Can the cops pull me over for....?

Question

Can the cops pull me over if my Third brake light is out? The one in the center of the rear window. I have a friend who was pulled over for that. Now, my light is out and I find it ridiculous to pull me over for a light, even though the rest of them work

Answer 1

Unfortunately, yes. Any light out is an invitation to a police officer to pull you over. However, most police officers do not have time for such menial things. It's more likely that you'd be pulled over for driving briskly, and as you slowed to a stop he or she'd notice the brake light is out.
Go to your local Auto Zone or whatever car maintenance type place you have in your area. They will help you find the bulb you need, and probably even help you install it if necessary. This isn't an expensive fix.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Yes they can because by law all safety features on your car must be working if you are using the car. Does that 1 missing light really make a difference if someone is behind you and your main brake lights work? Not really. Can police pull you over for it? Yes.

In the end some cops won't bother you and others may. It's best just to get the light fixed because if a cop pulls you over and happens to be a jerk about it (regardless of his reasons for being a jerk) he can even give you a ticket for it. Most police officers will just let it go as a warning when tell them that you didn't know the light was out, but for your safety, both on the road and in the bank, I'd go ahead and get it fixed.

Answer 3

Yes, and they aren't jerks for doing so. If everything is in order, they'll usually tell you to get it fixed and that's the end of it. I was stopped for an out of date inspection and didn't get fined, only got a card the mechanic had to sign and send in when he inspected it. I was stopped for license plate light being out and didn't even get a card. He said he stopped me because it was an old car and some people take out the license plate light bulb so the police can't see if you don't have an up-to-date registration sticker on it. Do you need the traffic stop justified? How about the number of rear end collisions that have been averted through the use of the third brake light? That's a fact. Now, if you're drinking or smoking something you shouldn't be while driving, you should pay close attention to keeping your lights in order.

Answer 4

Absolutely. By not having all the required lights and operating your vehicle like this, you are committing a crime.

The last person to give an answer has no idea what they are talking about. In all states you are required to have at least two brake lights, and in most three. A city's ordinance can not override state or federal law. If you happen to be in a state where only two are required, you are good to go. In no cases will only one suffuce (unless you're on a motorcycle).

Answer 5

i do believe that if the vehicle was equipped with a third brake light that, its more than likely to be compliant with D.O.T. regulations per that body style and model year. So the answer is yes you can be pulled over.

i personally wouldnt fix it though. id wait til i get pulled over and use the "Are you serious officer? i just put a new bulb in it today!" line.

Answer 6

Yes. Your state will have spelled out somewhere in it's traffic laws about how all equipment on the vehilce needs to be functioning. It should then go into great detail to cover what year of vehicles need what type of equipment.

Another good one to argue about is daytime running headlights.

Lastly, I have seen a few posters state that "You are committing a crime" by having the brakelight out. WA state (where I live) has decriminalized 99% of it's traffic. Check to see if they have done the same in yours. Here, it's a $101.00 citation.....

Answer 7

Yes they can, if any tail light is out you can be pulled over. I suggest you change that immediately, however if you do get pulled over and get a ticket, although you will most likely be let off with a warning, you may have a certain grace period to change that to erase your ticket.

Answer 8

I don't see why this should be an issue if the brake lights on the sides work.

Answer 9

Sure, I was pulled over for one of the two license plate bulb out.
Even though police cars have no license plate lights because they use the wires for other lights.

Answer 10

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS BEFORE GETTING PULLED OVER

Think carefully about your words, movement, body language, and emotions.

Don't get into an argument with the police.

Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.

Keep your hands where the police can see them.

Don't run. Don't touch any police officer.

Don't resist even if you believe you are innocent.

Don't complain on the scene or tell the police they're wrong or that you're going to file a complaint.

Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.

Remember officers' badge and patrol car numbers.

Write down everything you remember ASAP.

Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.

If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention first.

If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written complaint with police department's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.


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1. What you say to the police is always important. What you say can be used against you, and it can give the police an excuse to arrest you, especially if you bad-mouth a police officer.

2. You must show your driver's license and registration when stopped in a car. Otherwise, you don't have to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested, with one important exception. The police may ask for your name if you have been properly detained, and you can be arrested in some states for refusing to give it. If you reasonably fear that your name is incriminating, you can claim the right to remain silent, which may be a defense in case you are arrested anyway.

3. You don't have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your house. If you DO consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ASK TO SEE IT.

4. Do not interfere with, or obstruct the police -- you can be arrested for it.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING

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1. It's not a crime to refuse to answer questions, but refusing to answer can make the police suspicious about you. If you are asked to identify yourself, see paragraph 2 above.

2. Police may "pat-down" your clothing if they suspect a concealed weapon. Don't physically resist, but make it clear that you don't consent to any further search.

3. Ask if you are under arrest. If you are, you have a right to know why.

4. Don't bad-mouth the police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.

IF YOU'RE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR

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1. Upon request, show them your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant as long as the police have probable cause. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.

2. If you're given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested. You can always fight the case in court later.

3. If you're suspected of drunk driving (DWI) and refuse to take a blood, urine or breath test, your driver's license may be suspended.

IF YOU'RE ARRESTED OR TAKEN TO A POLICE STATION

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1. You have the right to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Tell the police nothing except your name and address. Don't give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.

2. Ask to see a lawyer immediately. If you can't pay for a lawyer, you have a right to a free one, and should ask the police how the lawyer can be contacted. Don't say anything without a lawyer.

3. Within a reasonable time after your arrest, or booking, you have the right to make a local phone call: to a lawyer, bail bondsman, a relative or any other person. The police may not listen to the call to the lawyer.

4. Sometimes you can be released without bail, or have bail lowered. Have your lawyer ask the judge about this possibility. You must be taken before the judge on the next court day after arrest.

5. Do not make any decisions in your case until you have talked with a lawyer.

IN YOUR HOME

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1. If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you don't have to admit them unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.

2. However, in some emergency situations (like when a person is screaming for help inside, or when the police are chasing someone) officers are allowed to enter and search your home without a warrant.

3. If you are arrested, the police can search you and the area close by. If you are in a building, "close by" usually means just the room you are in.

We all recognize the need for effective law enforcement, but we should also understand our own rights and responsibilities -- especially in our relationships with the police. Everyone, including minors, has the right to courteous and respectful police treatment.

If your rights are violated, don't try to deal with the situation at the scene. You can discuss the matter with an attorney afterwards, or file a complaint with the Internal Affairs or Civilian Complaint Board.