Only passenger cars were mandated to have the third brake light until 1994,
when it became mandatory for light trucks and vans as well to have
them.  This is not inclusive of heavy trucks, busses and the like
though.  They still are not required to have the third light.

Interestingly enough, the third brake light is not a required working item
to pass a safety inspection in Texas.

Paul
http://www.ACVW.com

At 10:03 AM 8/27/99 -0700, dave wrote:
>Hi Folks,
>
>I've noticed that Vanagons are exempt of the third rear brake light, that
>became mandatory for many vehicles in 1987.
>
>Any idea how or why Vanagons are not required to have this?
>
>my best thoughts are....
>
>     - because the Vanagon is an import
>     - maybe has to do with it's size or shape
>     - some how it is exempt...
>
>     (all lame reasons, tho I cannot think of why they are not required to
>have one).
>
>
>Any ideas or feedback would be great...
>
>Thanks much,
>
>dave bowers
>portland, oregon
>
>1991 Vanagon GL, 46k