Third brake light woes

[Gregg1LE]

My TJ passed Texas State inspection last year with an aftermarket LED setup with 3rd brake light and license plate light.Please see photo.

I tried to get it inspected last weekend but was rejected by two different places for improper 3rd brakelight . I asked what was acceptable and one of the inspectors
said she would accept the 3rd brake led ring that is so popular and the other inspector said nothing but a high brakelight with a DOT approved lens would do.

I guess that Texas has clamped down on what us Jeepers can run as far as the 3rd brakelight is concerned.

Any suggestions on some economical yet practical solutions to this? My spare tire carrier is a Smittybilt XRC with a 20 inch wheel and a 35" tire. The wiring in back has been heavily modified with back facing LEDs and aftermarket tailights.

Thank for any and all advice in this.

 

[bdumais15]

Did you find a solution? Having the same issue in VA with my 04 Rubicon. Can't seem to find an aftermarket third brake light stamped with the DOT approval. The specs on this one say "DOT approved" on the seller's site. But other, older posts list this model as NOT DOT approved.

 

[Steel City 06]

Could the OE 3rd brake light be attached to the wheel or carrier somehow? Perhaps saw off the housing and screw or even zip tie it to the wheel or carrier

 

[Gregg1LE]

Sorry so long. I bought this and had a friend rewire the entire rear pigtail. Also added an LED ring so the back of my TJ looks like Christmas every time I hit the brakes. Passed inspection.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GETIBG/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Suunto]

Heres what I ended up doing. It’s held in place with a pin.

 

[T Crawford]

Truck stop red light stop and take a look next time you go by

 

[bdumais15]

Thanks Gents! I bought the brake light that Gregg1LE got- I'll cross my fingers- and then I'll add the LED tire ring later if I whiff. Also keeping the old OEM set up in case I have to retrofit the whole thing for inspection. They tried to jack me on my LED headlights a while back until they found the DOT stamp- but I'm thinking that is only for the front headlights and that I can get away with an OEM looking new brake light set up. I appreciate the replies!

 

[Jmat1980]

Heres what I ended up doing. It’s held in place with a pin.

View attachment 131205

View attachment 131206

I know this is old, but how is that light held in place? Thx

 

[glowell222]

For those of us in Virginia, here are some important links.

Virginia State Police Approved Safety Equipment. GVWR up to 10,000 pounds.

Virginia State Safety Inspection Regulations GVWR up to 10,000 pounds.

 

[WDE]

For those of us in Virginia, here are some important links.

Virginia State Police Approved Safety Equipment. GVWR up to 10,000 pounds.

Virginia State Safety Inspection Regulations GVWR up to 10,000 pounds.

Holy nanny!

Makes me appreciate my po-dunk, backwards ass state even more.