Question on a CVC 24601 Violation

[liko]

Hi, I don't know if this is the right place to post this, but I got a ticket today earlier because my license plate didn't light up. I was given right off the bat a ticket (instead of a warning for a first timer never been stopped since that day). I wanted to get some feedback if I should pay it or fight it. I feel have very high chances to win because it was the first time ever to be stopped and how can I know that the back of the license plate (the light)is not working. I kind of found it unfair to be my first time and than I have to go (did research) the police station or sheriff and pay around $15 bucks and than pay the court around $25 dollars that is $40 dollars right of the bat. Any feed back of what recommendations (I have tones of time) what I want to know is there a high chance I will win if I go or does it get worse if I lose and end up paying more? I live in California

[Falconis]

You dont have to go there. Just find a cop that isn't enganged in any duties and ask him to inspect your car and sign off on the ticket. The court fees are unavoidable.

If you feel you have a high chance of winning, go for it. Your assertion of fairness and all the reasons you mentioned are incorrect however IMO.

[liko]

You dont have to go there. Just find a cop that isn't enganged in any duties and ask him to inspect your car and sign off on the ticket. The court fees are unavoidable.

If you feel you have a high chance of winning, go for it. Your assertion of fairness and all the reasons you mentioned are incorrect however IMO.

Thanks for the fast response really appreciate it. How can I get a cop to write of the ticket? Can it be any time or what would you recommend? I don't mind paying the ticket, but I don't want to pay a cop than pay the court. I really appreciate the advice. I feel I would win this case just because it was the first time ever getting stop by a law enforcement in my life and not even giving me a warning (also since the light is on the back how would I know if its not working when I wasn't warned).

[jgraham7897]

A warning is not required but is a courtesy. It is your job to make sure that all lights are working properly on your vehicle.

[Falconis]

Ok, you seem to be about 20 years old so I'll be nice to you.

It doesnt matter if it is your first offense or your 20th offense. The violation still occurred. It is also your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is in full working order at all times. A cop's discretion is not automatically granted to you because you are a good person. It's HIS decision to make, not your expectation.

You can try waiting for a cop outside a courthouse as he is walking out. Other than that, I dont know where you live or where you are.

You should have read the forum rules here first. 3. This is NOT a place to air your dislike of the Government, Law Enforcement, LEOs in general or the law in general. Doing so here will result in losing access to this forum.

Bottom line is that your car wasnt working properly. You got a ticket. It sucked. Asking us questions (fishing expedition) that are rather pointless isnt going to win you any friends around here.

[liko]

A warning is not required but is a courtesy. It is your job to make sure that all lights are working properly on your vehicle.

meh would of been nice to get a courtesy I was acting very chill with him.

[jgraham7897]

meh would of been nice to get a courtesy I was acting very chill with him.

It would have been nice but by the letter of the law you got a valid ticket. Just get it written off and pay the court.

[liko]

Ok, you seem to be about 20 years old so I'll be nice to you.

It doesnt matter if it is your first offense or your 20th offense. The violation still occurred. It is also your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is in full working order at all times. A cop's discretion is not automatically granted to you because you are a good person. It's HIS decision to make, not your expectation.

You can try waiting for a cop outside a courthouse as he is walking out. Other than that, I dont know where you live or where you are.

You should have read the forum rules here first. 3. This is NOT a place to air your dislike of the Government, Law Enforcement, LEOs in general or the law in general. Doing so here will result in losing access to this forum.

Bottom line is that your car wasnt working properly. You got a ticket. It sucked. Asking us questions (fishing expedition) that are rather pointless isnt going to win you any friends around here.

Almost in my mid 20's. Well I will see what I will do (if I can get an opportunity to get it write off at least). I am not disliking the Government at all just find it unfair that's all and I guess I was told wrong since I always though there was a first time freebie, but I guess not. I was seeking advice that is all (with people more experience in this area).

It would have been nice but by the letter of the law you got a valid ticket. Just get it written off and pay the court.

Thats what it seems I will do.

[JS89]

This is what I am getting from your post. First, you were expecting a warning and secondly, you find it hard taking responsibility for properly maintaining your vehicle. The courts don't care if this is the first time that you were stopped for the violation. The fact of the matter is that you were breaking the law, regardless if you knew you were.

[TRICKSTER]

Was the light working? If it was and you have the time, try taking it to court. Just be aware that the fact that you never got a ticket before is irrelevant, all that matters to the court is if the light was or wasn't working.

If the light wasn't working, then fix it, get it signed off and pay the court fees. You were driving, your responsible. It's up to you to make sure the car is up to code. Checking/maintaining the equipment on your vehicle is all part of being a responsible driver.

Either way, it's just a fix it ticket, don't try to turn it into more than it really is.

[liko]

Was the light working? If it was and you have the time, try taking it to court. Just be aware that the fact that you never got a ticket before is irrelevant, all that matters to the court is if the light was or wasn't working.

If the light wasn't working, then fix it, get it signed off and pay the court fees. You were driving, your responsible. It's up to you to make sure the car is up to code. Checking/maintaining the equipment on your vehicle is all part of being a responsible driver.

Either way, it's just a fix it ticket, don't try to turn it into more than it really is.

Ya I don't want to get into a hassal if by going to court and really don't like my agruementive over it. I did do some research and apparently CHP writes them off (without a fee) so I will go have it clear there and pay the administrative fee. Thanks

[SVT-40]

Cops in the field cannot sign off citations. It can only be done at a station or office. A stamp, in addition to the signature is needed.

[ckim34]

Cops in the field cannot sign off citations. It can only be done at a station or office. A stamp, in addition to the signature is needed.

I do it all the time in the field......and so do my co workers and pretty much every cop in my county.

[Falconis]

i do it too

except when i am already conducting a car stop and am busy. damn morons.

[RollingCode3]

i do it too

except when i am already conducting a car stop and am busy. damn morons.

lol