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Old 09-18-2009, 10:47 AM
 
16 posts, read 189,546 times
Reputation: 20

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Hello Everyone, I got pulled over yesterday by officer . I gave him all the documents and he told me that my brake light was not working. I told him that I just found that out (as my indicator light came on) and that I just got it fixed 3 days ago and will get it fixed right away. Unfortunately, I did not have receipt to prove that I actually did get the bulb fixed 3 days ago. He gave me a ticket for $54 for that. This is totally ridiculous, given that i have no serious tickets ( other than parking tickets in NYC) the officer should have given some consideration and at least one warning to fix. I guess he figured I am out of state ( NY license) so might as well give me ticket.

I have the receipt on me. I would really like to fight this ticket. Does anyone have any experience in such situations in Bergen country or other areas in NJ state ? I was told by municipal court clerk that no matter what I will end up paying fine.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thx,

Kashyshi
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Old 09-18-2009, 11:07 AM
 
1,977 posts, read 7,467,001 times
Reputation: 1162
It doesnt put points on your license or increases your insurance. If the cop pulled you over because of it, regardless if you had it fixed 3 days prior, it wasnt working when the cop pulled you over, and thats all that matters...legally. Have it fixed and pay the ticket.
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Old 09-18-2009, 11:23 AM
 
Location: Vermont
5,440 posts, read 16,245,892 times
Reputation: 2647
What Rob Said, but out of curiosity, how many of your 3 brake lights were out?

my high mount 3rd brake like is out, i don't think i have to fix it. the stupid plastic bevel thing that keeps it in place broke.
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Old 09-18-2009, 11:31 AM
 
744 posts, read 1,348,760 times
Reputation: 182
It's $54...

You'll pay more in parking and tolls trying to contest it...

You'll fail too, since the brake light wasn't working, doesn't matter if you were going to fix it or it only just broke.
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Old 09-18-2009, 11:37 AM
 
1,308 posts, read 4,457,023 times
Reputation: 245
You wont win, it was out, doesnt matter when it happened. It sucks but that's the law.
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Old 09-18-2009, 12:14 PM
 
Location: Ocean County
1,057 posts, read 1,784,074 times
Reputation: 326
You might want to fight it, but how? You were pulled over for a break light not working, which it wasn't. The ticket is legit, it's not like the cop made it up out of thin air. Just pay it and don't think about it again. There are more serious battles to fight than a $54 ticket that doesn't carry points.
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Old 09-18-2009, 12:49 PM
 
Location: Canco, JC, NJ
229 posts, read 893,172 times
Reputation: 90
Usually a judge who is reasonable will give you a pass if you show up, dress well, be polite and explain the situation and that you got it repaired right away. But the judge would have to be nice, which most are.
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Old 09-18-2009, 01:08 PM
 
16 posts, read 189,546 times
Reputation: 20
Thx for everyone's feedback. It sounds like this one is a goner.....cant do much. No point missing days work for $54.00. Darnit......
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Old 09-18-2009, 01:13 PM
 
Location: New Jersey
4,085 posts, read 8,443,235 times
Reputation: 2687
Yeah, he nailed you for it, fair and square. He should have been nice about it and given you a break (no pun intended), but for whatever reason, in his judgment, he gave you the ticket.

$54 isn't the end of the world. Not worth missing work, let alone the gas/tolls/time/wear & tear on the car to go fight it. $54 and it's done with, no points, no insurance surcharge... I'd just pay it and be done with it, also.
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Old 09-18-2009, 11:55 PM
 
10,183 posts, read 9,678,969 times
Reputation: 9243
In one way I do agree with everyone else.

But at the same time, how are you supposed to know when your brake lights aren't working? Lay a 20lb book on the brake pedal and run to the back of your car to check the lights every time you need to drive the car? You can tell when one of your head lights are out, back brake lights, not so much. I think a warning would have been sufficient and if you didn't get if fixed and got pulled over again for the same, then a ticket would have been a little more appropriate.

But you mostly likely aren't going to get out of it as everyone else said. Not worth fighting it.
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