Know laws vary from state to state but has anyone ran into issues from removing the rear tire mount?

 

You HAVE to have a 3rd brake light. So read elsewhere in the forum about how to relocate it with L brackets and a dremmel.

 

The 3rd brake lite is actually part of the federal vehical safty code. It is illegal to remove it in all states because it is clasified as part of the saftey system.

That said, I am sure you will get responses from lots of guys that have removed it, and been pulled over for speeding and the cop has not mentioned the brake lite. And yes that includes me. Its like hanging crap off the rear view miror, its illegal but most cops wont worry about it unless you treat them like sh.t and give them a reason to write you extra tickets.

But let me give you another risk. I heard of a guy with tinted break light being rulled at fault when getting rear ended beause it was harder for the driver to know he was stopping. Removing a break light could get you in a similar situation, in theory.

 

It is not a State law. All cars manufactured 1986 and newer are mandated to have this light per the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (US NHTSA).

 

My spare tire covers mine, but it is still there

 

I am a Police Officer in the state of Connecticut and I know for a fact in this state you DO NOT need a third brake light. I cannot speak about other states but I have never heard of actually NEEDING the third brake light. With that said, even if you did remove it I myself would NEVER pull you over for it, as long as you had the two main brake lights working. I am not your average 5-0 though, I prefer not to bother the everyday "Joe" I try to stick to giving the real sc*mbag$ a hard time.

I would say remove it and if you do happen to get pulled over then I cant imagine you would get an infraction ticket first offense. If you get a warning then you reinstall it.

 

In Texas you do need a third light if your vehicle came with one, but it does not need to be the stock one. I have 2 led strips on the bottom of my tailgate on each side and they qualify. It does not need to be specifically DOT approved. On my Explorer I had leds in the 2 spare tire lug nut holes without lugs.

 

See this comment sounds stupid , the third brake light is supposed to be above the other two so it can be seen from a distance , moving it below the tail gate is not serving the purpose of the light , so in aspect you did nothing you are still missing a third brake light just putting a third light back there is not making it right

 

Federal mandate states that" the center light should be at eye level. " is that level standing, sitting, laying down? In other words there is NO level that is law.

 

When I got mine it was not on there. When I got a carrier I never added it. Had it for just over a year with 0 issues. I know some people on here will get all butt-hurt about you mentioning the removal of it, so don't take a it too seriously.

I figure it this way: with a 3rd brake light (unless I modify one) I can't see out of the rear window as much. And since I am in a rural area and back-up frequently, it can be a hazard since I see less and can back into something/someone.

If you get pulled over you could play the "I didn't know officer" card. I know ignorance is NOT an excuse to not follow the law, so saying that to an officer is up to you.

As for your question, like I said I have not had one on it since I got the Jeep and have had 0 issues. My understanding is a 3rd brake light is required nation-wide as a DOT requirement, but I could be wrong. I figured if I ever run into an issue, I'll just get a small red LED strip behind the spare (I think AEV makes something like this?). My Jeep is just a weekend warrior and rarely driven to work, so my chances of an issue obviously decrease. However, in one year I have done about 8,000 miles, so it's not like I never drive it long distances. Arizona seemed pretty laid-back though: my tires are slightly out from my fenders and I have no mud flaps and again have had 0 issues.