The third brake light is officially called the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL). It’s a crucial safety feature.
This high-mounted stop lamp, also known as the CHMSL, is a vital safety component in vehicles. Positioned at the top of the rear window, it lights up when the brakes are applied, alongside the two lower brake lights. This additional light enhances visibility, helping to alert drivers behind you to your braking actions more effectively.
Its strategic placement and increased visibility play a significant role in reducing rear-end collisions. As a legally required safety feature, the CHMSL is an essential aspect of vehicle lighting and safety regulations. Understanding its significance can promote safer driving practices and enhance overall road safety.
The Name Behind The Light
The third brake light, also known as the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL), is a mandatory safety feature in all vehicles. It is a red light that illuminates when the brake pedal is pressed, serving as a warning to the drivers behind that the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. The CHMSL is mounted above the left and right brake lights, and is also informally called the center brake lamp, high-level brake light, or eye-level brake light. While it’s technically called the stop lamp in technical standards and regulations, this name is not commonly used in everyday conversations. The CHMSL has been mandatory in the United States since 1986, and its implementation has contributed to a decrease in rear-end collisions.
Common Moniker | Technical Names and Standards |
---|---|
Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) | Stop Lamp |
Center brake lamp | Vienna Convention on Road Traffic |
High-level brake light | Technical standards and regulations |
Eye-level brake light |
The Birth Of The Third Brake Light
The third brake light, also known as the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), has significantly evolved over the years. Initially, it was introduced in the 1980s as an additional safety feature to enhance visibility during braking. This innovation was a response to the increasing number of rear-end collisions on the roads.
Legislation mandating the inclusion of the third brake light in vehicles was gradually adopted worldwide, emphasizing its importance in preventing accidents. The CHMSL has become a standard safety feature in modern automobiles, contributing to reduced collision risks and improved road safety for all motorists.
Design And Positioning
The third brake light, also known as the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL), is an important safety feature in vehicles. Its design and positioning play a crucial role in ensuring visibility and alerting other drivers when the brakes are applied. Standard placement of the third brake light is above the left and right brake lights (also called stop lamps) at the center of the rear window or on the rear spoiler. This elevated position helps to make the brake light more noticeable to drivers behind the vehicle. However, variations in the placement of the third brake light can be seen across different car models. Some vehicles have the CHMSL integrated into the trunk lid or mounted on the roof, while others have it incorporated into the rear spoiler. |

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Safety Implications
When it comes to safety implications, enhancing visibility on the road is of utmost importance. The third brake light, also known as the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL), plays a crucial role in ensuring road safety. Unlike the regular tail lights, the third brake light is designed to be much brighter and only illuminates when the brake pedal is pressed. This additional brake light provides a clear and visible signal to other drivers, especially during sudden stops or deceleration.
The CHMSL is mounted above the left and right brake lights, making it easily noticeable to drivers behind. Its purpose is to prevent rear-end collisions by alerting drivers to the braking action ahead. This safety feature has proven to be effective in reducing accidents caused by distracted driving or lack of visibility.
By incorporating the third brake light into vehicle design, manufacturers have taken a proactive step towards improving road safety. It serves as a reminder that safety should always be a priority, and every effort should be made to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Chmsl In Modern Vehicles
The third brake light in modern vehicles is called the Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL). Positioned above the left and right brake lights, it enhances safety by alerting drivers behind to braking maneuvers. This feature helps prevent accidents and promotes road safety for all motorists.
The third brake light, also known as the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), is a standard feature in modern vehicles. It is mounted above the left and right brake lights and provides an additional warning signal to drivers behind a vehicle when the brakes are applied. The CHMSL is integrated into the design of the car and has undergone technological advancements over the years. For instance, some third brake lights now pulse rapidly to get the attention of distracted drivers. The CHMSL is legally required to be in working order and has been proven to reduce accidents on the road. |

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Legal Requirements
The third brake light is officially called the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) and is required by law to be in working order. It’s mounted above the left and right brake lights and is much brighter than the tail lights.
The CHMSL helps prevent distracted driving and keeps all motorists safe on the road.
The third brake light, also known as the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), is a key safety feature required on all vehicles. |
This light is mandatory to ensure compliance with safety regulations and is subject to inspection and enforcement. |
Maintenance And Repair
The third brake light is officially called the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL). It is mounted above the left and right brake lights and helps prevent distracted driving, ensuring the safety of all motorists on the road.
The third brake light is also known as the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). |
It plays a crucial role in enhancing road safety by providing an additional brake light. |
Common issues with the third brake light include bulb burnout and electrical connection problems. |
DIY maintenance involves replacing the bulb or fixing loose connections. |
For complex issues, seeking professional services from a mechanic is advisable. |

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The Future Of Brake Lighting
The third brake light, also known as the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL), is an important safety feature in vehicles. It is positioned above the left and right brake lights and helps to prevent accidents by alerting drivers behind when the brakes are applied.
The third brake light, also known as the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), is a crucial safety feature. |
It is mounted higher than the traditional brake lights and helps improve visibility for following vehicles. |
Innovations on the Horizon include advanced technologies like pulsing brake lights to enhance safety measures. |
Potential Regulation Changes may focus on mandating specific features to further improve road safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The 3rd Brake Light On A Car?
The 3rd brake light, also known as the center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL), is a safety feature. It’s mounted higher than the other brake lights and helps prevent rear-end collisions.
What Are The 3 Lights On The Back Of A Car Called?
The three lights on the back of a car are commonly referred to as the “brake lights”. However, the official technical term for the center light is “Center High Mount Stop Lamp” (CHMSL). It is a safety feature that lights up when the brakes are applied, along with the two other brake lights on the sides.
What Are The Names Of The Brake Lights?
The brake lights on a car are formally called “stop lamps” in technical standards and regulations. However, they are often informally referred to as brake lights. Another name for the brake lights is the “center high-mounted stop lamp” (CHMSL) which is mounted above the left and right brake lights.
Do Cars Need The 3rd Brake Light?
Yes, cars need the 3rd brake light for enhanced safety, as it helps prevent rear-end collisions by alerting other drivers.
What Is A Third Brake Light Called?
A third brake light is officially called the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL), although it is often informally referred to as a center brake lamp or high-level brake light.
What Is The Purpose Of A Third Brake Light?
The purpose of a third brake light is to provide an additional visual cue to other drivers when the vehicle is braking, improving overall road safety.
Why Is A Third Brake Light Important?
A third brake light is important because it increases the visibility of a braking vehicle, making it easier for other drivers to react and reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
Conclusion
The third brake light, also known as the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), plays a crucial role in enhancing road safety. Its pulsing function helps to grab the attention of distracted drivers, ultimately reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Understanding the significance of the third brake light is essential for all motorists.
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