this is probably a stupid question but im taking my 35" tire off the tailgate off until i get a tire carrier....im taking off the tire mount and want to know how to take the brake light off where to put the wire?

 

You need to pull the grommet out on the outside of the tailgate then remove the plastic cover on the back of the door and unplug the 3rd brake light cable.

 

thank you...just did it

 

I realize everywhere has different regulations but is it illegal to remove the central brake light?

 

It probably is illegal to run without the third brake light. I ran my '99 TJ 8 years without one and my JK 1 year. Knock on wood... never had a problem with the policia...

 

Did some research on this a while back, and a third light is required 'above' the taillights for vehicles after a certain model year -- I think it was after 2005 or something.

Not sure if a cop would get that picky to look at the model year to determine if you are out of compliance (besides that one a-hole in Alaska that would).

 

Yup, third brake lights are mandatory. Rockhard and Delta both make aftermarket third brake lights. Rockhard (the one I chose) is 2" wide and fits in center hole of spare wheel ; Delta's are smaller and fit in lug holes of spare, both sold at Northridge + Quadratec.

 

Ronald Reagan signed it to federal law in 1986 that every car is produced with a 3rd brake light. But it does not state it has to stay there.

All states require if a light is on your vechicle it must be in working order.
I have not found one state that requires the 3rd brake light, even Kali. I'm not saying there is not one, i just have not found it. No police officer is going to cite you for the absense of it. Yearly inspections???? check your state law to make sure, but chances are it will be silent on this issue.

It is NOT federally required to stay on your vechicle.

 

NC law only states that if you have one, it must work.

 

No such law here in AZ.