Yes, you can be pulled over for a broken tail light in Arizona, but the specific circumstances matter and the law has evolved in recent years.
Historically, Arizona law required only that a vehicle have “at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear,” and that it emit a red light plainly visible from 500 feet to the rear.
For many years, this meant that if one tail light was out but at least one was still working, you were technically not in violation of the law, and some courts ruled that police did not have legal justification to stop you solely for a single broken tail light.
However, after a well-known legal loophole was highlighted in a 2011 court case, the law was changed. Since 2016, Arizona law has required that all tail and brake lights on a vehicle be in working order—meaning if any tail light is broken, police can stop you for a traffic violation.
This change was made to give law enforcement clear authority to pull over vehicles with any non-functioning tail or brake light, not just those operating with a single working light.
Summary:
Current law: You can be pulled over and ticketed if any tail or brake light on your vehicle is not working.
Historical context: Prior to 2016, only one working tail light was required, so a stop for a single broken tail light was not always legally justified.
License plate light: There is a separate requirement for a white light to illuminate the rear license plate, but a stop for a broken license plate light is only valid if the plate is not clearly visible from 50 feet to the rear.
As of 2024, if any tail or brake light on your vehicle is broken in Arizona, police have the legal right to pull you over. Always ensure all your vehicle’s lights are functioning properly to avoid being stopped.
Sources:
- https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00925.htm
- https://codes.findlaw.com/az/title-28-transportation/az-rev-st-sect-28-925/
- https://www.michaelharwinlaw.com/headlights-taillights-brake-lights-dui-stop/
- https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2016/05/17/new-law-finally-lets-cops-stop-drivers-for-broken-tail-light/