Comment period reopens through November 19
FMCSA published supplemental information on October 20 about Grote Industries’ application for a five-year exemption from the rule that generally requires exterior lamps on commercial motor vehicles to burn steadily. The agency reopened public comments through November 19, 2026, under docket FMCSA-2026-0100. The notice is part of an exemption review; it does not authorize fleets to use the proposed rear-end collision warning lamp system today.
Radar would trigger an automatic amber warning
Grote says its system uses self-contained rear-facing radar that can detect an approaching vehicle at roughly 200 meters and continuously calculate time to collision. When the calculated time reaches a programmed threshold—typically between 2.1 and 4.0 seconds—the system would automatically pulse auxiliary amber warning lamps for up to four seconds. The driver would not need to activate or interact with the system.
New details separate collision warnings from brake signals
The supplemental information changes an important point in the original description. Grote now says the rear-collision warning function would pulse amber and would not change to steady red. A steady-red indication would be associated with the separate brake-activated auxiliary-lamp function. If braking and a rear-collision warning occur together, the brake-activated sequence would take priority. FMCSA reopened comments so the public can evaluate these clarifications before the agency decides the request.
The proposal covers combination vehicles
Grote clarified that it wants the exemption to apply to all commercial motor vehicles. On combinations with multiple trailing units, including doubles and triples, the radar and warning system would be installed on the rear-most unit. The company also stated that its rear-facing radar would not interfere with other radar-based vehicle-detection systems, but FMCSA must evaluate the application, safety analysis and public comments.
No exemption decision has been issued
FMCSA may grant an exemption only if it determines that the proposal would likely achieve a safety level equivalent to or greater than the existing requirement. The October 20 notice does not make that determination. The current lighting rules remain in effect unless FMCSA later publishes a decision identifying the covered parties, provisions, effective period and operating conditions. The proceeding also does not change roadside warning-device requirements for a stopped truck.
Driver and fleet takeaway
Do not install or operate a noncompliant flashing-lamp configuration merely because this notice was published. Continue maintaining required vehicle lamps, reflective triangles and other emergency equipment under current rules. Fleets, technicians and safety professionals with relevant experience may review the docket and submit focused evidence by November 19 about visibility, driver interpretation, maintenance, diagnostics, radar performance and combination-vehicle installation. Reference docket FMCSA-2026-0100 and avoid including personal information that should not become public. Drivers should report lamp or radar faults through normal defect procedures and must not treat the proposed system as a replacement for following-distance, hazard-warning or stopped-vehicle safety practices.
Federal Register — Grote Rear-End Collision Warning Lamp Exemption
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