I got a 414 dollar ticket for not having a light on my mountain bike ?

Question

and I had one hand off the handlebars smoking a cigarette,how can i contest this? can anyone give me any information on this situation?

Answer 1

While riding without a light is hazardous for you as well as others sharing the road with you, $414 sounds ridiculous.  That's more than the fine for blowing a red light in most areas.  Spending half that amount would buy you a top quality lighting system for your bike.

You might want to see if your local library or bookstore has a copy of "Bicycling & the Law: Your Rights as a Cyclist" by Bob Mionski.  I believe he is an attorney for cyclists/athletes rights and legal issues.

As for having one hand off the bars, that shouldn't be an issue.  I believe the Uniform Vehicle Code states that you need to keep at least one hand on the handlebar at all times.  No requirement for two hands on the bars.  If that's part of your citation, it may be worth researching that as well.

Answer 2

I don't see how you can contest this when you clearly did break the law. Don't feel bitter about it though - these laws are to protect you. It is very dangerous to ride at night without a light, and a rear reflector isn't really good enough. I know it's a lot of money, but I'd just take a deep breath and remember not to do it again.

Answer 3

pay up.  buy a flashlight.  no lawyers here just bikersexuals

Answer 4

depends on where you where...

if its like on the road then yes, you need a little flashy light thingy.

but if you where on the sidewalk or in a neighborhood then no.

Answer 5

When riding at night (and I am assuming you were), lights are required. Also, at least in New York, the bike traffic law requires both hands be on the handlebars, unless you are signaling for a turn.

Although $414 seems a bit excessive for these violations, you were breaking the law. But I am surprised they gave you a ticket; enforcement of bike traffic laws has never been very strict (at least from what I've seen).  You could hire a lawyer to fight it, but the lawyer would probably cost more than the fine.

https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/porta...

Answer 6

Where I live, So. California, you have a 50 - 50 chance of winning your court case. Don't concentrate on the what you did wrong, try to find flaws in how the ticket was written, like time of day, road conditions, etc. Often, the police will make a mistake on the ticket - color of bike, type of bike, where you were riding at the time (roadway or sidewalk) and even location (wrong city). Half the time the policeman has bigger things to do than attend your court case, and doesn't show up for the hearing, resulting in ticket dismissal (though sometimes the judge will continue the hearing at a later date, seemingly just to give you more hassles- ). Even if you don't win (I think you will win) this is good training for fighting future tickets.



But do use a bike light next time.