If you’re driving in New Jersey and your tail light is out, you might be wondering whether police can pull you over for this seemingly minor issue. The short answer is yes—law enforcement can and does stop drivers for broken tail lights, and here’s why that’s the case under New Jersey law.
Why Tail Light Laws Matter
New Jersey, like every state, has specific regulations about vehicle lighting to ensure safety on the road. The law requires that all vehicles have at least one tail lamp on each side of the rear, visible from at least 500 feet away. These lights must be in good working order at all times.
What the Law Says
According to New Jersey’s motor vehicle code, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without properly functioning tail lights. Specifically, Title 39:3-61 of the New Jersey Statutes requires that every vehicle be equipped with at least one tail lamp that emits a steady red light visible from 500 feet to the rear.
Additional tail lights may be required depending on the type of vehicle, but the minimum standard is clear: if one of your required tail lights is broken, you are not in compliance with the law.
Failure to maintain proper lighting is considered a category 2 violation, which can result in a $100 fine per violation.
Can Police Pull You Over?
Yes, police officers in New Jersey can lawfully stop you if they observe that your tail light is out. This is because driving with a broken tail light is considered an equipment violation, and officers are permitted to conduct traffic stops for such infractions.
What if you have more than the minimum required tail lights?
If your vehicle has multiple tail lights on each side (for example, two on each side), police can only lawfully stop you if all the tail lights on one side are out—unless your vehicle otherwise fails to meet the minimum legal requirements for lighting. However, in most cases, if your vehicle is missing or has a broken required tail light, you can be pulled over.
What Happens If You’re Stopped?
If you’re pulled over for a broken tail light, the officer will likely issue you a citation for failure to maintain your vehicle’s lamps. The fine for this violation is typically $100. In most cases, if you fix the tail light and provide proof of the repair to the court, you may be able to have the fine reduced or dismissed.
Tips for Drivers
Regularly check your vehicle’s lights, including tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals, to ensure they’re working properly.
If a light is out, replace it as soon as possible to avoid being pulled over and fined.
Keep proof of repair in case you need to show it to the court after receiving a citation.
You can be pulled over for a broken tail light in New Jersey. State law requires that your vehicle’s tail lights be in good working order, and police are authorized to stop you if they’re not. To stay safe and avoid fines, make sure all your vehicle’s lights are functioning before you hit the road.
Stay safe, and happy driving!
Sources:
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-16-53A-3-6
- https://www.sobellaw.com/what-is-required-for-a-valid-traffic-stop-in-new-jersey/
- https://gambonelaw.com/how-a-routine-stop-for-a-bad-tail-light-can-land-you-in-jail/