diff --git a/selfdrive/car/interfaces.py b/selfdrive/car/interfaces.py
index 0dd2bf611a..003bd1c0e8 100644
--- a/selfdrive/car/interfaces.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/interfaces.py
@@ -399,8 +399,7 @@ class CarInterfaceBase(ABC):
     cs_out.madsEnabled = CS.madsEnabled
     cs_out.accEnabled = CS.accEnabled
     cs_out.disengageByBrake = CS.disengageByBrake
-    cs_out.brakeLights = cs_out.brakeLights or cs_out.brakePressed or cs_out.brakeHoldActive or \
-                         cs_out.parkingBrake or cs_out.regenBraking or cs_out.brake
+    cs_out.brakeLights |= cs_out.brakePressed or cs_out.brakeHoldActive or cs_out.parkingBrake or cs_out.regenBraking
 
     return cs_out, CS