Questions from drivers about VTL 375-2(a)(1), No/Inadequate Lights, answered by the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. For penalties, points, and defense options, read the VTL 375-2(a)(1), No/Inadequate Lights.
I got stopped because the officer said one of my brake lights was out, but when I checked later it looked like it was working. I'm 19 and this was my first time being pulled over. I was on my way to school when a police car followed me for a bit. At a red light, they put on the lights and siren, and I did not realize right away they meant me. An officer came to my window, said I had a tail light out, and asked whether I knew about it. I said no. He asked where I was headed, and I said school. I gave him my license, and he went back to the police car. The other officer mentioned my window tint, and I said I planned to have it removed. They returned my license and told me to pull over farther down the road. When the light changed, I went ahead, but then saw them turn around and leave. I waited about ten minutes, and they never came back. I did not get a ticket. Did I do something wrong or could I still be in trouble?
How should I respond to a New York traffic ticket for a bad tail light after I had it repaired? I got a uniform traffic ticket outside NYC because one of my taillights was broken. I was not stopped for speeding. The officer said I should repair it within a day, so I went to the local police department the following morning and had an officer sign my equipment-defect correction statement. The office there told me to enter a not-guilty plea, but I am unsure how to fill out and mail the ticket because I live in another state.
Enter a not-guilty plea and include documentation showing that the tail light was repaired.
I got a New York ticket for a bad taillight and was told that, after repairing it, I could have an inspection station verify the repair. The light has been fixed, but inspection places in Massachusetts have no idea what a "fix it" ticket is or how to sign it off. What should I do now? I really do not want to make a seven-hour trip each way just to show that the taillight was repaired.
Keep paperwork showing the taillight was repaired, such as a receipt or a letter from the shop. If that is not accepted, you can plead guilty. You could also retain an attorney to appear in court for you, although that may not be worthwhile for a minor ticket. There is no reason to make a seven-hour drive for this.
How do I contest a ticket for having no or inadequate tail lamps? Right before the officer stopped me, I switched my lights off and then back on. There is a problem with the front ballast, so the lights shut off only briefly before coming back on. My headlights and taillights are not actually out.
Even a short lapse in the lights operating can technically violate the law, so that explanation may not succeed as a defense. To challenge the ticket, plead not guilty, appear in court, and require the officer to prove each required part of the charge. Since this is a no-point violation, though, the hassle may not be cost-effective.
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Benjamin Goldman Law Office
That is unusual. It is possible the officers had to respond to something else and did not return. Based on what you described, it does not sound like you did anything wrong.