Belt Auction

Ticket for tail lights broken?

I just recently got pulled over for a broken tail light in New Jersey (Title 39; 3-66)...I was pulled over prior but the previous officer stated "Just put some red tape over it and you will be fine" I applied 3M Red lens tape found at all Car store( autozone, Discount auto parts, ect.) and when i tried to explain this to the officer he got upset and gave me a ticket. Also, I am a travel nurse and am from florida and have been in New Jersey for the past 8 months working temporarly. My job is dependent on contracts, meaning every 13 weeks there is a chance of my contract ending and moving to another location for 13 weeks. Fortuantely, My contract has been extending. The officer was asking me why I havent gotten a NJ license or changed plates over........So my question is.....Legality of red tape for tail light and also am i REQUIRED to change my plates or license even though i am not a resident??? @Mary C.... The reason it came up in the conversation is because the few short months i been here I have been stopped about 5 times! This officer said "Oh yeah! You live on Madison Ave....I was there when they stopped you, Why havent you changed your plates and license over" I tried to explain that I am a travel nurse and that I move around alot so I do have a permanent residence in Florida but am working up here on contract" He got upset and said "I`m not going to argue with you!" The first time i was stopped was because of "suspicious driving" it was 10pm and was looking for a CVS to get some medicine for my wife, 2nd time no seat belt (which i understand) but the officer asked me for my insurance card, i recently got my policy and didnt yet recieve the card but the paper had all info on ther (car info, driver info, policy dates, ect) and he yelled at me in a racist manner "WHERE YOUR TAJETA DEL SEGURO!", 3rd time for having my high beams by mistake (no ticket but was asked if i had

Public Comments

1. Technically, a tail light has to be seen for a certain distance, and since I'm guessing your conversation with the officer was not cordial, he could indeed give you the ticket. In New Jersey, you must get a NJ license and register your car within 60 days of your move there.
2. what the 1st officer didnt tell u is, when u put the red tape over lens to make sure the problem is repaired within 1 month. He gave u a verbal warning but left out some details. Get a new lens and it will be thrown out of court. All states require motorist to transfer tags when in a state for 4 to 6 months. U r not technically a resident so this would not apply to u as long as u provide proof u r n that state for business purposes that r not permanent.
3. First of all, fix the tail light asap! You are just asking for trouble so long as it is broken -- even with tape over it! So long as you actually live in Florida, I don't think you have to get a NJ license or plates. Why on earth did this come up in the conversation? Whenever I get pulled over, I say nothing beyond what is required of me to maintain a minimum standard of politeness with the police officer! (Don't you know that "anything that you say can be used against you in a court of law!?!") Fix the tail light and don't worry about the license and plates. And keep your mouth shut in future traffic stops!
4. some are jackasses these days.