Optical element for a high mounted stop lamp with an LED light source

An optical element (10) for use in a high mounted stop lamp is formed with an LED light source (16) mounted on a backing plate. The LED (16) faces in a first direction (27) to emit light towards a field to be illuminated. A light transmissive dome (12) encloses the LED light source, the dome having refractive elements (24) directing at least some light emitted by the LED in a second direction transverse to the first direction. At least one light guide (14) is positioned adjacent the dome to receive light emitted by the LED that is refracted transversely by the refractive dome elements. The light guide includes light directing elements (38) to redirect the transversely directed light towards the field to be illuminated. In this way the ineffectively directed light is recaptured and directed expand the lamp's area image to comply with legal requirements.