Is It Illegal to Drive With Only One Brake Light Working?

Yes—across most jurisdictions, driving with only one working brake light is illegal and can lead to a traffic stop, a fix-it notice, or a fine; the law generally requires all required stop lamps to be operational, with narrow exceptions for certain antique vehicles and varying treatment of the center high-mount stop lamp.

Why One Bad Brake Light Can Get You Pulled Over

Brake lights are primary safety equipment. Laws in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other regions require vehicles to have the number of stop lamps specified for their model year, and to keep those lamps in working condition. If one of your left/right brake lights is out, you’re typically in violation, even if another lamp (including the center high-mount stop lamp) still illuminates.

How the Rules Vary by Region

The following examples summarize widely applied standards in major regions. They illustrate the general rule—two working stop lamps for most modern vehicles and a maintenance requirement that all fitted lamps function—but local specifics and enforcement can vary.

• United States (general): States enforce equipment rules derived from federal standards (FMVSS 108). Most states require two operable stop lamps on modern vehicles and mandate that all required and originally equipped lamps be maintained in good working order. Vehicles originally built before certain cutoff years may legally have one stop lamp.
• California: Vehicle Code §24603 requires two stop lamps for 1958-and-newer vehicles (motorcycles excepted) and requires that lamps be maintained in good working order. Driving with one of the two main brake lights out is citable.
• Texas: Transportation Code §547.323 requires at least two stop lamps (pre-1960 passenger cars may have one). Separate maintenance provisions make it an offense to operate a vehicle with required equipment not working.
• New York: Vehicle and Traffic Law §375 requires two functioning stop lamps (motorcycles excepted). Vehicles must maintain required lamps; inoperative brake lights are a valid basis for a stop and citation.
• Florida: Statute §316.222 requires two or more stop lamps on most vehicles (older models may qualify for a one-lamp exception). All stop lamps must be in good working order.
• United Kingdom: The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 require working stop lamps on most vehicles; two are required on the vast majority of passenger cars. Police can issue a fixed penalty or a Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme notice if a stop lamp is out.
• Canada: Provincial laws (e.g., Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act) require two operating stop lamps on most vehicles and mandate that all required lights be maintained; a failed brake light can result in a ticket or defect notice.
• Australia: States and territories enforce Australian Design Rules and local road rules requiring all fitted lamps to work. A failed brake light commonly leads to a defect notice and possible fine.

Because statutes are enforced locally and older-vehicle exemptions differ, check the exact wording for your state or country—and the “first sold/used” model-year cutoffs that might apply to antiques.

What About the Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light)?

In many countries, passenger cars have been required to include a center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) since the late 1980s or early 1990s (earlier for U.S. passenger cars, later for light trucks). Whether you can be cited if only the CHMSL is out varies by jurisdiction. Some states ticket any inoperative originally equipped lamp; others focus on the left/right main stop lamps. Regardless, if your vehicle was built with a CHMSL, keeping it operational is both safest and often legally required.

Typical Penalties and Outcomes

Enforcement responses range from warnings to fines. Here are common outcomes drivers report when stopped for an inoperative brake light.

• Fix-it/defect notice requiring repair within a set time (often paired with a small administrative fee).
• Citation with a fine, which may be dismissed or reduced upon proof of repair in some jurisdictions.
• Secondary consequences if the stop uncovers additional violations (expired registration, insurance issues).
• Vehicle inspection failure (where periodic inspections are required) until the lamp is repaired.

While officers sometimes issue warnings for first-time issues, relying on discretion is risky; prompt repair is the safest and cheapest path.

Exceptions for Older or Special Vehicles

Some older vehicles—often those manufactured before the late 1950s or early 1960s—may be legal with a single stop lamp if that is how they were originally built. The specifics depend on local law and the vehicle’s model year and type (e.g., motorcycles are typically exempt from the two-lamp requirement). Documentation of originality may be important if you’re stopped.

Practical Steps If a Brake Light Is Out

If you discover—or are told—that one brake light isn’t working, a quick check can often resolve it the same day.

• Confirm which lamp is out by testing against a wall or asking someone to observe as you press the pedal.
• Inspect the bulb: many cars still use replaceable bulbs; LED assemblies may require a full unit replacement.
• Check the fuse and the bulb socket for corrosion; clean contacts and replace fuses as needed.
• For modern vehicles, verify the brake-light switch at the pedal and wiring harness connections.
• If your vehicle has a body control module or smart lighting, scan for codes; some faults are logged.
• Replace parts with the correct specification; mismatched bulbs can be dim or trigger errors.
• Re-test all stop lamps, including the CHMSL, after the repair.

If a DIY fix doesn’t solve it, a quick visit to an auto parts store or service shop can diagnose electrical or module-related issues that are harder to spot at home.

Insurance and Safety Considerations

Beyond legality, a failed brake light increases rear-end collision risk and may complicate fault or claims after a crash. Keeping all stop lamps working protects you and your passengers—and can prevent a traffic stop that escalates into a costlier encounter.

Bottom Line

Driving with only one working brake light is unlawful in most places for most modern vehicles, and it’s unsafe. Unless your vehicle qualifies for a specific historical exemption, you’re expected to have two functioning stop lamps (plus the third, if originally equipped). If one is out, fix it promptly to avoid a citation and reduce collision risk.

Summary

Most jurisdictions require two operational brake lights on modern vehicles and mandate that all required and originally installed lamps work. One failed brake light is typically a citable offense, though some older vehicles are exempt. The center high-mount stop lamp is often required if originally fitted. Repairing an inoperative lamp quickly is the safest and most cost-effective course. For exact rules, consult your state or country’s vehicle equipment code.

Can you drive with only one brake light working?

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. 

Is it illegal for one of my brake lights to not work?

Operating a vehicle with a malfunctioning brake light is illegal, so yes – you can be stopped and issued a citation for this.

Can you get 3 points for a brake light out?

If you’re stopped by the police and a brake light is not working, you may get a verbal warning. However, you could get: An endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice – a £60 fine and 3 points on your licence.

Is driving with one brake light illegal?

Driving with a broken tail light can lead to being pulled over by a police officer, and potentially getting a ticket.