Is is against the law to drive with your 3rd brake light out?

Question

I was told it was a fix it ticket and I should wait until a cop pulls me over befoe I spend $200 to fix it. Only problem I don't want a cop pulling me over for something like that. Anyone know if cops usually look for this as a reason to pull you over?

Answer 1

It is illegal. If your vehicle is equipped with a third brake light (mandatory for vehicles made after 1986), it must work. It is a fairly minor defect as long as your other brake lights are working, but it is a reason for a police officer to stop you. Also- if you happen to get rear-ended and the light wasn't working, there's a chance you could be held at partially at fault since you knew about the problem and did not get it fixed- it's contributory neglience. The other person's insurance may refuse to pay the damages since the 3rd light is required.

Like the other person said, I'd get a 2nd opinion on getting it fixed. It may be a $3 bulb that needs replacing. Good luck to you!!

Answer 2

Third Brake Light Law

Answer 3

$200? Do you have an a problem with your wiring? Is the think broken? Because if the bulb is just out, it should be a $10 fix it job.

Anyways, depends on the state laws. Some places you just need 1 brake light to working, some you need 2, others every light put on your car at the factory needs to work. So I can't really answer it without too much more information.

Answer 4

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RE:
Is is against the law to drive with your 3rd brake light out?
I was told it was a fix it ticket and I should wait until a cop pulls me over befoe I spend $200 to fix it. Only problem I don't want a cop pulling me over for something like that. Anyone know if cops usually look for this as a reason to pull you over?

Answer 5

it all depends on where you are some state vehilce codes say that all operatinig lights of a vehicle must function others dont which mean that in some states and counties you may be pulled over for your third brake light out although most of the time a cop wont pull you over for the third brake light out unless he is just looking for a reason to pull you over, what type of car do you have that its 200 dollars to fix the third brake light ?

Answer 6

What do you mean $200 to replace a light bulb? It should be less than $5. Unless the officer is looking for an reason to stop you, it would be unusual to bother with a burnt out brake light. They would have to be behind you when you used your brakes to even notice.

Answer 7

I have a Cadillac dts 2011, with 55 thousand miles, and the third brake light is an LED strip on the trunk lid and a few of the led bulbs are burned .out. The part is sealed and comes as one part, and cost $298.33 plus tax, and installation....would you call this a design scam?

Answer 8

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Unfortunatly you seem to have been screwed over, but there is a glimmer of hope, if you are in the UK. Contact your local CAB, there is ruling which states that if someone sells more than 5 vehicles within 12 calendar months then they are classed as a dealer and not a private individual. If as you say this "gentleman" is posing as a private seller to offload dangerous cars as a business then you may be in luck, as the rules are different.

Answer 9

Depends on the state laws here in the Old Dominion (Va) if the item(3rd Break lite) is on the car it has to work or they can pull you over and cite you or fail your vehicle when get inspected.

Answer 10

it is not against the law to have that light out. but a cop can still use that as a reason to pull you over. and whoever told you it would cost 200 dollars to fix sounds like they are trying to over charge you unless there's more problems with the light then just the bulb.