HR1361-119

What This Bill Does

The Collision Avoidance Systems Act changes how Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 treats high-mounted brake-light technology. On enactment, Standard 108 is deemed to allow a pulsating high-mounted stop lamp, and within 180 days the Transportation Secretary must update the standard with performance-based rules. The allowed system can pulse rapidly no more than four times for no more than 1.2 seconds when braking starts, then switch to a continuous stop lamp, with a lock-out period of at least five seconds before another pulse cycle. The bill creates a pathway for rear-end collision-avoidance lighting while limiting repetitive flashing.

Who Benefits and How

Motorists benefit if brief pulsating brake lights reduce rear-end collision risk. Vehicle safety equipment manufacturers benefit because federal rules would expressly allow compliant pulsating stop-lamp systems. Automakers benefit from a national performance standard rather than inconsistent interpretations of Standard 108. Fleet operators benefit if the technology lowers crash costs and vehicle downtime.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration must issue performance-based regulations within 180 days. Automakers must verify that any pulsating high-mounted stop lamp meets pulse-count, duration, and lock-out limits. Aftermarket lighting manufacturers must align products with the updated Standard 108 requirements. Drivers sensitive to flashing lights may bear discomfort if systems are deployed widely despite the statutory limits.

Key Provisions

• Provides immediate legal allowance for covered pulsating high-mounted stop-lamp systems.
• Requires Transportation Department regulations updating Standard 108 within 180 days.
• Limits the pulse cycle to no more than four pulses and no more than 1.2 seconds.
• Requires a five-second lock-out period before the pulsing sequence may repeat.