Are the brake lights of CT too small?

[Mini2nut]

In all seriousness though, I have almost been rear ended here in Charlotte on a couple of occasions. Both times it appeared that the driver behind me failed to realize that I was braking.
Notwithstanding the fact that people are also on their cellphones quite a bit, I do wish there was a hitch light option for CT like the one I have for my Explorer ST.
Diode Dynamics 3-in-1 running, reverse and brake light pod. Super bright and extremely useful.

100% agree.

I have one installed on my Tacoma and I definitely noticed a positive difference with drivers behind my when braking. They also tend to stop a longer distance away from my rear bumper. The bright LED brake light definitely grabs their attention.

Unfortunately Diode Dynamics does not offer a version for the Cybertruck. I also love the sanitary install with no visible electrical wires.

https://www.diodedynamics.com/hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit-for-2024-2026-toyota-tacoma.html

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[funnbobby]

100% agree.

I have one installed on my Tacoma and I definitely noticed a positive difference with drivers behind my when braking. They also tend to stop a longer distance away from my rear bumper. The bright LED brake light definitely grabs their attention.

Unfortunately Diode Dynamics does not offer a version for the Cybertruck.

Yes I’m going to email them a link to this thread so they realize there’s a potential market to come up with a harness compatible with the CT. The light pod is already there. Just need a harness.

 

[CyberGus]

I've been worried about people not seeing them in bright sun.

easy fix

 

[Cosmos78]

Any after market products/hacks that are longer and brighter?

I'm upgrading my truck using my own developments. People don't see the turn signals or brake lights.

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/side-mirrors-turn-signals-custom-install.56055/

 

[BlueLightning]

Yes, with all that truck they could have gone vertical like others with a huge vehicles.

This way there is more light coverage for those following.

LOL

 

[georgek43]

My understanding that you're saying about size, not brightness.

Correct me if I'm wrong: I believe there was a rule/law decades ago US requires to have a third brake light.

BTW, to me they are both small and dim. Especially driving at night with long red light in the back and when braking it turns off with 2 brakes lights turn on.

The Tesla Cybertruck does have a center brake light (officially called the Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp, or CHMSL), but its design is unconventional and integrated into the full-width rear light bar on the tailgate. This can make it easy to miss if you’re expecting a traditional separate third brake light mounted higher up (like on many trucks or cars).


How the Cybertruck’s Brake Lights Work


• When you’re not braking, the entire horizontal light bar across the tailgate illuminates evenly (often as a taillight or running light).


• When you press the brake pedal, the outer sections of the bar brighten (acting as the main stop lamps), while the center portion of the bar activates specifically as the dedicated CHMSL — often appearing as a shorter or more intense central strip, with surrounding LEDs turning off or dimming to create contrast. The side corner lights may also contribute to the brake signal.


This setup uses the light bar dynamically rather than having a fixed, always-visible separate center light. Some owners and observers note it can look confusing or less distinct than traditional designs, but it changes noticeably when braking.


Is It Legal?


Yes, the Cybertruck’s lighting configuration is street-legal in the United States, including in Florida, because:


• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 108) requires vehicles like the Cybertruck (classified as a light truck) to have two stop lamps plus a center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). It mandates specific photometric performance (brightness, color, area, visibility), placement along the rear vertical centerline, and steady burning when brakes are applied.


• Tesla designed the vehicle to comply with these rules. The integrated light bar meets the minimum requirements for area, intensity, and function, even if the implementation is unconventional (e.g., the CHMSL isn’t mounted significantly higher than the main stop lamps in the traditional sense). NHTSA (the agency enforcing these standards) has certified the Cybertruck for sale in the U.S.

 

[acuransx]

If NHATSA does not complain, why worry?

 

[FloridaMan655321]

I have a Ford Lightning and feel like people have almost rear ended me multiple times. It's the people driving and being distracted. It's also people too used to having really good brakes and are all gas and all brake. Everyone should have an older vehicle with drum brakes to drive weekly. This would adjust their regular driving.

 

[funnbobby]

I just ordered one of these hitch lights from Amazon. Flashes when you hit the brakes.

https://a.co/d/01UCvIwg

 

[devdrone6]

I'm upgrading my truck using my own developments. People don't see the turn signals or brake lights.

https://www.cybertruckownersclub.com/forum/threads/side-mirrors-turn-signals-custom-install.56055/

This is awesome man!

 

[MICyber]

Any aftermarket products/hacks that are longer and brighter?

I'm currently installing a 12" lightbar style on my second position roof bar. These face backward and have four functions (brake, turn, reverse and taillight). The manufacturer is Strands, which is a European brand. They are big in semitruck lighting.

Product link:

https://strandsamerica.com/collections/tail-brake-marker-lights/products/siberia-tail-light

I order from a Dutch supplier because they inflate the US prices by about 2x. $351 US versus 168.55 Euros excluding VAT. Even with shipping it's not even close.

Dutch Link:

https://www.lightsandstyling.com/en...2-305cm-clear-tail-brake-ind-rev-12v-30v.html

The kitchen table has become the work bench. Almost wrapped up; just the wiring is left to do. I'm going to plug these into the trailer plug to power all the functions. Since I rarely ever tow, when I do, I'll just unplug the lights. The center light below the Starlink dish is also made by Strands and has brake and tail functions.

Dutch Link:

https://www.lightsandstyling.com/en...m-brake-and-tail-light-clear-red-12v-48v.html

YouTube Videos:

 

[ABILISK]

I’ve seen many a cop car get smashed to bits on the freeway - and that’s with strobing red and blues that can be seen from space.

Don’t overthink things. If someone’s gonna hit you, they’re gonna hit you. Bigger/brighter lights won’t help. That’s why you have insurance.

 

[EWELON]

If you're really worried just get this:
Brake Light Tow Hitch

would consider as long as you dont have to constantly turn off trailer mode so that you can use fsd….it takes two clicks to do that.

 

[Mini2nut]

OK entrepreneurs. I see an opportunity for a Cybertruck silhouette LED receiver brake light.

 

[CyberGus]

What we really need is an app that sends a notification to all the phones behind you when you brake

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