Pulsing Brake Light Exemption: Comment Due Nov. 25

R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products, Inc. (USDOT No. 1290158) has asked FMCSA for a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.25(e), the rule that requires all exterior lamps on commercial motor vehicles to be steady burning. The company wants to install a device that changes how its brake lights behave when the driver hits the brakes.

The device is an Intellistop electronic module. When the brakes are applied, it pulses the rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from low to high intensity 4 times in 2 seconds, then returns them to steady burning for the remainder of the braking event. The turn signals and other lamps are not affected.

R.B. Stewart says the pulsing pattern gives following drivers an earlier warning and more reaction time, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. The company points to NHTSA research on enhanced rear lighting and argues the module would be especially useful on its cargo tank trailers.

In October 2022, FMCSA denied an industry-wide exemption for the same Intellistop device. The agency noted that decision did not block individual carriers from seeking their own exemption, which is the path R.B. Stewart is now taking.

FMCSA is asking for public comment on the application. Comments must be received on or before November 25, 2026, and must reference Docket No. FMCSA-2026-3730. Submissions can be made through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, by mail, hand delivery, or fax to the DOT West Building in Washington, DC.

If granted, the exemption would apply only to R.B. Stewart's vehicles. It would not change the steady-burning requirement for any other carrier.

Source: Federal Register — https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/26/2026-21812/parts-and-accessories-necessary-for-safe-operation-application-for-an-exemption-from-rb-stewart