Being pulled over for any reason in Georgia can be quite frustrating. However, this can be especially annoying if you are being pulled over for something relatively minor, such as a broken tail light. You may be completely unaware that there are any issues with your tail light. Perhaps you believe that your tail light is working just fine, and the police officer pulled you over for no real reason. Whatever the case may be, it is important to approach this situation in a calm and collected manner without letting your frustrations get the better of you.
It may also be helpful to enlist the help of a qualified, experienced attorney. Ideally, you should search for a skilled lawyer in the Georgia area who specializes in traffic offenses. We can help you proceed in the best way possible, and we can mitigate any consequences you might be facing. In many situations, we can get your traffic tickets dismissed entirely.
Defective Equipment Citations
A broken tail light may seem like a minor problem, but driving with one may result in surprisingly serious charges. A defective equipment traffic offense can result in a misdemeanor charge. In order to be guilty of this offense, you must knowingly operate your car while its condition poses a risk to others. In addition, the law specifically states that you must ensure that all of your lights are in proper working order before taking to the road.
Other Light-Related Laws
Another important law to remember in Georgia is that you must turn on your headlights in the rain. You cannot simply rely on your auto lights, since this may not properly illuminate your rear lights, as well. Smoked or colored tail lights are also likely illegal in Georgia, although the exact regulations may depend on your specific municipal area or county.
Penalties for Driving With a Broken Tail Light
Technically speaking, driving with a broken tail light is a misdemeanor. It might sound surprising, but this can result in a $1,000 fine or up to one year in jail. However, these strict penalties are rarely enforced, and you will likely receive a fine without any jail time.
Generally speaking, police officers often use defective equipment violations as an excuse to pull you over. They may want to search your vehicle or “check you out” to see whether you are guilty of any further crimes. However, it is still illegal for a police officer to falsely claim that your tail light was broken, and they cannot pull you over for no reason in Georgia.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Georgia area for a qualified, experienced attorney who can help you with this matter, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. We specialize in traffic offenses, and we can help you deal with any legal consequences you might be facing. A simple defective equipment citation does not have to result in needless fines and penalties. Reach out today, and we can help.
