What year vehicles require a center high mounted stop lamp?

The requirement for a center high mounted stop lamp, often referred to as a third brake light, was established to enhance the visibility of braking actions of vehicles. This feature became mandatory for passenger vehicles starting with the 1986 model year, but the significant emphasis on compliance with this requirement was solidified in regulations that took effect by the early 1990s.

The correct answer specifies that vehicles from 1994 and newer are required to have this feature, aligning with safety improvements implemented during that time. In practical terms, this means that any passenger vehicle manufactured in or after the 1994 model year must include a center high mounted stop lamp to meet federal safety standards, designed to reduce rear-end collisions by providing an additional visible cue to drivers behind.

Other options reference years that either precede this requirement or do not accurately reflect the timeline when these standards were officially enforced, making them inaccurate within the context of the question.