Are 3rd brake lights illegal?

Question

I was wondering if anyone had or knew if they are illegal or not, and in what state. I live in Illinois and want to get some. I just heard they might be because they could be a distraction to other drivers. Heres a link of you don't know what I mean.

http://www.vinzdecals.com/gallery-3rdbrake-1.html

I appreciate honest answers, Thanks.

O sorry I forgot to specify. I meant are 3rd brake light decals illegal? Thanks for the answers so far.

Answer 1

They have been mandatory in Mississippi since 1984, vehicles made before then are exempt though. All vehicles manufactured since 1984 have them as standard equipment.

Answer 2

All newer vehicles have 3rd brake lights from the manufacture. What your talking about from the website are overlay stickers that car owners put on their brake light. In either case no it would not be illegal, as long as the brake light as still visible when lighted up to 500ft in normal day light. Basically you have to decide if you want to spend the money to put a sticker on your brake light to "be cool" or to "trick out" your car, or if your just going to leave it stock with no stickers.

Answer 3

If you are talking about the 3rd brake light covers that are pictured in the provided link, then yes in some states they are illegal. They are considered obstructions. You would have to check with an inspection station or police department in your state.

Answer 4

The third brake lights are required. However the overlays in the pictures, which spell out the car name, are added by the owners. I'd check with the local DMV before I'd spend good money for them.

Answer 5

No, actually they are required for all cars made after 1985.