No one wants to be stopped by an officer and receive a ticket, but it happens every day to many of us. Although the majority are for a moving violation, an officer can stop you for non-moving violations which often have to do with safety on your vehicle. One of the easiest ways to avoid a ticket is to make sure to take care of these maintenance items either on your own or with the help of your mechanic.
Have Functioning Lights
Most of us know when a headlight is out but all too often, we don’t know what to do about it. You can head to an auto store and buy a new headlight and install it yourself, or your mechanic can help. However, there are many lights on our vehicles we never even know burn out. As any cop will tell you, ignorance won’t get you out of the ticket. You and a friend can help each other test your lights. Have one person sit in the vehicle while the other walks around doing a visual check that they’re all working – turn signals, break lights, reverse lights and tail lights.
Get Your Windshield Repaired
Florida is one of the few states with full glass coverage as part of a comprehensive auto policy. That means if you have insurance, you have no reason not to get yours repaired or replaced. There is no fee to repair or replace your windshield, but there is a big fine when you’re caught driving with a broken windshield. You’re more likely to be stopped if the break obscures your view either totally or partially.
Defective Exhaust System
Although Florida doesn’t have emissions testing, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to keep your exhaust system in good repair. You can be pulled over if your exhaust system is loud or spewing dark exhaust. This can be perceived as a safety issue by an officer and lead to a ticket.
Also, make sure your tags can be read and aren’t expired. This isn’t really maintenance but it’s another leading cause for a non-moving violation. Oldsmar Automotive can help replace your bulbs and with issues in your exhaust system. If you need a mechanic for other reasons, feel free to call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule your appointment or come by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar.
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