Federal Register #FMCSA-2026-3730

FMCSA Seeks Comments on Exemption Application for Intellistop Brake-Lamp Module

FMCSA is seeking public comments on a carrier-specific exemption application involving Intellistop brake-lamp technology. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Safety. - Applicant: R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products, Inc. seeks a five-year exemption from the steady-burning lamp requirement for its commercial motor vehicles; this is a regulatory request, not a procurement or award. - OEM and product: Intellistop, Inc. manufactures the electronic module at issue. No part number or purchase quantity is stated. - Function and requirement: When the brakes are applied, the module pulses existing rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from low to high intensity four times in two seconds, then returns them to steady illumination while braking continues. - Stated purpose: R.B. Stewart asserts that the technology could improve vehicle visibility and give following drivers earlier notice of braking, potentially reducing rear-end collisions.

Description

FMCSA requests public comment on R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products, Inc.’s application for a five-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.25(e), which generally requires exterior lamps to be steady burning. The exemption would allow the company to use an Intellistop module on its commercial motor vehicles that pulses the rear clearance, identification, and brake lamps from low to high intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied, before returning them to steady illumination. The applicant says the system could improve vehicle visibility and help following drivers recognize braking events. Comments are due on or before November 25, 2026.

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