Can a Vehicle Pass the Annual Inspection with a Non-Functional High-Mounted Stop Lamp?

[DelKennedy]

High-mounted stop lamp not working will result in failure of the annual inspection. Below is the relevant information: 1. Brake light positions: Most vehicles are equipped with 3 brake lights - one on each side at the lower rear, plus an additional high-mounted stop lamp on the rear windshield. 2. Brake lights: Some vehicles only have two brake lights, meaning they lack the high-mounted stop lamp. 3. Lighting system: The brake light is a crucial component of the vehicle's lighting system and also one of the most prone to failure. 4. Definition: Vehicle annual inspection refers to mandatory testing required for all vehicles with official license plates and registration certificates, equivalent to an annual physical examination based on motor vehicle safety technical requirements. 5. Purpose: Vehicle annual inspections help promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage better vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.

[TimothyMarie]

A non-functional high-mounted stop lamp will definitely fail the annual inspection, as the inspection standards are very strict, particularly emphasizing the functionality of safety devices. I remember during my last inspection, the technician checked all lighting systems one by one, including the high-mounted stop lamp, which is a critical component for rear vehicles to recognize braking intentions. If it doesn't light up, they will directly deem it unqualified. Regulations require all operational lights on a vehicle to function properly to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. So, don't take the risk of not fixing it—check the issue immediately. It might be a burnt-out bulb or a blown fuse, which can be resolved with minimal cost. Ignoring this issue will not only result in inspection failure but may also lead to fines, not to mention the safety hazards. I advise you to address it as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary trouble.

[Janice]

From a safety perspective, if the high-mounted stop lamp (also known as the third brake light) isn't working, it will likely fail the annual vehicle inspection because it significantly improves braking visibility, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. My car once had this issue, causing it to get flagged during inspection. Testing centers check every light, including this high-mounted one, and a malfunction means an automatic fail. More critically, driving with it broken poses serious risks like rear-end collisions. The fix is usually straightforward—often just a burnt-out bulb or faulty wiring connection. Don't wait until inspection time; visit a professional repair shop now to diagnose and fix it, avoiding last-minute panic. Safety comes first—getting it repaired early means peace of mind sooner.

[LaTimothy]

A malfunctioning high-mounted stop lamp will definitely fail the annual inspection. The reason is simple: inspection regulations require all lights to be in working order, and a faulty high-mounted lamp, as a standard safety device, is considered a major defect. From my experience, during the inspection, they simulate braking to test if the light illuminates. Don't think you can get away with it—repairs are usually inexpensive, such as replacing a bulb or checking the fuse. Fixing it promptly saves hassle and ensures safety.

[DiAshlyn]

A malfunctioning high-mounted stop lamp will definitely fail the annual inspection, which I learned the hard way. Last year, my car failed the test due to a faulty lamp, and the technician emphasized it's a critical safety component that reduces rear-end collision risks by over 70%. The inspection process includes a dedicated lighting check, especially for this high-mounted lamp. Ignoring the repair not only means failing the inspection but could also lead to trouble on the road. I recommend fixing it immediately—don't wait for problems to arise.