FMCSA renews NTTC, Grote brake lamp exemptions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration officially renewed the pulsating brake lamp exemptions granted to National Tank Truck Carriers and Grote Industries following the end of the record-long government shutdown and reopening of the Office of the Federal Register.

The agency filed the notices Nov. 14 and published them on Monday.

NTTC’s five-year exemption, originally granted Oct. 8, 2020, allows motor carriers operating tank trailers to install or continue to use a red or amber brake-activated pulsating lamp positioned in the upper center position or in an upper dual outboard position on the rear of the trailers. The renewal runs through Oct. 8, 2030. Grote’s exemption, originally approved Dec. 7, 2020, allows motor carriers to use Grote’s amber brake-activated auxiliary pulsating lamp on the rear of their commercial motor vehicles. The renewal is good through Dec. 2, 2030.

Both exemptions only authorize carriers to use the pulsating brake lamps in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).

FMCSA received 15 public comments on NTTC’s exemption-renewal request—13 in support of the exemption, one opposing it, and one that misunderstood the application, the agency reported. Gemini Motor Transport, Oakley Transport, Island Transportation, and ADM Trucking all reported reductions in rear-end collisions and improved visibility after equipping their fleets with pulsating brake lamps. ADM specifically noted that positive results from early adoption across 100 units led to fleetwide installation being considered. Industry associations such as American Trucking Associations, Growth Energy, and Clean Fuels Alliance America also supported the renewal, emphasizing the broader safety benefits of improved rear signaling.

“FMCSA and NHTSA research programs examining the ability of alternative rear-signaling systems to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes provide a sufficient basis for FMCSA to conclude that implementation of amber brake-activated auxiliary pulsating warning lamps on the rear of trailers and van body trucks, in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the regulations, is likely to achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption,” FMCSA stated in its decision.

“Therefore, for the reasons discussed above and in the prior notice granting the original exemption request, FMCSA concludes that renewing the exemption on the terms and conditions set forth in this exemption renewal decision, will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption.”

Grote’s renewal application received eight comments—six in support and two in opposition. Amazon and Schneider National reported significant reductions in rear-end collisions after equipping their fleets with Grote's amber auxiliary brake-activated pulsating lamps, FMCSA noted.

NTTC said FMCSA decided to renew its exemption in October but could not publish the notice until the Federal Register reopened, which finally happened Nov. 12 following a 43-day shutdown. “NTTC appreciates FMCSA’s continued recognition of this safety-enhancing technology and its support for innovative solutions that promote safer roadways for all motorists,” the association said.