Another Motor Carrier Seeks Exemption From Steady-Burning Light Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on an application for an exemption from the federal requirement that commercial motor vehicle lighting devices operate with a steady-burning light. The application would allow certain auxiliary warning lamps to pulse in amber when activated as part of a rear conspicuity warning system.
Application Seeks Five-Year Exemption
FMCSA identified R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products Inc., USDOT No. 1290158, as the applicant in its notice. The materials also identify Grote as having submitted an application in December 2025 for a five-year exemption involving its rear conspicuity warning, or RCW, system.
According to information provided to FMCSA, the system’s auxiliary warning lamps pulse amber for up to four seconds each time the RCW signal circuit is activated. The lamps do not transition to a steady-burning red indication.
Steady-Burning Requirement Remains in Effect
Federal regulations generally require lighting devices on commercial motor vehicles to remain steadily illuminated. The fact that a lamp is used as part of a warning system does not, by itself, remove that requirement.
FMCSA stated that a pending exemption application does not authorize an installation that otherwise requires an exemption. The underlying steady-burning requirement remains in effect unless an existing exception or an approved exemption applies.
FMCSA Safety Standard for Exemptions
Federal law authorizes FMCSA to grant exemptions when the agency determines that the requested relief is likely to provide a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the safety achieved under the regulation.
FMCSA is requesting public comments before deciding whether to approve the application. The agency currently lists 13 motor carriers with exemptions from the steady-burning lighting requirement.
