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Committee reports bill allowing nonoriginal brake light strips on passenger vehicles
Summary
Senate Bill 185 would permit nonoriginal aftermarket brake light strips on passenger vehicles up to 14,000 pounds if they match stop-lamp color and illumination and are horizontally mounted; committee reported the bill as committed.
The House Transportation Committee on Oct. 11, 2025, reported Senate Bill 185 out of committee. The bill would allow vehicles to be equipped with nonoriginal aftermarket brake light strips in combination with the vehicle’s rear stop lamps, subject to conditions meant to ensure compatibility and safety.
Committee staff read the bill summary: aftermarket brake light strips may contain LED bulbs and may operate with a vehicle’s turn signal but may not feature flashing or evolving lights except when used with the turn signal; they must match the color and similar illumination of the vehicle’s stop lamps, be in safe operating condition, and be horizontally mounted on the rear of the vehicle. The allowance applies only to vehicles up to 14,000 pounds and excludes motor carrier vehicles. The bill previously passed the Senate by a vote of 48–1, the staff summary stated.
Chairman Benninghoff, speaking on behalf of the Senate sponsor, said increased rear illumination could improve visibility and make drivers less likely to follow too closely, especially in inclement weather or when towing. No negative votes were recorded during the committee’s voice vote and the bill was reported as committed.
The transcript does not include technical standards for light intensity or enforcement mechanisms; it records only the conditions listed in the bill summary and the committee’s action to report the bill.
