Ticket for having one non-working headlight?

[Novemberrain81]

This cop pulled me over for having a non-working headlight and he gave me a ticket. Is it worth it for me to get the fees cancelled in court? It's only $54 but I think the principal of it was wrong. Why not just give a warning ticket? I was stopped at a red light and when light turned green I started driving and wasn't speeding not even 1 mile over. Next thing I know this guy is behind me and followed me for a good mile and a half before pulling me over. Should I go to court? I got it fixed in two days and the day the middle I didn't drive my car. What is the law in NJ about headlight? Does only one need to be out to get a ticket or both need to be out to get ticket?

[Eagle]

Unfortunately, in NJ a cop can give you a ticket for one nonworking headlight. The state is broke and cops are giving tickets for any petty violation they see. I would pay the $54 and accept the incident as just a part of life in New Jersey.

The only way I think you could fight it is to tell the judge that you knew it was working the day before and it must have gone bad while you were driving that day. Therefore you (a) were not aware of it and (b) would have been impossible for you to change it while you were driving on the day it went bad. "Impossibility" is a defense in such a situation. If the judge believes you the he might let you off the hook.