When did carmakers start putting in flashing 3rd brake lights?
 

Over the last couple months I've noticed several new cars that flash the 3rd brake light 3 times when the brakes are applied. These don't appear to be aftermarket mods. Is this a new DOT or NHTSA thing? Or just something manufacturers are doing now as a safety feature? Seems like a good idea.

On my Audi, that can be configured in the software with the right software/computer connection. I can't tell you with any certainty which country/market where it's required. As I remember, it only blinks with harder braking. Regular braking appears normal. Only with quick stops does it blink to give people behind extra warning.

I have noticed it on all new Chevy Cruse and Malibus, Volvos, Audis, and a couple others. The hard braking would explain why it seems to not do it every time when I am driving behind one.

Huh, I always thought that was an annoying aftermarket thing.

I have it on my '67 beetle and will be putting on my 914.
I'm very happy it annoys you, I'm so glad you noticed it. SmileWavy

It may not work as well as you think. I tend to notice it after waiting a minute or more at a stoplight when I look around and at first think someone's trailer wiring has gone wrong, then wonder when it's going to stop flashing. It's kind of like motorcycles with a headlight that seems to be flashing. Is it doing that because something is loose/broken, or because for some reason they want it to look like that?

Yes I have noticed at stop lights, as the driver eases on/off the brake they flash a lot. Should have a speed limiter on it, like below 3mph it won't flash or something.

I have noticed this recently on I25 when there is a pretty quick slow down as well. For that type of scenario I think it is a good idea.

Only my 3rd brake light flashes, 4 fast, 4 slower and then on steady. My stock lights work normal. old Beetle lights are the small 7528 bulb, so it needs all the help it can get.

New BMWs increase the brake light intensity as the brakes are applied harshly. They can be programmed to blink; in europe that is the default code.

They started putting them on to distract the idiots at the EPA.

I like them on motorcycles. Really grab you.

Neat idea to have them blink or brighter in panic situations.

I think VW can come up with something in the software for detecting if the car is stationary or moving...

Well I will say one thing - it was not Lucas...:)

Yes it was, but Lucas' was not intentional.

It's funny this thread came up because I noticed yesterday I was behind some moonbat whose tail lights, high brake light (early '00s Silverado) and giant red LED strip between the bumper and tailgate were all flashing when they got on the brake. Never switched over to solid.

That's annoying... Other one is how bright some of those LEDs can be if you are in their line of sight. Worst offender is the Prius because it has the brake lights mounted vertically, so pretty much any car you drive will be blinded by those brake lights in darkness (unless you are driving a monster truck).

I wish the intensity of these things would be regulated... I literally pull down my sunvisor, at 6AM, to avoid being blinded by Prii !! And I wish the blinking would only be in case of emergency / panic braking. That would make a lot of sense !

Probably because most drivers are texting or dialing their phones. Flashing brake lights yank the following car driver's attention away from their electronic device and, funny thing, back onto the road ahead.

Plus, insurance companies are no doubt tired of paying for rear-end collision repair.

I am thinking about putting the flasher deal on my Miata's high mount brake light, maybe a fluorescent yellow stripe to make it less invisible too.

I have a Kahtec Smart Stop brake light (Delay Version) module installed on my 3rd brake light almost a year ago. It blinks 3 times before it turns solid. It would only do that after you press the brakes after 10 seconds. So if you are in stop and go traffic and presses the brake light within 10 sec frame, it remains solid. The module is small taped (double sided) at the housing of the 3rd brake light.

Here is a link upon installation on my 86

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqNfHx3A-r4

Here is where I bought it showing different variants

Blinking Smart Stop - Flashing Brake Light