COFP received for 2 offences, use of front fog lamps and Headlamp not lit |
COFP received for 2 offences, use of front fog lamps and Headlamp not lit |
Thu, 8 Dec 2022 - 17:16
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#1
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Member Group: Members Posts: 46 Joined: 29 Sep 2020 Member No.: 109,951 |
Hi Everyone,
I'm hoping to find out what are my options here, thanks in advance. Briefly: I was traveling on M40 >> A40 western Ave to London and got pulled over by Police on the Greenford exit "Greenford UB6 8PR" "Officer" Do you know why I stopped you.? "Me" No Officer? The office straight away went to the front of the car and started punching the headlights to test if any lose bulb or whatever he was trying. The office saw the front fog light that are also lit. "officer" asked for ID "Me" provided him with my Driving license. The officer started telling me that how I am driving without any lights on a 60mph zone "i didnt corrected him but its a 40mph zone" also how my front fog lights are On and I could be dazzling on coming drivers. Remember! at this point no introduction as to who/what his name is and which borough he is from or if his cam recorder is recording this incident. "Not sure if any relevance or important but i am writing everything here". He recited to me the usual quote- "office" Anything you say can be used against you in the court of law" something something... He then said, dont worry this is like a yellow card in a football game, you are not being arrested. You will get a letter probably a small fine within 6 months. i received the letter next day 😂. I get it, it's my responsibility to ensure my car is fit for purpose and not breaking the law or endangering pedestrians/cyclist/animals/aliens/insects or other drivers. The light was working fine when I left my house, I was traveling from Buckinghamshire and roads are pretty dark especially M40 before joining to A40 western Ave. The lights are on auto, the dashboard did not show any alerts. Next day: I took my car to the local mechanic, they found out a lose cable in the left headlamp which short circuited the fuse "basically blew the fuse". I am not sure how to procced, if I have a ground to challenge the headlamp COFP or both. or i just take the easy way out by paying £100. the fog light was on because it's on auto plus I live on a countryside and on that day, i can try and find the weather forecast. visibility was low on M40 for sure. Thank you all... |
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Thu, 8 Dec 2022 - 17:16
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Thu, 8 Dec 2022 - 17:28
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#2
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Member Group: Members Posts: 3,074 Joined: 17 Nov 2015 Member No.: 80,686 |
Given you seem to accept both were 'legitimate' £100 seems a decent way out of trying to defend the indefensible?
This post has been edited by TMC Towcester: Thu, 8 Dec 2022 - 17:35 |
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Thu, 8 Dec 2022 - 17:59
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#3
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Member Group: Members Posts: 1,271 Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Member No.: 78,384 |
It is illegal to drive with fog lights on when the visbility is good.
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Thu, 8 Dec 2022 - 18:03
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#4
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Member Group: Members Posts: 3,300 Joined: 17 Jun 2011 Member No.: 47,602 |
the fog light was on because it's on auto plus I live on a countryside and on that day, i can try and find the weather forecast. visibility was low on M40 for sure. Are you sure the fog lights are on auto? I've never seen that, and I suspect it would be illegal. In any event, it is an offence to use fog lights unless visibility is 'seriously reduced'. It may have been low on the M40, but you' weren't there when stopped. As suggested above, £100 is the best result you'll get. |
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Fri, 9 Dec 2022 - 10:51
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#5
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Member Group: Members Posts: 497 Joined: 14 Nov 2011 Member No.: 51,087 |
I've never heard of auto fog lights. Not sure they would be a legitimate feature without some sort of home mod.
I was once fined for having my fog lights on as I came out of fog. A1198 from Royston, driving in fog and as you dip down the slope you come in under the fog. Police car coming the other way turned round in a farm entrance and followed me into the village and pulled me over. £60 fine issued. I had actually turned them off by the time he pulled me, but I could be arsed to argue it for £60. They were on at the time he saw me, albeit for about 20 seconds after coming off of a foggy A505. https://goo.gl/maps/KBimAqeztQUoJ8596 That is the view as you look up towards the slope. He spun round in the farm entrance on the right. |
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Fri, 9 Dec 2022 - 14:19
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#6
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Member Group: Members Posts: 46 Joined: 29 Sep 2020 Member No.: 109,951 |
fair enough, i can't reason the fog light and you're all correct, the fog lights are not auto but the headlight are. got confused. Question of the headlight, surly that should be a waring and keeping in mind that no garage is open on a Sunday night. well, I guess I have to take it as it is then. Thanks everyone for your comments. |
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Fri, 9 Dec 2022 - 17:05
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#7
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Member Group: Members Posts: 395 Joined: 17 May 2021 Member No.: 112,702 |
The only form of "auto" fog lights I'm aware of is the "cornering" light feature on some models.
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Fri, 9 Dec 2022 - 18:08
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#8
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Member Group: Members Posts: 6,963 Joined: 19 Dec 2006 From: Near Calais Member No.: 9,683 |
Most lighting offences are what is called an "absolute" offence. either they work or they don't; on or off. The usual test is to bash the offending light just in case there's a loose or bad connection which sometimes happens when the contacts on a bulb get corroded.
Some people seem to think it's ok to use fog lights instead of headlights. It's not unless it's foggy. Again an absolute offence. also a reminder to check your car before you set off, make sure it's street legal and can save you £100. |
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