Maryland Judge Decrees Pontiac G8 GT Tail Lights Illegal - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

FenwickHockey65 · 07-16-2010, 05:06 PM

Maryland Judge Decrees Pontiac G8 GT Tail Lights Illegal
Link to article

By Ben Wojdyla
July 16, 2010

Quote:

A Maryland judge issued an $85 fine to the owner of a Pontiac G8 GT for illegal tail lights, despite being factory-installed and approved by the US Department of Transportation. She's promised to keep fining him.

From forum member "jackalope" at G8Board.com...

Quote:

Went to court for my clear tail lights on my car and was found guilty!

The judge actualy told me she didn't care what the manufacturer said, what the federal govt said, what the DOT # stamped onto my taillights said if the officer says my lights aren't legal then they're not legal. I took the G8 sales brochure in along with pics of my car and other G8 GT's and the VIN trace by 3 different dealers saying my lights were factory none of it mattered she found me guilty of failing to display or reflect red light on the rear of the car. Didn't matter the reflecters were in the bumper, didn't matter where the light is has that little red circle, the whole lens isn't red so they're not legal. Also where the back-up and turn signals are should be the reflectors according to the cop so the V6 cars lights aren't legal either.

Judge stupid went on to tell me that maybe I should consider trading in or selling the car since its not legal in MD and that I'm going to continue to get the $60 tickets till I get rid of the car.

FenwickHockey65 · 07-16-2010, 05:06 PM

You're kidding me, right?

Apparently the state of Maryland has nothing better to do with their time.

MrGazinya · 07-16-2010, 05:07 PM

What a Bitch!!
That ain't right

I would be in contempt if that was me in that court room

shank0668 · 07-16-2010, 05:11 PM

A new California!

AZCamaroFan · 07-16-2010, 05:33 PM

Doesn't care what the Federal Government said?!

Prepare for a lawsuit .

Judges. Law be damned in their site.

ViperTomcat · 07-16-2010, 05:34 PM

What a stupid bitch.

Really? Maryland? Put a stop to that and remove her from the bench!

1bad65 · 07-16-2010, 05:35 PM

Ah, the joys of a nanny state Government.

FenwickHockey65 · 07-16-2010, 05:36 PM

So are these tail lights illegal as well?

Those are even worse considering how there is no red whatsoever.

Dave McFly · 07-16-2010, 06:03 PM

damn that is messed up, it reminds me of a story i read on a forum a few years ago about a guy driving a STOCK Subaru WRX STI sedan. cop pulls him over and says his wing is too tall and it can block his view out of the window. now, remember this is a STOCK WRX meaning it has the factory wing on it. guy went to court and the judge agreed and told him the wing had to come off, even though the owner supplied pics of other STOCK WRX and brought in the brochure showing his exact car. I never found out if he got it dropped or anything later but it is a similar deal. oh and rear wing did NOT affect outward viability at all according to the car's owner.

BackinBlackSS/RS · 07-16-2010, 06:09 PM

WOW! That judge is full of FAIL!!!!!

fielderLS3 · 07-16-2010, 06:15 PM

Wow, so I guess Maryland is in the list of states that are desperate for any source of revenue and ready do anything to get it.

This is police harassment, plain and simple. I'd appeal, file a complaint against the officer, and consider suing the department. If the cops have so little to do in that area that this is what they are doing to keep busy, maybe we've found some fat in the budget to cut.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

So are these tail lights illegal as well?

Those are even worse considering how there is no red whatsoever.

Great point. I bet you could find a dozen similar examples of stock lenses that look exactly the same. Maybe instead of calling it a fine, they can call it what it is, an arbitrary "clear lens fee." Think of the money they could bring in. And when that money isn't enough because the feel the need to waste even more, they can find something else to "fine" people for. (You know, that red color may make it hard to see the tail lights too.....)

cm5217 · 07-16-2010, 06:17 PM

shank0668 · 07-16-2010, 06:19 PM

Shoulda punched her in the mouth lol.

fielderLS3 · 07-16-2010, 06:19 PM

The more I think about it, maybe the judge is just an environmentalist abusing her power to punish you for not driving a Prius (by the way, don't those have clear lenses too?) Your real "crime" may have been driving a car with a V8.

FenwickHockey65 · 07-16-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

The more I think about it, maybe the judge is just an environmentalist abusing her power to punish you for not driving a Prius (by the way, don't those have clear lenses too?) Your real "crime" may have been driving a car with a V8.

Does this mean that every Prius driver in Maryland will be fined and forced to trade in their vehicles?

Whoa. This could be a good thing.

*The_Blur* · 07-16-2010, 06:26 PM

Let's not read to deeply into this. It might be more a matter of ego than a matter of hate for powerful cars. Judges are meticulous by nature. They are responsible for adhereing to the letter of the law in their jurisdiction, meaning that they will interpret laws carefully. The judge interprets local law to require red lenses. The next step in the court process is to challenge that the local law is unconstitutional because it supercedes federal law. Remember that judges are given power, and that power makes them feel invincible. They feel like their way is the way in their courthouses, so their way should be the way for everyone. The only way to bring this sort of ego back down to Earth is to have a higher court override the judge's decision.

FenwickHockey65 · 07-16-2010, 06:27 PM

BAN THEM! BAN THEM!!!!

fielderLS3 · 07-16-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Does this mean that every Prius driver in Maryland will be fined and forced to trade in their vehicles?

Whoa. This could be a good thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

BAN THEM! BAN THEM!!!!

Could this be the next Toyota scandal??? Unintentional limited visibility?

1bad65 · 07-16-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Blur

They are responsible for adhereing to the letter of the law in their jurisdiction, meaning that they will interpret laws carefully. The judge interprets local law to require red lenses. The next step in the court process is to challenge that the local law is unconstitutional because it supercedes federal law.

The letter of the law is clear that Federal law trumps any local, state, city, etc law. Since this car was cleared as being legal by the Federal government, the judge is way out of line, and the judge should know this.

lil_chef · 07-16-2010, 07:26 PM

how long ago was this? has the guy pressed the issue? this is the most ridiculous story i have ever heard......and my brother is a ricer, so i have heard plenty of stories..

*The_Blur* · 07-16-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1bad65

The letter of the law is clear that Federal law trumps any local, state, city, etc law. Since this car was cleared as being legal by the Federal government, the judge is way out of line, and the judge should know this.

Like I said, judges have a tendency to lose track of this simple reality after smacking that gavel enough times.

You're completely correct.

2010 SSRS · 07-16-2010, 07:36 PM

send her to the chair

jacques · 07-16-2010, 07:43 PM

Looks like we didn't get the whole story

Sax1031 · 07-17-2010, 12:09 AM

Supposedly this is a picture of the tail lights in question:

Captain Awesome · 07-17-2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZCamaroFan

Doesn't care what the Federal Government said?!

Prepare for a lawsuit .

Judges. Law be damned in their site.

Legislation from the bench. Don't you just love it?

And to think some of these "bizarro world" folks are in line for lifetime appointment!

07-16-2010, 05:06 PM	#2
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: Carbon Metallic 2003 GMC Envoy SLE Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 25,581 View My Garage	You're kidding me, right? Apparently the state of Maryland has nothing better to do with their time. __________________ FenwickHockey65's GM Thread! 2013 GMC Terrain SLE 2003 GMC Envoy SLE 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Extended Cab

07-16-2010, 05:07 PM	#3
MrGazinya Drives: Aggressive Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southampton, PA. Posts: 1,067	What a Bitch!! That ain't right I would be in contempt if that was me in that court room __________________ Black 2SS RS LS3 Inferno Int. Plastidipped 20's {MODS} KOOKS LT: Borla S-Type: Roto-Fab CAI: Hurst ST.: Diabloed by Jannetty Racing: PFADT Stage 2, Trailing arms, Tie Rods:

07-16-2010, 05:11 PM	#4
shank0668 Drives: Pontiac Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Salem Ohio Posts: 8,153 View My Garage	A new California! __________________

07-16-2010, 05:36 PM	#8
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: Carbon Metallic 2003 GMC Envoy SLE Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 25,581 View My Garage	So are these tail lights illegal as well? Those are even worse considering how there is no red whatsoever. __________________ FenwickHockey65's GM Thread! 2013 GMC Terrain SLE 2003 GMC Envoy SLE 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Extended Cab

07-16-2010, 06:03 PM	#9
Dave McFly Automobile Lycanthrophy Drives: 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo 'Monty' Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Jamestown, NY Posts: 1,844 View My Garage	damn that is messed up, it reminds me of a story i read on a forum a few years ago about a guy driving a STOCK Subaru WRX STI sedan. cop pulls him over and says his wing is too tall and it can block his view out of the window. now, remember this is a STOCK WRX meaning it has the factory wing on it. guy went to court and the judge agreed and told him the wing had to come off, even though the owner supplied pics of other STOCK WRX and brought in the brochure showing his exact car. I never found out if he got it dropped or anything later but it is a similar deal. oh and rear wing did NOT affect outward viability at all according to the car's owner. __________________ Future Camaro: 1LT coupe, in Cyber Gray Metallic

07-16-2010, 05:33 PM	#5
AZCamaroFan couteau dans le dos Drives: yes Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 13,882	Doesn't care what the Federal Government said?! Prepare for a lawsuit . Judges. Law be damned in their site.

07-16-2010, 05:34 PM	#6
ViperTomcat Banned Drives: 2011 Avenger Heat Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,705	What a stupid bitch. Really? Maryland? Put a stop to that and remove her from the bench!

07-16-2010, 05:35 PM	#7
1bad65 Banned Drives: 2007 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 1,148	Ah, the joys of a nanny state Government.

07-16-2010, 06:09 PM	#10
BackinBlackSS/RS Go Blue!!!!! Drives: 2012 Cruze LT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 23,374	WOW! That judge is full of FAIL!!!!!

07-16-2010, 06:17 PM	#12
cm5217 2K10 SS Drives: 2010 2SS/RS A6 SIM black stripes Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 297	__________________ Tuned by Frost...LS3 Conversion With PAS spec 227/239 603/617 113 LSA comp cam...Circle D 3600 T.C....1 7/8 Kooks LT headers...Rotofab CAI W/ADM Scoop...VMax TB...Magnaflow 3" Catback...RX catch can...BMR Trailing Arms...BMR Toe Rods...BMR Pro rear cradle bushing kit...Smoked Lenses...Black Chrome SS rims...Black Bowties...Painted Stripes...Barton shifter...Hydro Dipped engine cover...Clear Shield bra (front clip and hood)...

07-16-2010, 06:19 PM	#13
shank0668 Drives: Pontiac Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Salem Ohio Posts: 8,153 View My Garage	Shoulda punched her in the mouth lol. __________________

07-16-2010, 06:19 PM	#14
fielderLS3 Drives: 02 Alero, 2011 Mustang 5.0 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Portage, Wisconsin Posts: 3,967	The more I think about it, maybe the judge is just an environmentalist abusing her power to punish you for not driving a Prius (by the way, don't those have clear lenses too?) Your real "crime" may have been driving a car with a V8. __________________ "Proven V-8 power with better efficiency than a turbo V-6" "The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive."eds.

07-16-2010, 06:26 PM	#16
The_Blur Moderator, USN Drives: 2000 Firebird Formula NHRA SE Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Officer Candidate School Posts: 12,712	Let's not read to deeply into this. It might be more a matter of ego than a matter of hate for powerful cars. Judges are meticulous by nature. They are responsible for adhereing to the letter of the law in their jurisdiction, meaning that they will interpret laws carefully. The judge interprets local law to require red lenses. The next step in the court process is to challenge that the local law is unconstitutional because it supercedes federal law. Remember that judges are given power, and that power makes them feel invincible. They feel like their way is the way in their courthouses, so their way should be the way for everyone. The only way to bring this sort of ego back down to Earth is to have a higher court override the judge's decision. __________________ Get a good deal on your purchase. Read this. 117:123 RESPECT ALL CARS. LOVE YOUR OWN. newborn gifts

07-16-2010, 06:27 PM	#17
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: Carbon Metallic 2003 GMC Envoy SLE Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 25,581 View My Garage	BAN THEM! BAN THEM!!!! __________________ FenwickHockey65's GM Thread! 2013 GMC Terrain SLE 2003 GMC Envoy SLE 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Extended Cab

07-16-2010, 07:26 PM	#20
lil_chef Banned Drives: 2010 Mustang GT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 1,823	how long ago was this? has the guy pressed the issue? this is the most ridiculous story i have ever heard......and my brother is a ricer, so i have heard plenty of stories..

07-16-2010, 07:36 PM	#22
2010 SSRS R.I.P. jesserayjames Drives: 2010 IOM 2SSRS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Warwick,RI Posts: 111,850 View My Garage	send her to the chair __________________ Jannetty Racing JRE Street Package

07-16-2010, 07:43 PM	#23
jacques Drives: Summit White 2SS RS Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montgomery County Posts: 122	Looks like we didn't get the whole story Last edited by jacques; 07-22-2010 at 05:16 PM.

07-17-2010, 12:09 AM	#24
Sax1031 Drives: 2000 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Elgin,SC Posts: 2,709	Supposedly this is a picture of the tail lights in question:

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