Defective Stop Lamps
Operating a vehicle with stop lamps that fail to illuminate when the brakes are applied.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
What is a Defective Stop Lamps ticket?
CVC 24603 requires vehicles to have functioning stop lamps (brake lights) that activate when the brakes are applied. Stop lamps must emit red or amber light visible from 300 feet. A burned-out or non-functional brake light is a correctable fix-it violation.
Non-functioning brake lights are a safety hazard and one of the most common fix-it ticket types. No DMV points are assessed, and the citation can be dismissed after repair and sign-off.
No DMV points — no insurance impact.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your vehicle's stop lamps were not functioning when the brakes were applied
How Drivers Get This Ticket
Officer follows driver and notices only one of two brake lights activates when braking.
Fix-it ticket; driver replaces bulb, gets sign-off, dismissal fee paid — done.
Driver has a center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) that is burned out but both lower brake lights work.
All required brake lights must function; CHMSL is a required lamp on vehicles manufactured after 1985.
Common Defenses for Defective Stop Lamps
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Stop lamps were working
Challenge whether the officer's observation was of a failed lamp vs. a directional issue, dirty lens, or other factor.
Correctable violation
Replace the stop lamp bulb and get a Certificate of Correction.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Repair receipt showing brake lamp replacement
- ✓Photos of functioning brake lights after repair
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Ignoring the ticket — it becomes a failure-to-appear misdemeanor
- ✗Paying the full fine without getting a sign-off dismissal
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Frequently Asked Questions About Defective Stop Lamps
How many brake lights are required in California?▼
California requires at least two stop lamps, one on each side of the rear. Vehicles manufactured after 1985 also require a center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL). All must be functional.
Is this really a "fix-it" ticket?▼
Yes. Repair the brake light, get the citation signed off by any law enforcement agency, and submit to the court with the $25 fee. The ticket is dismissed with no DMV point added.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.