In a message dated 8/27/99 10:15:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time, vw4x4@FYI.NET
writes:

<<  I've noticed that Vanagons are exempt of the third rear brake light, that
 > became mandatory for many vehicles in 1987. >>

actually '86 was the year when all passenger cars were required to have the
3rd brake light.   trucks and vans werent required to have the 3rd light, so
the vanagon didnt have to have them.  all other VW's (and other makes) got
the 3rd brake light in '86.

chris