Hey guys, I’m new to Jeeps and the whole community so this is my first post here. I see a lot of people running the red rings behind their spare tire and no high mount third brake light. I was just wondering if it’s legal to run just the spare tire brake light instead of the high mounted one? I also would like to know which spare tire brake light is the best out there, I’ve looked at the Rugged Ridge one and really like it. Thanks!

 

Some states have inspection requirements with language that requires the inspector to specifically look at the center HIGH mounted stop light on certain vehicles manufactured after a certain date.

Some states have motor vehicle codes that require all factory installed brake lights, or equivalent replacements, be present and operational.

You will have to see what your state's requirements are.

 

Typically along with the law that you must have the light, some states will go further and note that the light must be DOT/ SAE approved. Your rugged ridge light won't be DOT stamped, but that piece of it may depend on your particular inspector.

 

Look at the AEV LED 3rd light -- Quadratec sells .. I use it and pass PA inspections annually; works great,, plug and play harness.

 

Yup, this varies from state to state, county to county, and sometimes even inspection facility to inspection facility on enforcement. When the states start cracking down, you can tell based on how strict even the lax inspection facilities are. An example is that Texas changed its 3rd brake light laws in Jan of 2017.......but it really wasn't until this last year (2019) that I found issues at every inspection place (I had no light), even the most lax guy in town. He told me the state auditors really started cracking down and it wasn't worth the risk to let people slide. Happy jeeping!