Penalty points for driving with no lights on one side?

lazyman

Hi all,
I was driving my wife's car tonight and when I started it I realised the side and two main lights on the passenger side were not working, She doesn't normally drive in the dark so she didn't know, I put on the fogs to give me some light.
Anyway just my luck I was stopped by a garda who issued me with a ticket however much I asked for remorse and promised i will fix it in the morning and present at a garda station
Is there a fine and points for this or just a fine? The garda wasn't sure himself, I appreciate he is doing his job and I was technically in the wrong for driving with no lights but it was 11pm and was only out on a short journey.

GM228

Just a €60 FCPN, no points.

lazyman

GM228 wrote: »

Just a €60 FCPN, no points.

Ok that's not as bad so thanks, reckon when I did it in the morning is it worth calling to the station to see will he quash it? I've a feeling it's a wiring issue as both bulbs went together. Thanks for the reply.

the_pen_turner

this is why i always have a spare set in my van. if one blows i can change it . if i havnt noticed (very hard not too) and get pulled i have a decent chance of just getting a warning if i can change it there and then

lazyman

the_pen_turner wrote: »

this is why i always have a spare set in my van. if one blows i can change it . if i havnt noticed (very hard not too) and get pulled i have a decent chance of just getting a warning if i can change it there and then

Ya I do too but it was 11pm and where I was when I left was too dark to change the bulbs especially on the battery side in a focus, I'll give it a go in the morning

You can chance your arm at the station, but hopefully the Garda won't bite.

JohnBoy26

the_pen_turner wrote: »

this is why i always have a spare set in my van. if one blows i can change it . if i havnt noticed (very hard not too) and get pulled i have a decent chance of just getting a warning if i can change it there and then

Not that easy to change in many cars.

the_pen_turner

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Not that easy to change in many cars.

iv a berlingo. you can change a bulb in les than a minutes

Batzoo

lazyman wrote: »

Hi all,
Is there a fine and points for this or just a fine? The garda wasn't sure himself,

Of course he knew, just was not wiling to engage or maybe its just a tactic that they train them for. If he does not know the offence and penalty, he should not really be given tickets for it!

But yep! Next time lidl or aldi have the 5 euro sets, pick up a couple and keep them in the car. Maybe enough to get some grace!

JohnBoy26

the_pen_turner wrote: »

iv a berlingo. you can change a bulb in les than a minutes

Try changing one in less than a minute a mk2 renault megane

the_pen_turner

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Try changing one in less than a minute a mk2 renault megane

its crazy on some cars. bumpers, wheels, wheel arch liners bits of the engine .

GBX

the_pen_turner wrote: »

its crazy on some cars. bumpers, wheels, wheel arch liners bits of the engine .

Would this be the reason so many one light cars are on the road?

Guy:Incognito

GBX wrote: »

Would this be the reason so many one light cars are on the road?

No, it's laziness or people being so unaware that their cars can need attention between services or ncts that they just assume everything is fine.

Plus an attitude of "well yes, I'm" technically" in the wrong " and feel put upon.




A mk 2 Megane bulb isn't hard to do through the flap in the wheel arch once you know what you're doing.

JohnBoy26

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

No, it's laziness or people being so unaware that their cars can need attention between services or ncts that they just assume everything is fine.

Plus an attitude of "well yes, I'm" technically" in the wrong " and feel put upon.




A mk 2 Megane bulb isn't hard to do through the flap in the wheel arch once you know what you're doing.

In the middle of night on the side of the road it isn't the easiest.

BronsonTB

The skill needed to change a bulb does vary with every car.

Bottom line, every vehicle should always have working lights.

if you can replace a blown light, then change it asap
If you can't, then get it done in a garage asap.

A bulb can go at any time, it's the length of time it takes people, in general to act on it, that's the issue.

Del2005

Batzoo wrote: »

Of course he knew, just was not wiling to engage or maybe its just a tactic that they train them for. If he does not know the offence and penalty, he should not really be given tickets for it!

But yep! Next time lidl or aldi have the 5 euro sets, pick up a couple and keep them in the car. Maybe enough to get some grace!

The Garda just enters the details that car x had no light into PULSE the rest is automatic and even if the OP does fit the bulb should not be quashed. €60 is a cheap lesson to do your vehicle checks

purpleisafruit

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Try changing one in less than a minute a mk2 renault megane

Have it down to 5 minutes, though it does help that I have the hands of a small toddler!

_Brian

the_pen_turner wrote: »

iv a berlingo. you can change a bulb in les than a minutes

Many cars now require toos and the full headlamp to be removed, not a side of the road job for many.

Many newer cars warn of blown bulbs which is a handy feature.

the_pen_turner

_Brian wrote: »

Many cars now require toos and the full headlamp to be removed, not a side of the road job for many.

Many newer cars warn of blown bulbs which is a handy feature.

its crazy isnt it.
surely there should be some law to make it an easy job

biko

Au contraire
In my opinion car makers are making it more difficult to do stuff DIY on purpose.
I don't think they want normal folks messing with their delicate machinery.

Eventually there will just be one light for everything "take car to an expensive garage"

wonski

On that note I love the way Volvo dealt with the problem in s40 (not sure if the new generation is the same though)

You remove the whole reflector in 3 seconds by pulling the pin and can put it in the boot or bring it back home to change the bulb Other manufacturers should learn from them!

wonski

the_pen_turner wrote: »

its crazy isnt it.
surely there should be some law to make it an easy job

There is a law in some countries to carry spare bulbs and you won't get anywhere until you change it if stopped.

Funny that they couldn't force the manufacturers to make it possible for any driver, regardless of how mechanically minded they are.

Kintarō Hattori

Have a Fiat 500 and you'd think it'd be easy to change bulbs being a basic car but alas it's not, you need to have the hands of a toddler.

GM228

wonski wrote: »

On that note I love the way Volvo dealt with the problem in s40 (not sure if the new generation is the same though)

You remove the whole reflector in 3 seconds by pulling the pin and can put it in the boot or bring it back home to change the bulb Other manufacturers should learn from them!

I think Ford were the first to do this with the Mondeo. I have only ever seen it on Fords and Volvos.

wonski

GM228 wrote: »

I think Ford were the firat to do this with the Mondeo. I have only ever seen it on Fords and Volvos.

Ford and Volvos shared a lot of parts back then so that would explain it.

Shame other manufacturers didn't follow. Clever and simple solution giving access to all the bulbs and definitely the easiest to change.

AnMuinteoirOg

Batzoo wrote: »

Of course he knew, just was not wiling to engage or maybe its just a tactic that they train them for. If he does not know the offence and penalty, he should not really be given tickets for it!

But yep! Next time lidl or aldi have the 5 euro sets, pick up a couple and keep them in the car. Maybe enough to get some grace!

There are over 600 FCN offences...The Garda obviously isn't going to know on the spot the penalty for each and every one.

JohnBoy26

AnMuinteoirOg wrote: »

There are over 600 FCN offences...The Garda obviously isn't going to know on the spot the penalty for each and every one.

To be fair for a simply thing like a blown bulb they should know what the penalty is.

JohnBoy26

GM228 wrote: »

I think Ford were the first to do this with the Mondeo. I have only ever seen it on Fords and Volvos.

changing the bulbs on Some fords can be a bit of a pig of a job too.

AnMuinteoirOg

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

To be fair for a simply thing like a blown bulb they should know what the penalty is.

Not particularity.. All the Garda has to do is fill out all the details on the FCN Book and the FCN office does the rest

Hitman3000

My wife has an 11 reg megane, to change a bulb in the headlight requires lifting the bonnet unscrewing to retaining nuts sliding the headlight forward removing the backplate and accessing the correct terminals. Now Mrs H ain't no fool but doing this is beyond her capabilities at the side of a road in the dark .

JohnBoy26

Hitman3000 wrote: »

My wife has an 11 reg megane, to change a bulb in the headlight requires lifting the bonnet in screwing to retaining nuts sliding the headlight forward removing the backplate and accessing the correct terminals. Now Mrs H ain't no fool but doing this is beyond her capabilities at the side of a road in the dark .

It wouldn't be simple for anyone on a cold wet and windy night. Still it's easier than the mk2 megane I suppose.

elperello

the_pen_turner wrote: »

its crazy isnt it.
surely there should be some law to make it an easy job

Absolutely.
There should be an EU standard for bulb accessibility.
It's clearly a safety issue.

wonski

AnMuinteoirOg wrote: »

There are over 600 FCN offences...The Garda obviously isn't going to know on the spot the penalty for each and every one.

There are supermarket assistants who know more than 600 products.

One chain I know required the till operators to know and remember a lot of codes for products without barcodes.

While it's not a fair comparison, I would expect a member of Gardai to have a book with them and look it up if needed. That's what the guys in supermarket do. Or go and look for it...

I would definitely want to know what I was charged and how many penalty points. Don't know is not an answer!

elperello

elperello wrote: »

Absolutely.
There should be an EU standard for bulb accessibility.
It's clearly a safety issue.

Had to drive a Citroen xsara for work, the driver side bulbs were right in front of the window wash reservoir, even the AA guy couldn't change them. Another issue with them and seen on the two I drove was that the fuses for the dips used to go on a regular basis.

bucketybuck

All these people struggling to change bulbs at the side of the road in the dark, clearly you are missing the point of where and when you should be checking your lights. (Hint, it's not on the side of the road in the dark)

Do your daily checks people! It's a bugbear of mine I must admit, and you must admit it is rather dangerous to meet a car when you thought you were meeting a motorbike...

wonski

bucketybuck wrote: »

All these people struggling to change bulbs at the side of the road in the dark, clearly you are missing the point of where and when you should be checking your lights. (Hint, it's not on the side of the road in the dark)

Do your daily checks people! It's a bugbear of mine I must admit, and you must admit it is rather dangerous to meet a car when you thought you were meeting a motorbike...

It can fail at any time. Do all bulbs fail at the driveway? There should be replaceable at the side of the road is the point.

JohnBoy26

bucketybuck wrote: »

All these people struggling to change bulbs at the side of the road in the dark, clearly you are missing the point of where and when you should be checking your lights. (Hint, it's not on the side of the road in the dark)

Do your daily checks people! It's a bugbear of mine I must admit, and you must admit it is rather dangerous to meet a car when you thought you were meeting a motorbike...

Hint, a bulb can blow at any time even with regular checks.

galwaytt

wonski wrote: »

On that note I love the way Volvo dealt with the problem in s40 (not sure if the new generation is the same though)

You remove the whole reflector in 3 seconds by pulling the pin and can put it in the boot or bring it back home to change the bulb Other manufacturers should learn from them!

2012 Mégane. ...undo a screw, pull a clip, entire headlight slides out completely. They robbed this idea of the old Citroën BX iirc.....

2003 Porsche 911.....insert 5mm hex (in tool kit) and turn 90 degrees. Entire head light out in your hand in seconds. Must have been a BX owner in the design office methinks... !

wonski

galwaytt wrote: »

2012 Mégane. ...undo a screw, pull a clip, entire headlight slides out completely. They robbed this idea of the old Citroën B iirc.....

2003 Porsche 911.....insert 5mm hex (in tool kit) and turn 90 degrees. Entire head light out in your hand in seconds. Must have been a BX owner in the design office methinks...
!

Should be the very first page of the manual.

Screw the tools. I don't need them

Dr_Kolossus

Got a bulb changed by halfords, some expensive halogen one, guy fitted it incorrectly. Melted the plastic casing, was quoted 280 to replace.

In fairness halfords fixed it, but goes to show can cause issues if u not sure what you r doing

bucketybuck

wonski wrote: »

It can fail at any time. Do all bulbs fail at the driveway? There should be replaceable at the side of the road is the point.

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Hint, a bulb can blow at any time even with regular checks.

You think that is a rebuttal, when we all know that lack of daily checks and lack of proper maintenance is the real reason for all these cars driving with blown bulbs. There is no legion of old women stopping their cars by the roadside to change the bulb that failed 30 seconds ago.

Hence easy access to bulbs at the roadside in the dark is pretty much a sort of red herring. Make those bulbs easier to access and you would still see these same people driving around with blown bulbs.

Pretend otherwise if you want of course.

Hitman3000

bucketybuck wrote:

All these people struggling to change bulbs at the side of the road in the dark, clearly you are missing the point of where and when you should be checking your lights. (Hint, it's not on the side of the road in the dark)

So bulbs only blow in the driveway in daylight?

Hitman3000

bucketybuck wrote:

You think that is a rebuttal, when we all know that lack of daily checks and lack of proper maintenance is the real reason for all these cars driving with blown bulbs. There is no legion of old women stopping their cars by the roadside to change the bulb that failed 30 seconds ago.

It's a decent rebuttal and no one other than you mentioned a legion of old women.

Joeseph Balls

GM228 wrote: »

Just a €60 FCPN, no points.

I drove with the headlight on the passenger side out. Genuinely didn't know it was gone.
2 points and a fine.
Careless and reckless driving towards other road users.

wonski

Harsh tbh.

Del2005

Hitman3000 wrote: »

So bulbs only blow in the driveway in daylight?

If you meet the same car with the same blown blub for several weeks then it could have been replaced. Bulbs do blow but having if blown till the NCT isn't the answer. A daily check is where you catch the blown bulb and replace it, not when the Gardai actually bother to stop you.

Guy:Incognito

wonski wrote: »

It can fail at any time. Do all bulbs fail at the driveway? There should be replaceable at the side of the road is the point.

The ops car had no lights on one side. I doubt they went at the same time. Plus i seriously doubt all the people driving with one headlight had it just blow on that journey.

Hitman3000

Del2005 wrote:

If you meet the same car with the same blown blub for several weeks then it could have been replaced. Bulbs do blow but having if blown till the NCT isn't the answer. A daily check is where you catch the blown bulb and replace it, not when the Gardai actually bother to stop you.

A bulb can blow at anytime, I realise this may come as a surprise to you it's true.

Hitman3000

Guy:Incognito wrote:

Plus i seriously doubt all the people driving with one headlight had it just blow on that journey.

You doubt it, in other words nothing but a guess.

AnMuinteoirOg

AnMuinteoirOg wrote: »

There are over 600 FCN offences...The Garda obviously isn't going to know on the spot the penalty for each and every one.

And that's just fcn offences... There are also countless other offences that a garda has to deal with.
There's also case law on the matter. Dpp V mulligan states a garda is not a legal repository. They aren't expected to know every bit of legislation and the penalties.. They just need to know it's an offence

Isambard

a bit mean to give him a ticket when he had the fogs working.