Flashing Brake Lights: New Exemption Approved by FMCSA

FMCSA Grants Exemption for Flashing Brake Lights on Casey’s CMVs

Casey’s Services Gets Green Light to Test New Safety Technology

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has approved a new safety exemption. Casey’s Services Company can now use a new type of flashing brake lights on some of its commercial vehicles. The system, called Intellistop, makes brake lights flash briefly when the driver applies the brakes.

This exemption will go into effect on April 16, 2025. It will stay in place until April 16, 2030.

How the Intellistop System Works

The Intellistop module changes the way rear lights behave when the brakes are applied. The lights pulse from dim to bright four times within two seconds. After that, the lights return to normal operation and stay on steadily while the brakes remain pressed.

Current federal rules say that brake lights must stay steadily lit. That includes rules under 49 CFR §393.25(e) and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. These regulations are in place to make sure lighting is predictable and consistent. FMCSA, however, determined that this specific exemption still meets safety standards.

How Many Trucks Will Use Flashing Brake Lights

Casey operates a fleet of about 526 trucks. For the first year, only 25% of their power units and trailers can use the new system. In year two, that number can go up to 50%.

FMCSA has put strict rules in place. Casey must track how many vehicles are using the system. They also have to compare those vehicles to similar trucks in their fleet that don’t have the module installed. These “control” trucks will help FMCSA study the results.

Only Casey employees are allowed to install the Intellistop device. Dealers, repair shops, and rental companies are not allowed to install the modules.

Support from the Trucking Industry

FMCSA asked the public for comments before making its decision. The agency received 22 comments. Of those, 21 were in favor of granting the exemption.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA), the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), and the Motor Vehicle Lighting Manufacturers Safety Institute (MVLMSI) all supported the move. NTTC said that flashing brake lights improve visibility. They mentioned this could help prevent rear-end crashes, especially at intersections and railroad crossings.

ATA added that “granting this exemption would allow DOT to collect valuable real-world data on the effectiveness of these technologies.” MVLMSI pointed out that “California has permitted the use of similar systems since 1984.” They also said that many states already allow flashing brake lights on some vehicles.

Some individuals who commented said the flashing lights are easier to see. They could be helpful in bad weather. One person mentioned that 37 states already allow brake lights to flash. Another noted that driver training groups teach new drivers to pulse their brakes for better visibility.

Concerns Raised Over Flashing Brake Lights

One anonymous commenter opposed the exemption. They said the Intellistop system had been denied before. They believed Casey didn’t provide enough new information to justify the change. The commenter worried that flashing lights might confuse drivers or be mistaken for emergency vehicles.

FMCSA considered these concerns. But the agency decided the narrow scope of the exemption makes it easier to monitor. Casey’s strong safety record also helped support the decision.

Rear-End Crashes Are a Major Safety Issue

Rear-end crashes make up about 30% of all roadway crashes. Trucks are often hit from behind, especially in fatal crashes. FMCSA and NHTSA have both studied ways to reduce these kinds of crashes.

Research from NHTSA shows that flashing brake lights can catch a driver’s attention. According to one study, “rear lighting continues to look promising as a means of reducing the number and severity of rear-end crashes.” Another study said flashing brake lights “demonstrated improvements in brake response times and other related performance measures.”

FMCSA believes that limited, real-world use of this technology could help gather better data. That’s why the agency supports testing the system in a single, easy-to-track fleet like Casey’s.

FMCSA’s Conditions for the Exemption

FMCSA put several rules in place:

• Casey must inspect the module daily. If it doesn’t stop flashing after two seconds, the truck can’t be dispatched until it’s fixed.
• Drivers must report any problems at the end of their shifts.
• Casey must notify FMCSA of any issues or crashes involving the module.
• Detailed quarterly and yearly reports are required. These include crash rates, miles traveled, and which trucks have the module installed.
• If Casey sells a truck, the module must be removed first. The vehicle must be restored to meet standard regulations.
• The exemption will be revoked if safety drops, the rules aren’t followed, or the system creates new problems on the road.

Flashing Brake Lights Could Shape Future Trucking Rules

This exemption does not mean FMCSA endorses the Intellistop product. The agency clearly stated that “Intellistop is expressly prohibited from describing its product as approved by, endorsed by, or otherwise authorized by FMCSA.”

However, this test could lead to more changes in the future. If the technology proves to reduce crashes, FMCSA could consider new rules for wider use.

For now, the exemption gives Casey and FMCSA a chance to collect real-world data. That data could shape future safety policies for brake light systems across the trucking industry.

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