Driving Without Headlights, CVC 24250

[lillith]

This took place in California.

Last night I got a ticket for driving without headlights. I THOUGHT I had flicked them on, but apparently I only clicked once so my PARKING lights were on. I was so scared. Im 17 years old and will be 18 in a week.
The cop was fairly nice, but not nice enough to NOT give me the ticket. Anyway my question is, does the CVC 24250 give me a point on my record? I told the police I was scared what my parents would do and asked if they had to find out. He told me I could intercept the mail and pay for the fine. I haven't told them yet because thats just not an option. Unless I want my father to go crazy on me.

So basically my questions are:

- Does this give me points (because this will show up on my parents insurance)

If it doesn't then I will happily pay the fine.

-If it DOES give me points, should I contest the ticket?

My argument would be to say that CVC 24250 basically says that
"During darkness, a vehicle shall be equipped with lighted lighting equipment as required for the vehicle by this chapter."

I want to argue that since my parking lights were on and equipped, then my crime would have been under CVC 24800:

"24800. No vehicle shall be driven at any time with the parking lamps lighted except when the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps or when the headlamps are also lighted."

which I believe has no points attached?

What would be the cheapest thing for me to do??

[chuckycheese]

I don't think your defense would ever stand up so you might as well forget about that. As far as your parents are concerned...tell them; everyone makes mistakes and, to my way of thinking, your mistake was not a big one and I feel sure they will agree. Honesty is usually the best policy; tell your folks and you'll sleep better!

As far as your parents' insurance is concerned, I think there's a pretty good chance that it won't be affected....but your mom or dad can check into that.

As an aside, if the area you were driving in was extremely well lighted, you could try to use that reasoning to explain why you didn't notice that your lights weren't on. It just might gain sympathy from the judge because it truly can happen to anyone! Good luck..and don't worry!

[cdwjava]

Anyway my question is, does the CVC 24250 give me a point on my record?

It's approximately $146 and 1 point on your record.

- Does this give me points (because this will show up on my parents insurance)

Yes. See above.

-If it DOES give me points, should I contest the ticket?

That's entirely up to you. However, unless you plan to commit the crime of perjury, you will lose. Your only hope might be that the officer fails to show in court.

My argument would be to say that CVC 24250 basically says that
"During darkness, a vehicle shall be equipped with lighted lighting equipment as required for the vehicle by this chapter."[/quote]
And, during darkness you are required to have your headlights on ... they were not ... ergo, your required equipment was not "lighted".

Your claim that 24800 is inventive, but likely won't fly. However, the court might be willing to accept a plea to this offense ... if your local court does that. If not, then you may not be able to try for a plea unless the DA's office is involved in traffic offenses in your county. If so, 24800 is $146 and 0 points.


- Carl