Washington state defective tail lamps ticket?

Hello, I live in Washington state and recently got pulled over. I was written a ticket by the officer for having defective tail lamps. I have a total of seven lights in the rear of my vehicle; 2 license plate lights, 1 third brake light, and 4 tail lights. 2 of my tail lights are on the outer corners of my vehicle and the other 2 are on my lift gate. Every lamp on my vehicle are operating and functioning the way they should except the 2 tail lamps on my lift gate, which are running lights. The outer tail lights that were operating are running lamps and brake lamps, so my car is perfectly visible at night. I was written for defective tail lamps even though by Washington law you need at least two functioning tail lamps and license plate lights. Am i in the wrong?
Answers

Dimo: https

https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.050 " ... least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted .... " You must have at least two tail lights. You have four. This is good. ALL of the "tail lamps ... when lighted" means they all need to be working.

Edna

Your car is all gussied up with all those extra lights. When that's the case, ALL the lights must be working.

Anonymous

Get it fixed. It is the EASIER thing to do.

Goldfly252000

Yes you are wrong. You are confusing AT LEAST with the phrase all you need. The reason they say AT LEAST is because some vehicles have more lights, but to be roadworthy 2 will be required.

CactiJoe

Even if you have one license plate lamp out and the state requires two license plate lamps, you get the same ticket. Only one bulb has to be out to get a ticket and they usually allow 24 hours to seven days to correct the problem depending on the law in your state. You simply take the ticket to the place where they handle tickets and show them a receipt for a replacement bulb or have them look at it in the parking lot to confirm you corrected the problem. Then they will dismiss the ticket.

dtstellwagen

Take a picture as is, then fix it, take another picture, and appeal the ticket. The exact appeal procedure in Washington depends on who issued the ticket, cities, sheriff's, state patrol all have different procedures.

Ron

Take a photo and tell it to the judge. That's all you can do.

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