CHMSL Third brake light for a vintage slide in camper - Requirements /Laws?

HI, all

I just purchased a Mid 80's side in pop up camper for my 2012 Tacoma. There are outside top running lights that I will hook up (Camper does not obstruct Vehicle lights except the Third brake light on the cap top rear.).

Camper will block the 3rd brake light when on the truck - and the camper has no third brake light at top rear. So, the question is do I have to add one or is the old camper "grandfathered" and not "Required by law" to be installed. I don't want to hassle with the law when on a vacation ....

Thanks All !!
Canufixit?

 

As best as I can tell, the fed DOT only mandates that vehicles after a certain year be manufactured with a high mounted center stop lamp. You would need to go online and look at your state laws to know whether they require it to be functional and visible at all times. I have a Softopper that doesn't have a provision for the light. And my state law doesn't' appear to have an exception for soft tops or old shells yet I've never been stopped for that in this truck or in a previous one that had a hard shell with a defective light. All the same, parts are inbound from Amazon and I'm going to fit a light on the Softopper.

 

Wow, excellent question. I've been running a FlipPac camper since 2012 and it too blocks the factory third brake light and didn't come with one of it's own. This is the first time I've even thought that I might be out of compliance.

 

Hi All, Thanks for the Inputs. I currently have a question submitted to an etrailer website and I'll advise. Also, I think I'll stop in at the local Police Department and ask as well. They "Should know" for my state and maybe can advise on a federal statute.

Canubrakeit

 

Right on, please do keep us posted.