Question on the law?

Question

If a police officer/s in a police vehicle are behind me whilst I am out driving in my car one night and one of my back light's goes out/stop's working(obviously without me knowing)can they stop me?under current law?or not?even if I am not committing ANY other offence?i.e such as speeding/on my mobile phone/going to slow/or driving carelessly?

Answer 1

They can, if they choose to, but more than likely, they would only let you know what they saw, and you would not get a ticket. I doubt they would spend the time doing that, though, unless you were speeding or something.

Answer 2

There is a law that is out that states that you have to have 2 working tail lights. That is why many newer cars have a 3rd light, but depending on the quotas the cop has during the month, he may or may not stop you. The law is:

Vehicle Code 25100. (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (d), every vehicle 80 inches or more in overall width shall be equipped during darkness as follows:
(1) At least one amber clearance lamp on each side mounted on a forward-facing portion of the vehicle and visible from the front and at least one red clearance lamp on each side mounted on a rearward-facing portion of the vehicle and visible from the rear.

Answer 3

Yes I would imagine you are braking at least the road traffic act but they need no reason other than the wish to detain you and inspect your vehicle I think "reasonable cause" covers this BUT

My daughter has been stopped on two occasions and on both the officers concerned only informed her of the problem and the second time offered to change the bulb as I ensure my kids always carry spares

R

Answer 4

Ive been in this situation myself. When they stopped me they did a vehicle check too to make sure it was taxed, tested and insured. The results came back and they let me go but its annoying when they do this. Also helpful as you cant see your rear lights. I have also seen police vehicles with lights out on the rear. One police officer was actually steering his vehicle the other night on my way home from work with his elbows whilst he was eating a sandwich. I wonder if he got stopped ??????????

Answer 5

Hi Asher,

Yes they can stop you. This happened to me but I always carry spare bulbs with me. I fixed it on the spot and the officer checked it was working ok. It was my brake light. He complimented me on the fact I carried spares in the car for such an eventuality.

Answer 6

Theyd probably pull you over to inform you of the fact that the lights gone, you know, for your safety and others, but they wouldnt book you for it, mainly because they cant be bothered to deal with the paper work for something as trivial as that, especially if its gone as they were following you. So yes they can do something about it, but the chances are they wont

Answer 7

The police have the power to stop anyone at any time – they don’t need to give you a reason – and failing to stop is a criminal offence.

Answer 8

Well, they could certainly stop you. That would be the helpful thing to do. If they saw the light go out I would hope that they would not ticket you.

Answer 9

yes they can stop you as whether you know about it or not you are technically committing an offence. in practise they may not bother or they may use it as an excuse to stop you to see if you are a drink driver for example

Answer 10

Yes, they could. They may also be able to use this violation to search your vehicle if they think you look suspicious or fall into one of their "profiles".