VTL 375-2(a)(1) – No/Inadequate Lights

The attorneys at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office are experienced in NY traffic ticket law and can assist motorists cited under VTL § 375(2)(a)(1), No/Inadequate Lights. This violation concerns the statutory requirement that certain motor vehicles display at least two lighted headlamps on the front when driven during specified periods or conditions. A conviction can result in fines, and mandatory surcharges. We can fight such tickets across New York State.

Penalties for VTL 375-2(a)(1) No/Inadequate Lights

Violations of VTL § 375(2)(a)(1) are traffic infractions. Fines and surcharges are as follows.

Points. VTL 375-2(a)(1) No/Inadequate Lights is a standard equipment violation and carries 0 points. By contrast, VTL 375-2(a) Failure to use headlamps while wipers in use carries 2 points. Some courts or officers cite “no/inadequate lights” under the broader 375-2(a) (e.g., when wipers are in use). If your ticket references headlamps with wipers or similar language, it may be treated as the 2‑point moving violation. The distinction is important: 375-2(a)(1) = 0 points; 375-2(a) headlamps-with-wipers = 2 points.

Dismissal if equipment repaired. Per VTL § 376-a-4, a court may dismiss a 375-2(a)(1) charge if the required equipment is repaired not later than one-half hour after sunset on the first full business day after the ticket was issued. Acceptable proof is defined in § 376-a-5. This option applies only when the violation is corrigible (e.g., replacing a burned-out bulb or repairing wiring).

Related equipment offenses include VTL 375-2(a) Failure to use headlamps while wipers in use (2 points) and VTL 375-3 Failure to dim headlights (2 points).

Statute

The relevant section of the Vehicle and Traffic Law provides, in part:

2. (a) Every motor vehicle except a motorcycle, driven upon a public highway during the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or at any other time when windshield wipers are in use, as a result of rain, sleet, snow, hail or other unfavorable atmospheric condition, and at such other times as visibility for a distance of one thousand feet ahead of such motor vehicle is not clear, shall display:

1. at least two lighted head lamps on the front, one on each side, having light sources of equal power;

What This Means for Drivers: When you operate a motor vehicle (other than a motorcycle) on a public highway (1) from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, (2) when wipers are in use due to rain, sleet, snow, hail or similar conditions, or (3) when visibility ahead is not clear for 1,000 feet, you must display at least two lighted headlamps on the front, one on each side, with light sources of equal power. A “no/inadequate lights” ticket under 375-2(a)(1) alleges a failure to meet this equipment requirement—e.g., a missing lamp, one lamp out, or lamps of unequal power.

How to Fight a VTL § 375(2)(a)(1) Ticket

Defending a no/inadequate-lights ticket often turns on the facts of the stop, the condition of the equipment, and whether you can provide acceptable proof of repair under § 376-a-5.

Common defense angles include:

• Repair and dismissal under § 376-a-4: If you repair the headlamps not later than one-half hour after sunset on the first full business day after the ticket, and submit proof as defined in § 376-a-5, the court may dismiss the case.
• Both lamps operative and equal: The statute requires two lighted headlamps, one on each side, with equal power. If both were functioning and of equal strength, the charge may not be sustained.
• Timing and conditions: The obligation applies only during the specified periods (e.g., night, wipers in use, or reduced visibility). If you were not driving under those conditions, that may undercut the violation.
• Motorcycle exception: The requirement applies to “every motor vehicle except a motorcycle.” If you were on a motorcycle, the subsection does not apply.
• Wrong subsection cited: If the conduct was “failure to use headlamps with wipers” rather than missing/inadequate equipment, the correct charge may be 375-2(a) (2 points). That does not defeat the ticket but can affect points and sentencing.

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office can assist with VTL § 375(2)(a)(1) and related equipment violations across New York State. We work to protect your driving record and minimize fines where possible. Contact us by phone, email, or text; we will review your case at no charge.

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