I got ticket for "not having lights on" while using wipers..i have auto running lights..can i plead not guilty

MSAD

The automatic lights are turned on by the outside light conditions. If it starts to rain in daylight conditions - the automatic lights will not turn on. You will know if your lights turned on b/c the dash lights will come on. If they don't come on themselves - You will have to turn them on yourself.

Sorry...but automatic lights is not a defense.

(I've got auto lights too).

oklatom

No. You obviously live in a state (like Illinois) that has in the law that headlights must be on if windshield wipers are required. Automatic lights don't count, nor do daytime running lights. HEADLIGHTS (intentional emphasis) must be on with the wipers.

Of course you can plead not guilty, and once your date for trial comes up, tell the judge you have automatic lights, and he will quote the same law I just did, find you guilty, and fine you anyway.

I just happen to have CA law on the subject handy. Want to see it?

Headlamps on Motor Vehicles
24400. (a) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be:

(1) Equipped with at least two headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and, except as to vehicles registered prior to January 1, 1930, they shall be located directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches.

(2) Operated during darkness, or inclement weather, or both, with at least two lighted headlamps that comply with paragraph (1).

(b) As used in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), â€œinclement weatherâ€ is a weather condition that is either of the following:

(1) A condition that prevents a driver of a motor vehicle from clearly discerning a person or another motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1,000 feet.

(2) A condition requiring the windshield wipers to be in continuous use due to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.

Added Sec. 2, Ch. 415, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative July 1, 2005.
Amended Sec. 9, Ch. 311, Stats. 2006. Effective January 1, 2007.

StephenWeinstein

Running lights are not as bright as the law requires when using wipers. When using wipers you are required to use all the exterior lights except the high beams, same as at night.

entidtil

If you are sure the automatic lights were on along with the wipers, I would fight it. keep in mind that because they are automatic does not necessarily mean they were on and working. If they were not, you are still responsible

Wrenchmeister

Of course. If your lights where on.

Dave87gn

I'd fight it, newer cars have lights all the time, its the law, the judge will know

Tammy

I have daytime running lights on my car too, they are just as obvious as turning on the regular headlights. There is very little difference between the two, except maybe a bit more brightness and the ability to turn on your brights. It sounds like either the police officer was blind or your lights weren't working. I'm sure you've checked them, so I'd say you have a pretty good case. Daytime automatic lights should have been enough. Bad cop. No donut.

D.M.

Just because your wipers are on doesn't mean your headlights are on, particularly during daylight hours!

rogue13_13

If you mean you have automatic headlights, you may have a case.

If you mean that your parking lights are on all the time, you probably don't. The law is intended to improve visibility of cars during bad weather, and parking lights are not much help during the day.

Lobo

You'll need a statement from a mechanic that your daytime running lights are working and are in good repair and that there are no observable problems with the lights, that they are on as soon as the car is started, that the operator cannot turn off these lights at all. The statement would preferably come from a dealership that sells your make vs an independent auto mechanic, and be on dealership letterhead. You may have to pay a bit for this but if the car is newer you can try to go to the dealership where you purchased the car, they should do it for free. Any promotional literature on your car can help too, provided the brochures talk about the safety feature that is has - daytime running lights.

Take the statement and bring the original w/you to your hearing (request a hearing in person when you answer your ticket). Make a few copies, just in case you need them. Present it to the hearing officer/judge/administrator and explain that the cop said that he "didn't notice that the lights were on"), how it is impossible for them not to be on when the engine is running (that they are automatically turned on w/o driver input), etc. The dealership's statement should be sufficient proof that your lights were on and your ticket (and any related fine and points against your license) will be dismissed. You can also hope that the cop who wrote the ticket will be too busy to appear in court to present his side, that helps your case.

Paul P

Yes, you can say not guilty........that's why you have to go
to court to contest the violation.
It's up to the judge if he decides on your favor or
the cop's favor

keithsteer1

you can try, but you better go into court with proof that your car has them, and if they do not work, get them fixed and have proof with you in court. that way it would be considered faulty equiptment and should be dismissed.

Marc

Why would you be required to have your headlights on just because you were using your wipers. I could see a violation if it were night but if this happened during daytime it makes absolutely no sense.

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