The LED's are just as bright as the tails, and if you're looking to have a 3rd stop light with LEDs instead of a bulb, I recommend getting the RED one as opposed to the smoked. Unless you have black, then its up to you how you want it. I have mine on and I do have it wired on with daytime lights, and blink on braking. To me its just a lil safety feature since it will attract more attention. Especially to all the drunk people we have driving around here at night.