This feels like it almost violates my constitutional rights.?

Question

I live in california and in January of 05 the section 24400 of California motor vehicle laws became effective. It states that the center of the headlamp must be between 22 and 54 inches. I moved here before that and my car was modified but was still legal at that time. After 24400 was amended I was pulled over about 6 months later and given a ticket for my headlamp being 20". I tried to fight it in court but it felt like I was guilty until proven innocent. The judge stated to me unless i went to a peace officer and i got it fixed i was guilty.

Basically I feel like I am being prosecuted and convicted guilty for something that i'm innocent for. Now i am breaking the law because you changed the law, and that is crap. It would probably take 400 dollars for parts and labor to change back to factory height.

I took it up the *** this time, but next time they really need to get the shaft.

basically ex post facto law is what i'm thinking. It just feals wrong.

Answer 1

Just remember, there is a reason for the change, if people didn't drive low riders everywhere and prove they are a hazard, then they would not have changed the law, but alas, they did and now you must either modify your car to drive it, or move somewhere that will allow it.

Answer 2

Well, it is pretty easy to prove that your headlights are 20 inches off the ground which would be below the minimum legal height of 22 inches. You need to keep up with changes in traffic laws. The ownership and operation of a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a legal right and a state can changes its regulations at any time it wishes.

Answer 3

You have no constitutional right to have illegal equipment on your car.

You're not "innocent;" your lights are illegal.

Answer 4

dude its not a law its so they can have an exuse to pull anyone over they want to (racial profiling)