I don’t know where you are but when I got my license part of the little booklet they gave me included instructions to make sure my vehicle was in proper working order every time I get in it. Walk around and look at the tires, try the blinkers and check the lights. Kind of a mini version of the “pre-trip” inspection truck drivers are required to do and document on a daily basis.
Now, I don’t do this every day but I do try to be mindful of my vehicle and it really is easy to tell when you are out at night if there is a light out in your vehicle. I also know I am responsible if one should be out and I don’t notice it before an officer does. Just because it is inconvenient does not mean it is not necessary.
The “lesson” here is check your lights. Many people do drive with unsafe vehicles and so the police don’t have the liberty of assuming you’re on your way to the light repair shop - they assume you either don’t know or don’t care that it is out.
You don’t even need a garage or a plate-glass window to check your brake lights. If you start your car after dark, anything you’re parked in front of will give you an indication of whether your lights are out – trees, other cars, trash cans, etc. If all else fails, put a brick on the pedal and wander back to check.
Somehow I find it hard to believe that you “didn’t give the cop an ounce of attitude”, considering the sheer volume of punctuation and self-righteous fuming you’re giving in the face of sound advice – all the while neglecting to give the one piece of data which would allow anyone to answer your question, i.e. what the law states. Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but laws differ greatly from state to state.
I see post exactly like this all the time in a legal forum I frequent. My response is the same here as it would be their. With the shitty attitude you have shown over this extremely minor situation, you deserve what you got. It’s not a moving violation and will not affect your driving record or insurance. Now quit whining, fix your light and find some worth bitching about. Geez Louise…
Please…Most people know at least ONE person they can ask to assume the driver position and step on the brakes for them. Even at the local parts store.
And if you are that person that lives on your own 10,000 acres of property with no person around for miles and lives off their own land, with NO ONE to ask…then I guess there also isn’t an officer around to give you a ticket, huh?