Can you legally drive with a broken tail light?
In most places, no — driving with a broken tail light is illegal. You should stop driving and repair the light as soon as possible, and be prepared for a stop or ticket if you’re observed on the road with a defective rear light. Laws vary by jurisdiction, so check local rules.
Legal expectations and how they are enforced
Tail lights are part of a vehicle’s required rear lighting, and authorities typically enforce that they function during driving at night or in conditions with reduced visibility. The specifics—what must be working, how violations are cited, and what counts as a violation—depend on where you are. Below are common patterns you may encounter across many regions.
Common legal outcomes when a tail light is out include the following:
- Being pulled over and cited for a defective tail light, often with a warning if you repair it promptly.
- Receiving a “fix-it” ticket that requires you to repair the light and show proof of repair within a set timeframe.
- Facing fines or additional penalties if the issue is not resolved within the permitted period, or if it is part of a broader safety violation.
- Potential complications with insurance or accident fault determinations if lighting defects are involved in a crash.
In practice, most drivers are advised to treat a broken tail light as a safety and legal risk that should be addressed immediately to avoid enforcement actions and to keep their vehicle roadworthy.
What to do if you notice a broken tail light
If you discover a tail light is out, follow these steps to stay safe and compliant on the road.
- Safely pull over and turn on hazard lights to increase visibility to other drivers.
- Identify which light is damaged (rear tail light, brake light, or turn signal) by inspecting the exterior lens and lights from the outside and inside of the vehicle.
- Replace the bulb or repair the assembly as soon as possible. If you don’t have the replacement bulb or tools, seek roadside assistance or drive to a repair shop only if you can do so safely.
- Test the repaired light to confirm it works when the tail, brake, and signal functions are engaged. Have a passenger check from outside the vehicle if needed.
- If you cannot complete the repair immediately, minimize driving and consider alternative transportation to reach a repair facility, especially at night or in poor visibility.
- Keep receipts and documentation if you receive a fix-it ticket, and complete any required repair verification within the specified timeframe.
After you’ve repaired the light, continue to monitor all rear lighting in regular maintenance to prevent future violations and to improve road safety.
International and regional perspective
While laws differ by country and region, the principle is similar: functioning rear lighting is a basic safety requirement for driving on public roads. Here is a quick snapshot of how this is handled in other major regions:
- United Kingdom and Ireland: Rear tail lights and other rear lighting must be functional; driving with a light out can lead to a fixed penalty or fine and may require repair within a set period.
- Canada: Provinces generally require functioning tail lights; violations can result in fines and, in some cases, the vehicle failing a provincial inspection if applicable.
- European Union: EU-wide rules require proper rear lighting (tail lights, brake lights, and indicators) to be functioning; enforcement includes fines and mandatory repair orders.
Because specifics vary, verify the exact requirements with your local department of motor vehicles, police department, or road authority if you’re unsure about your situation.
Summary
Driving with a broken tail light is typically illegal and unsafe across most jurisdictions. If a light goes out, address the issue promptly, follow local procedures for any citations or fix-it tickets, and take extra care when driving until the repair is complete. For travelers or new residents, a quick check of the local lighting rules can prevent fines and ensure you stay roadworthy.
Can I get pulled over if my tail light is broken?
At a traffic. Stop get that tail light fixed. But don't give the cops more than you have to.
Will AutoZone replace a tail light for me?
No, AutoZone does not replace tail lights; it is a parts store that sells the parts and provides assistance to help you do it yourself. While they don't perform the service, they can provide guidance, and for some simple bulb replacements, an associate might be able to help or offer to lend a tool through their Loan-a-Tool program. For more complex installations, like a full tail light assembly replacement, they can help you find a "Preferred Shop" for installation.
- DIY replacement: AutoZone stocks all the necessary parts and provides resources like how-to guides and videos to help you replace the tail light yourself.
- Tool loan program: Their Loan-a-Tool program allows you to borrow tools to perform the replacement.
- Associate assistance: For straightforward bulb changes, an associate may offer to help you with the process.
- Preferred Shops: If the job is more complicated, AutoZone can direct you to a "Preferred Shop" in your area that can perform the installation for you.
Can I drive with a broken tail light if it still works?
No, it is not legal to drive with a broken tail light, even if the bulb still works. Laws require tail lights to be in good working order and visible from a specific distance, and a broken lens can compromise safety by allowing white light to show or by dimming the red light. Driving with a broken tail light can result in a fine or a "fix-it" ticket.
Legal and safety reasons
- It is illegal: Most jurisdictions have laws mandating that all tail lights be functional, making it illegal to drive with a broken one.
- It is unsafe: A broken lens can compromise the safety of your vehicle and other drivers, especially in low-light conditions, by making it harder for others to see you or understand your intentions like braking.
- Risk of fines: Law enforcement can issue a "fix-it" ticket or a fine for this type of defective equipment.
- Risk of other citations: A broken tail light can be used as a reason for a police officer to pull you over, which could then lead to further checks for other violations.
What you should do
- Repair the light: The best course of action is to replace the broken tail light assembly as soon as possible to ensure full functionality and compliance with the law.
- Use temporary tape: As a temporary measure, you can use a red taillight repair tape to cover the broken area. This can help make the light compliant until you can get a permanent repair.
Is having a broken tail light a moving violation?
Equipment violations, such as having a broken taillight or missing mirrors, also fall under non-moving violations.
