New boat purchase don't i have 10- days to get it road ready?

Question

Just purchased a boat and was towing it home when i got pulled over because the lights on the trailer wasn't working. I just purchased it 20 min ago. I didn't have time to check the lights yet. I even showed him the paper work that we just got it. I was hit with a $108. fine. I know with cars, people have 10 days to get it ready. Anyone knows about Boats?

Answer 1

I'm guessing that you didnt get the boat and trailer form a dealer.  That being said, It is your responsibility to get the trailer safe BEFORE moving.  A car will give you a 10 day temp, but a trailer is actually supposed to be done before you register it.  

Now with THAT being said.  The cop could have used a little discretion.  You had the paperwork with you.  Although, if you fix them TODAY and show pictures and receipts, the court will usually dismiss it.  Just make sure you do that.  The cop gave you the ticket knowing this...but its kind of like a little insurance policy to make sure you get it done.

Answer 2

I would go back to your dealer with your ticket. And no, I do not know of any state that allows you to put any vehicle on the road that is not road worthy. Your dealer should not have allowed you to leave without first checking that the lights worked.

Answer 3

Trailers can be unregistered between 3-10 days from purchase, depending on your state, but you're liable for safety compliance the instant you start moving.

Answer 4

I don't think you have 10 days to make a safety item such as break lights or tail lights work. You may have 10 days to get registration and license work done but not a safety item. If you bought it from a dealer you should go back and complain especially if it was new.

Answer 5

I have no idea, but it probably doesn't even matter. Just take it to traffic court, cop probably won't even show, and case will be thrown out :P

Answer 6

Trailing a boat one of the most important things is to make sure you have proper turn and brake signals the person behind you most likely can not see your tail lights you were lazy admit it you wanted to get the boat in the water to try out the new toy and you couldn't take the two minuted to make sure the lights worked properly atleast you could have had a car follow behind you that knows the route and situation you are in.

Answer 7

The dealer should of or you should of checked the lights> How would you feel if some 1 rear ended you as your light didn't work>I believe it's 10 days to get it registered>

Answer 8

It is your responsibility to ensure that a trailer is in proper working order and condition, regardless when it is purchased or the deadline required to get it transfered.

You could try to fight this in traffic court, but you will have little legal defense grounds since you did not check the trailer lights and condition before getting on the road.

Keep this in mind when you are on the water too, law enforcement is even more strict on the waterways.