You may still be able to see, and even drive, when one of your headlights is burned out. However, operating your vehicle with a headlight or tail light out is not only potentially unsafe, but it is also against the law. So, while you may feel safe traveling on the roads with only one headlight or tail light, it is important to know that you may be pulled over and may even face a high fine or fee. Our Fort Lauderdale one headlight or tail light out attorney can advise on what will happen if you get pulled over, and how you can avoid it happening to you.
When are Headlights Required in Fort Lauderdale?
Under Florida law, all motorists are required to use their headlights from sunset to sunshine, including twilight and dusk hours. Motorists must also use their headlights during any smoke, fog, or rain. All vehicles must also have two headlights, unless it is a motorcycle, in which case, only one is required. Any motorist that violates these laws will likely be pulled over by police and issued a ticket.
What will Happen if You Get Pulled Over?
If you did not know that you had a headlight or tail light out and a police officer pulled you over, they will likely only give you a notice to correct the violation. If you repair the broken fixture promptly, you should show proof that you have corrected the situation and pay the minimal court fee. You will likely not face any other consequences in this case.
On the other hand, if you have been operating a vehicle with just one headlight for a long period of time without correcting the damage, you will likely be given a notice to correct, as well as a notice to appear. In addition to fixing the problem, you will also have to pay a bigger fine and the infraction may appear on your driving record.
We are here for you 24/7
(Consultations are Free)
Call Us Now
How to Avoid a Traffic Stop for One Broken Headlight or Tail Light
Of course, the best way to avoid a traffic stop for a broken headlight or tail light is to always ensure your lights are in working order. Although this may sound obvious, too many people think they can take the chance of going out on the roads with a broken headlight or tail light, only to then get pulled over. Turn on your headlights or tail lights before you get behind the wheel to ensure they are working properly.
If you do get pulled over for having one headlight or tail light out, always remain kind and polite with the officer. There is a better chance they will reciprocate. If you have checked your lights before going out, you can tell the officer that, and explain that you did not know it had burned out.
Call Our Fort Lauderdale One Headlight or Tail Light Out Attorneys
If you have been pulled over for a broken light, our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at Meldon Law is here to help. Call us today at 800-373-8000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Fill Out the Confidential Contact Form Below toGet Your Free Consultation
The Only Official Injury Law Firm Partner of the University of Florida Gators
At your next Gator event, be sure to be on the lookout for the Gator Lawyers at Meldon Law!
The official injury law firm partner of the Florida Gators since 2020
FAQs
Call Our Fort Lauderdale One Headlight or Tail Light Out Attorneys. If you have been pulled over for a broken light, our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at Meldon Law is here to help. Call us today at 800-373-8000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Is it illegal to have one headlight out in Florida? ›
Every car on a Florida street, road, or highway must be equipped with two functioning headlights. Since it is illegal to drive with one headlight, vehicle operators could be pulled over and ticketed. They also put their driving privileges at risk and resulting in non-criminal traffic law consequences.
Can I get stopped for a broken headlight? ›
It cannot be a made up traffic infraction but if, in like the case here, there is actually a broken headlight. If during the stop the officer senses contraband, it can legitimately result in further police action, including an arrest.
Is it illegal to drive with one headlight out in Illinois? ›
No matter the reason, driving with one headlight out isn't allowed in any of the 50 states. If you get pulled over by a police officer, you're going to get a ticket.
What is the Tennessee headlights law? ›
The headlights shall be displayed during the period from one-half (½) hour after sunset to one-half (½) hour before sunrise, during fog, smoke, or rain and at all other times when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible any person on the road at a distance of two hundred feet (200') ahead of the ...
Can I drive my car with one headlight out? ›
However, operating your vehicle with a headlight or tail light out is not only potentially unsafe, but it is also against the law. So, while you may feel safe traveling on the roads with only one headlight or tail light, it is important to know that you may be pulled over and may even face a high fine or fee.
Do you need both headlights in Florida? ›
(1) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least two headlamps with at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle, which headlamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in this chapter, and shall show a white light.
What to do when one headlight is out? ›
One headlight doesn't work.
- The cause: This is usually caused by a burned out bulb.
- The fix: Replace the bulb. If it still doesn't work, suspect a wiring or fuse problem.
Padiddle, alternatively spelled pediddle or perdiddle, is a night driving game where players look for vehicles with a single burnt-out headlight or brake light, the word padiddle being a slang term for such a vehicle. The term popeye is also used, due to it resembling a missing or squinting eye.
Can I drive with high beams if the headlight is out? ›
In many cases, the high beams will still work when the regular headlights stop, but it's just not safe to drive around with your high beams potentially blinding other drivers.
Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, "No person shall use … a vehicle unless every lamp, reflector, rear marking and device … is in good working order and, in the case of a lamp, clean." The Highway Code also states that "lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear".
Can I drive with a broken headlight cover? ›
Riding with a broken headlight: why is it forbidden? Driving with a broken headlight is a real danger: its cover is no longer able to perform its protective function in an optimal way and to ensure the necessary waterproofing of the lights.
What do you yell when you see a car with one headlight? ›
Years ago in some parts of the country when you were out just driving around of an evening and you saw a car approaching with one of its headlights out, you were supposed to say ' Padiddle ' and you got to kiss your date.
What is the TCA light law? ›
Every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, road roller, road machinery or farm tractor shall be equipped with at least two (2) and not more than four (4) headlights, with at least one (1) on each side of the front of the motor vehicle.
What makes headlights illegal? ›
California Vehicle Code 25950 states that headlights must be installed at a height of not more than 54 inches but not less than 22 inches. Section 25950 additionally mandates that all front lights should be in the white or yellow color spectrum.
Which type of headlights are not legal in the United States? ›
Any LED or HID into a stock halogen headlight are not DOT or SAE approved, meaning they are not street legal and should only be used for off-road use.
What to do if the headlight is out? ›
Begin by determining if the problem is with a faulty lightbulb or a dead fuse. If only one headlight is out, it's likely a faulty bulb. If both lights are out, then you may have blown a fuse. From there, you can gather the tools you'll need to change the headlight or replace the fuse.
Can you black out headlights in Florida? ›
Is it illegal for me to put tint on my headlights? Headlight tint is illegal in these states: Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, Texas, Vermont, and Washington DC.
