabst]

So where's this free lunch taking place?

Auburn Hills, MI tomorrow at noon. Everyone who posted here is welcome!

I've never heard of that flashing CHMSL allowance from the NHTSA, kudos for looking that up.

Though in defense of my original wager, CT does prohibit flashing lights under 246.14-96q(c) <welching sounds>

 

[robones]

Is there a wiring diagram that I can look at so I can install the module? I already bought it but it looks like a Pain the in rear to get to the light? Any suggestions?

Oh, and for those that will argue that the state law is the law, the Supremacy Clause was written into Article IV of the Constitution providing the primary basis for the federal government's power over states. The article states the "acts of the Federal Government are operational as supreme law throughout the Union . . . enforceable in all courts of the land. Thestates have no power to impede, burden, or in any manner control the operation of" federal law." This is in relation to and two laws that govern the same action. There for if the FEDS permit a flashing break light under three seconds, States have no argument.

That said, I suppose no one has installed one on ther LaCrosse .....

 

[Bigdog9586]

Come on. I also live in Mi. and many dealers in Lansing install the 3 blink brake lights in which I have one on my Chevy. I've been followed many times by cops and never been pulled over.

 

[Daaavid]

If the guy behind you is riding closely just tap your brakes a few times. There- free and legal.

One thing I always thought would be cool is a physical momentary switch up front that turns on the brake lights without applying the breaks. Jerk face riding your butt? Just push you're little button and watch his eyes get big 😱

You'll find this on a lot of European vehicles such as BMW, Mercedez, Audi, Volkswagen, etc. Upon activation of the front fog lights, a rear fog light will come on that is typically brighter than your actual brake light. Of course, each application is different as to whether or not it will come on with the front of lights. Regardless, this feature is usually left out of the US models (stalk and button to activate rear fog light removed) because people here do not know the difference and blind drivers. Also, these vehicles have a variation of braking light patterns depending on how hard you have your foot depressed on the brake pedal and how fast you're traveling and it will flash in accordance. I know for BMW, if you slam on the brake pedal or depress it beyond a certain point it will activate the rear fog lights, and for Porsche it will flash the LED brake lights altogether in a strobe-like effect. Mercedes has it to where its hazards will come on.

 

[robones]

Is there a wiring diagram that I can look at so I can install the module? I already bought it but it looks like a Pain the in rear to get to the light? Any suggestions?

anyone?

 

[robones]

anyone?

Bump

 

[Spriteman]

What year and trim level are you robones?

 

[robones]

What year and trim level are you robones?

I have a 2012 Touring... I tried to access through the bottom/inside of the truck but its covered with metal (where the speakers lie.