QUESTION
If I wasn't aware I had a broken taillight, am I still guilty?
Asked on Feb 18th, 2015 on Criminal Law - Missouri
More details to this question:
I am charged with knowingly and willingly operating a motor vehicle without two working tail lamps. Now since I did not know the tail light was out, does that cover me as a defense?
1 ANSWER
No, it is not an adequate defense to say you didn't know your tail light was broken. It's the driver's responsibility to confirm the vehicle he is driving is fully operational. Having a tail light out is dangerous to other drivers because they can't tell that you are signaling for a turn or that you are pressing on your brakes.
Answered on Feb 18th, 2015 at 2:01 PM