What type of vehicles must have a center high mounted stop lamp installed according to the regulations?

The requirement for a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) is applicable to multi-purpose passenger vehicles, which are defined as vehicles designed to transport passengers and must include a certain number of seating positions and the desired characteristics for safety. The CHMSL serves an important function by providing additional visibility to the vehicles behind, especially in situations where the standard brake lights may not be easily seen due to the height or positioning of the vehicle.

In contrast, while there are regulations for many types of vehicles, not all vehicles are mandated to have this specific lamp. For instance, sports cars and commercial trucks may have different lighting requirements based on their design and intended use. Other vehicle classifications, such as motorcycles or certain smaller passenger vehicles, might not fall under the specified regulations for a CHMSL. Therefore, the focus on multi-purpose passenger vehicles highlights their importance in terms of safety standards, making it necessary for them to have this safety feature as part of the vehicle lighting system.