Did you know that the Center High Mount Stop Light (CHMSL) is one of the most important safety features on your vehicle? It may not be as well-known as the brake lights or turn signals, but it plays a crucial role in preventing collisions on the road.
What is a Center High Mount Stop Light?
A center high mount stop light, also known as a "third brake light," is a red light located on the rear center of a vehicle, typically above the rear window. The CHMSL is designed to come on when the driver applies the brakes, providing an additional visual cue to other drivers that the vehicle in front of them is slowing down or stopping.
The Importance of CHMSLs
CHMSLs play an important role in vehicle safety by providing an additional visual cue to other drivers when a vehicle is braking. This can help to prevent accidents and collisions caused by rear-end collisions, especially in situations where a driver may not have been paying attention or did not notice the brake lights on the vehicle in front of them.
Additionally, CHMSLs are particularly helpful in situations where a vehicle's brake lights may not be functioning properly or are obscured by cargo or other objects in the rear of the vehicle. This can help to ensure that other drivers are aware of the vehicle's braking and can react accordingly, even if the vehicle's brake lights are not functioning as they should.
Federal Law and CHMSLs
In the United States, CHMSLs have been required on all vehicles manufactured after 1986 as a result of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. This standard was put in place to help improve vehicle safety and reduce the number of accidents caused by rear-end collisions.
As a result, all vehicles manufactured after 1986 are required to have a CHMSL, and the light must be located in a specific position on the rear of the vehicle and meet certain visibility requirements.
Center high mount stop lights (CHMSLs) are an essential safety feature for all vehicles. They play a crucial role in preventing accidents and collisions by providing an additional visual cue to other drivers when a vehicle is braking. These lights are required by federal law on all vehicles manufactured after 1986, and it is important for vehicle owners to ensure that their CHMSL is functioning properly to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other drivers on the road. Always remember that CHMSLs are an important safety feature that should not be overlooked.
