When your brake light comes on, your car is letting you know that either your vehicle is low on brake fluid, the emergency brake is activated, there's trouble within the ABS unit, or there's a problem with the sensors.

What Happens During the Inspection? During inspection, a Bureau of Automotive Repair (B.A.R.) licensed brake and lamp technician checks to see if the lights in a vehicle are working properly. This includes a visual check of all lights, as well as a measurement of the projected light coming from the headlights.

The most common cause your brake lights stay on is because of a faulty brake light switch or sensor. It can also be caused by a faulty brake pedal or a malfunction in the electrical system. If you recently replaced the rear light bulbs when it occurred, you may have installed the wrong light bulbs.

While you technically can drive with the brake system warning light on, you should make a point to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. Brakes are the most important safety feature on your vehicle, so you should not drive if your brakes are not working properly.