Can you drive with one brake light out?
Generally, no—you shouldn’t drive with one brake light out. In most places, it’s either explicitly illegal or grounds for a police stop, and it’s unsafe because drivers behind you may not see you braking. If a light fails, fix it immediately; if you must move the vehicle, limit driving to a short, direct trip for repair and take extra caution.
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What the law typically requires
Brake lights are mandatory safety equipment worldwide, and laws commonly require all originally fitted brake lights to be operational. That usually means at least two rear stop lamps, plus the center high-mounted stop lamp on newer vehicles. While details vary by country and state, a non-functioning brake light is normally a ticketable defect and valid reason for a traffic stop.
United States
Most states require two working rear brake lights, and newer vehicles must also have a functioning center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) as originally equipped. Federal safety standards required CHMSL on passenger cars from model year 1986 and on light trucks from the mid-1990s; states then require that equipment to operate. With one brake light out, officers can stop you and issue an equipment-violation citation—often a “fix-it” ticket—typically in the range of around $25–$200 plus fees. While many jurisdictions treat it as a non-moving violation with no points, fines and handling vary by state, and additional penalties can apply if the defect contributes to a crash.
United Kingdom
Vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1971 must have two operating stop lamps. Driving with a faulty brake light is an offence and can lead to a roadside fixed penalty (commonly non-endorsable) or a Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme notice giving you a short window—often 14 days—to fix and provide proof. A defective brake light is also an MOT fail. Older or historic vehicles may have different type-approval requirements, but any fitted stop lamp must work.
Canada
Provincial regulations generally require two functioning rear brake lights, and police can stop and cite a vehicle for defective lighting. Fines commonly range from roughly C$85 to C$200, and inspection orders may be issued. If your vehicle was built with a center brake light, it must work.
European Union and many other regions
Vehicles must comply with UNECE standards (such as R7 and R48), which require at least two stop lamps, with a center lamp on many newer models. A failed brake light is a defect that can lead to roadside fines and a periodic inspection failure until repaired.
Safety and liability implications
A missing stop signal increases rear-end collision risk by reducing the conspicuity of your braking, especially at night or in poor weather. If you’re involved in a crash while a brake light is out, insurers and investigators may view it as a contributory factor, potentially affecting fault determinations and claims.
How to fix a brake light that’s out
Most brake light faults are straightforward to diagnose and repair at home or at a shop. The following steps outline a safe, common-sense approach to getting the light working again.
- Confirm the symptom: Have someone press the brake pedal while you observe the left, right, and center brake lights, or use a reflective surface.
- Check the bulb or LED module: For bulb-type assemblies, remove the lens/holder and inspect the filament. Replace with the exact type. For LED units, look for damage or moisture; these often require replacing the whole assembly.
- Inspect the fuse: Consult the owner’s manual for the stop-lamp circuit fuse and replace if blown. If it blows again, there may be a short circuit.
- Examine the socket and wiring: Look for corrosion, loose connectors, broken wires near the trunk hinge, or water intrusion. Clean contacts and repair damaged wiring.
- Test the brake-light switch: Mounted at the brake pedal or in the hydraulic system, a faulty switch can cause intermittent or total failure.
- Verify the center high-mounted stop lamp: Ensure the CHMSL works; fix it if your vehicle was originally equipped with one.
- Re-test and secure everything: Confirm all lamps illuminate brightly and consistently, then reinstall panels and fasteners.
If the light still doesn’t work after these checks, a technician can perform circuit testing and module diagnostics to resolve less obvious faults.
If you must drive before repair
While the safest option is not to drive until the brake light is fixed, sometimes you may need to travel a short distance to a parts store or workshop. These precautions can help reduce risk during that limited trip.
- Plan a direct, daylight route on slower roads with low traffic.
- Increase following distance and brake earlier and more gradually.
- Use hazard lights only when stopped in a hazardous position—don’t rely on them while moving.
- Avoid adverse weather and night driving until repaired.
- Repair the fault immediately; do not postpone.
These measures are stopgaps, not a substitute for a working brake light; fix the defect as soon as possible.
Common questions
Does the center brake light “make up” for a failed corner light?
No. If your vehicle was built with multiple stop lamps, all must operate. A working center light does not legalize a failed left or right brake light.
What about older or classic vehicles?
Very old vehicles may have been type-approved with a single stop lamp, but whatever stop lamps were originally fitted must work. Adding a second light (or a center lamp) is often recommended for safety and may be required after certain modifications.
Can police pull me over for one light out?
Yes. In many jurisdictions a defective lamp provides lawful grounds for a traffic stop, even if you haven’t committed another moving violation.
Will I get points on my license?
Often not—many places treat defective equipment as a non-endorsable or non-moving violation. However, fines, administrative fees, and repair proof may be required, and penalties can escalate if ignored or if the defect contributes to a crash.
Summary
Driving with one brake light out is unsafe and typically illegal. Police can stop and cite you, and you may face fines or inspection requirements. Repair the light immediately—usually a quick bulb, fuse, or connection fix—and avoid driving at night or in bad weather until it’s resolved. When in doubt, check your local vehicle code or ask a qualified mechanic for guidance.
Is it bad to drive with one brake light out?
Yes, a person can technically drive a car with a tail light out, but it is illegal in many places. Driving with a non-functional tail light can lead to safety issues, as it reduces visibility to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
How long can you drive with one brake light out?
By law, you need to have two working brake lights. However, because they’re positioned on the back of your car, it’s not unusual to go a few days without noticing that one of your bulbs has gone. As soon as you’re aware that one of your brake lights is faulty, make sure you fit a new bulb straight away.
Can you get pulled over if one brake light is out?
Driving a car that has a defective tail light is a traffic infraction in all 50 States and you can be pulled over for having one.
Can I drive with a missing brake light?
No, you cannot legally or safely drive with a brake light out because it is a defective vehicle condition that can lead to a ticket or fine and is extremely dangerous, as it prevents other drivers from knowing when you are braking or slowing down. You should replace the bulb or get the light fixed as soon as possible to ensure your safety and avoid legal trouble.
Legality
- Illegal: Driving with a non-functioning brake light is a violation of traffic laws in most places, including California, where all vehicle lighting equipment must be in good working order.
- “Fix-it” ticket: While you might receive a “fix-it” ticket, which can be dismissed after you prove the light is repaired, you could also face a fine or points on your license.
Safety Risks
- Impaired Communication: Opens in new tabBrake lights are crucial for communicating with drivers behind you, letting them know when you’re slowing down or stopping.
- Increased Accident Risk: Opens in new tabA broken brake light increases the risk of a rear-end collision because other drivers won’t have adequate warning of your actions, especially at night or in bad weather.
What to Do
- Replace the Bulb: Replace the burnt-out bulb immediately.
- Get It Fixed: If you can’t fix it yourself, get the light repaired by a professional.
- Carry Proof: Keep a receipt or other documentation to show the police that you’ve fixed the defect if you receive a notice.
