BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1493 89R184 DRS-F By: Parker Transportation 3/10/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT The use of flashing stop lamps in vehicles has been shown to be effective in reducing accidents. Studies have found that the use of flashing stop lamps can increase the visibility of a vehicle to other drivers and help to draw attention to the fact that the vehicle is stopping. This can be particularly important in situations where the vehicle may be obscured from view, such as when it is in heavy traffic or when the driver is making a sudden stop. The use of flashing stop lamps can also help to reduce the likelihood of a rear-end collision, which is one of the most common types of accidents. In recent years, automakers have been integrating flashing stop lamps into newer models of cars. This trend is driven by the recognition that these lamps can play a critical role in improving road safety. Automakers are now including this feature as standard equipment in many of their vehicles, and it is becoming increasingly common to see this feature included in the design of new vehicles. The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a memo stating that these new stop lamps are legal and have asked for this determination to be codified into statute. S.B. 1493 codifies current DPS directive by adding Subsection (g) to Section 547.323 of the Transportation Code to codify that vehicles with the feature of flashing stop lamps are in compliance with federal standards. As proposed, S.B. 1493 amends current law relating to lighting equipment requirements for motor vehicles. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 547.323, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g) to provide that a high-mounted stoplamp, for purposes of Section 547.3215 (Use of Federal Standard), is considered to comply with the current federal standards in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.108 if the stoplamp varies in intensity four or fewer times but never deactivates when the vehicle brakes for not more than two seconds. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1493
89R184 DRS-F By: Parker
Transportation
3/10/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1493
89R184 DRS-F
By: Parker
Transportation
3/10/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The use of flashing stop lamps in vehicles has been shown to be effective in reducing accidents. Studies have found that the use of flashing stop lamps can increase the visibility of a vehicle to other drivers and help to draw attention to the fact that the vehicle is stopping. This can be particularly important in situations where the vehicle may be obscured from view, such as when it is in heavy traffic or when the driver is making a sudden stop. The use of flashing stop lamps can also help to reduce the likelihood of a rear-end collision, which is one of the most common types of accidents.
In recent years, automakers have been integrating flashing stop lamps into newer models of cars. This trend is driven by the recognition that these lamps can play a critical role in improving road safety. Automakers are now including this feature as standard equipment in many of their vehicles, and it is becoming increasingly common to see this feature included in the design of new vehicles.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a memo stating that these new stop lamps are legal and have asked for this determination to be codified into statute.
S.B. 1493 codifies current DPS directive by adding Subsection (g) to Section 547.323 of the Transportation Code to codify that vehicles with the feature of flashing stop lamps are in compliance with federal standards.
As proposed, S.B. 1493 amends current law relating to lighting equipment requirements for motor vehicles.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 547.323, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g) to provide that a high-mounted stoplamp, for purposes of Section 547.3215 (Use of Federal Standard), is considered to comply with the current federal standards in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.108 if the stoplamp varies in intensity four or fewer times but never deactivates when the vehicle brakes for not more than two seconds.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.