Body Electrical
Third Brake Light
The third brake light, or center high mount stop lamp, sits above or between the rear lights so drivers behind you see your brakes. We list 114 third brake lights from $2 to $354 for 1986-2023 vehicles, from Dorman, Anzo, AC Delco and Action Crash, for Ford, Chevrolet, GMC and Jeep.
Shop third brake light by vehicle
Action Crash Third Brake Light FO2890107 for Ford F350 Super Duty
Fits 2000–2011 models
Common third brake light problems
On pickups the third brake light usually sits on the cab roof above the rear window. The seal ages and water leaks into the cab, staining the headliner. The lens can also crack, and LED segments may go out.
If the lamp does not work at all, check the bulb or connector before replacing the assembly. On many trucks the same housing also includes a cargo lamp that lights the bed.
Choosing the right lamp
Third brake lights come with LED, halogen, incandescent or W16W bulbs. Lens colors include red and clear, and some aftermarket styles use smoked lenses. Check whether bulbs are included in the package contents.
Cargo lamp features, length and mounting differ by body style. A regular cab, crew cab and SUV can all use different lamps even in the same model year, so use the fitment table and compare the old part shape.
Installation and sealing
Remove the screws or clips holding the lamp, unplug the connector and clean the mounting surface. Use the new gasket supplied, or a fresh seal, to stop water getting into the cab.
Test the lamp with the brakes applied before you finish. Federal rules require a working center brake light on passenger vehicles built after the mid-1980s, so treat a dead third brake light as a safety repair.
Third Brake Light questions
Why does my truck leak water near the third brake light?
The gasket under the lamp hardens with age and lets water in. Replacing the lamp with a new gasket usually stops the leak and protects the headliner.
Is a third brake light required by law?
Federal rules require a center high mount stop lamp on passenger cars from 1986 and light trucks from 1994. A dead lamp may also fail a state safety inspection.
Does the third brake light include the cargo light?
On many pickups the assembly includes the cargo lamp that lights the bed. Check the listing description and package contents to see if it is included.