High Mount Brake Light?

[zissou]

I went through an RCMP road block last night. After the officer's initial confusion of what side of the vehicle he should stand on he came to my window and the first thing he asked me was if I imported the vehicle. I said that it was imported by someone else but I had documents showing that it had passed compliance. He then walked around my van checking my tires and headlights ( 4 lamp system - so DOT). It looked like he had a bad taste in his mouth. I was under the definite impression that he didn't like these imports. He then informed me that I should have a high-mount brake light on the back of my truck. I told him that I was unaware of this. He said that a lot of inspectors didn't know that it was required either. He eventually let me go with the suggestion that I get the brake light installed.

So…. Is this a requirement? I don't recall hearing this before.

[marsgal42]

If it's registered as a car, yes, you need a third brake light.

I can't find the exact date when this came in to effect (1989?), but a quick look at the used car web sites shows all the 1990 used cars have third brake lights.

...laura

[Green1]

He said that a lot of inspectors didn't know that it was required either. He eventually let me go with the suggestion that I get the brake light installed.

The problem isnt' that a lot of the inspectors don't know it needs one, the problem is those that think it DOES!
light trucks of this age do NOT require a 3rd brake light, take a look around, find a domestic 4-runner, or pathfinder, or any of a number of other SUVs from that same time frame, or if you want to call it a mini-van, you'll notice they are all the same too, NONE of them came from the factory with a 3rd brake light.

That said, I still recommend adding one, there are a couple of reasons for this, the first is that you WILL run in to clue-less inspectors who think it does, and it's easier to just do it then to argue every time. The second reason is that it does improve your safety, and it's cheap, so you might as well.

[mararmeisto]

Just digging around I found:

• -all passenger car after 1986 have to have one
  -all other vehicles after 1994

Personally, I don't like the one which came with the Delica (although Moon Machine as a 1990 doesn't have one). I don't think I've seen too many of these high mount brake lights that actually enhance the look of the vehicle. I find the light a bit silly anyway, especially on the Volvos and the Pontiac vans which have very long tail-light assemblies mounted high on the side pillars of the rear of the vehicle (like this):

img_044.jpg (55.94 KiB) Viewed 3583 times

I mean, does there REALLY need to be a light in the middle of the car to indicate that the car is stopping when there are tail-lights that big on either side of the car?

[Green1]

I mean, does there REALLY need to be a light in the middle of the car to indicate that the car is stopping when there are tail-lights that big on either side of the car?

yes, but only because some idiot decided that north american vehicles would be allowed to use red signal lights in the rear... if we had to use amber ones like the rest of the world it would be obvious without the extra light!

[FalcoColumbarius]

The Miss Lil' Bitchi has one and one very good use for it is when I am backing into my parking space, or against any wall ~ when the red reflection on the wall lines up behind the Skull & Treads on my rear windscreen then I know I am there .

Falco.

[JMK]

You can grab brake light modules at 'pick your part' for a few bucks. Mini van units and various others are good sources. Personally, think the $55.00 Hella is the best one (but hard to find unless you get it from Rocky Mountain Imports). The bottom line is, you can spend a few hours obtaining and installing one, or you can spend a few more, plus a few more, arguing the point with various representatives of Gov't agencies (who have attended 'verbal judo' courses and are therefore taught they cannot lose an arguement). And then you can go install your brake light and present it for inspection.

As someone who has spent countless brain numbing hours on check stops I'd offer the following advice: whether you are in the right, or the wrong, it would be much simpler to simply install the high mount brake light rather than argue your point. Do not try to argue your point with someone working in a field unit, it's a waste of time. Be polite and understanding instead, and then go on your way. If you like to argue your point, then you may as well go 'pound sand'.

When you decide to drive a Delica think of yourself as an anthropologist studying a new culture. Whenever a stranger enters a new closed society, only the fringe elements will associate with him. In order to communicate with the rest of mainstream society, you must try to show that you are not a threat to them. The high mount brake light will partly accomplish that goal.

[ccautos]

Cars produced after Dec1987 do require a high mount brake light but multi-purpose vehicles with passenger capacity over 5 do not require them . If anyone requires a stock Mitsubishi high mount assembly I have lots in stock for $25 each .

[Erebus]

If anyone requires a stock Mitsubishi high mount assembly I have lots in stock for $25 each .

Downside of the factory one is that it blocks the interior tailgate lock button, unless one does a mod like this: Post Aug-1991 tailgate mod.

[konadog]

the red reflection on the wall lines up behind the Skull & Treads on my rear windscreen

OK, this is a shameless highjack, or at least a butt-in - but I gotta know, Falco, where did you get that skull and treads sticker?! There's been some talk, but nothing firm about these and I want a few of them...
As for the brake lamp issue, I just had a glance and Hazel came equipped with one. Never gave a thought until reading this thread. Strange this apparent animosity towards our little buses. Do these people really believe the Japanese would produce vehicles less safe than the domestic (hack ) makers? Or is it just a case of automotive racism?

[FalcoColumbarius]

the red reflection on the wall lines up behind the Skull & Treads on my rear windscreen

OK, this is a shameless highjack, or at least a butt-in - but I gotta know, Falco, where did you get that skull and treads sticker?! There's been some talk, but nothing firm about these and I want a few of them...
As for the brake lamp issue, I just had a glance and Hazel came equipped with one. Never gave a thought until reading this thread. Strange this apparent animosity towards our little buses. Do these people really believe the Japanese would produce vehicles less safe than the domestic (hack ) makers? Or is it just a case of automotive racism?

It's automotive racism.

I got the sticker from a mate. I don't know if he has any more or where he got them from but I can find out. I sent one to Mararmeisto, perhaps he scanned it before he applied it to the Moon Machine.

By the way, I have yet to be harassed from the law, only from some punters who tell me I am not "patriotic" for not buying a car "made" in Canada (I guess if the steering wheel is on the left it is an obvious sign that it is "made" in Canada). I do keep the Miss Lil' Bitchi looking good (washing & waxing, &c.). Perhaps by keeping her clean makes a difference. I also have the MVB passing sticker in the top right hand corner of my windscreen. It is not as nice as the other stickers but I think it might save me from lamenting situations. I have been stopped by a VPD COP but that was for an illegal left turn. He was decent ~ and so was I. He politely asked me what make & model vehicle the Miss Lil' Bitchi was, so I told him, he wrote it down and then he politely presented me with a ticket and told me not to worry and that it was just my turn to screw up, in not so many letters. I had no argument with the man... it was a fair cop, as it were.

People behave in different fashions for different reasons. With the world changing as fast as it is, particularly in North America, some people look for an outlet ~ something to point fingers at ~ and I don't think the police are any different. The thing is: We (Delioids) are doing something different from the rest of the madding crowd and when you do something different it means you are a "free thinker". When you are a free thinker you have to take some responsibility for your thoughts. So when you drive a right hand drive vehicle (for whatever reason) you now appear different from all those left hand drivers out there. Could you imagine what the Chinese thought of the first white men turning up on their shores, with their powdered wigs and faces and carrying guns? The common people thought they were ghosts (Gwy Low: Ghost Man). In these so called days of enlightenment, "the age of information", I find it mind boggling how the madding crowd still don't see past their back yard. Perhaps we need to be diplomats, armed with logical information that is easy to understand. And remember: It is always harder to hit someone who is smiling... smiles.

Falco.