Got a ticket for tinted windows on instructor's car !

[meetanando]

Hi

I was getting driving instructions in LA area when we were stopped by a policeman and I got a ticket (correctable) as the instructor's car had tinted windows. I am supposed to show that the tints have been removed from the windows and that would be it. The instructor got nothing ! Now he is refusing to co-operate with me and says that since his license number does not appear on the ticket, he is not obliged to having it removed. Does it mean that I have to pay the fine. Is there any way I can fight this ? His car's details are on the ticket though. I'd be grateful for your advice.

Thanks,
Anand.

Originally Posted by meetanando

Hi

I was getting driving instructions in LA area when we were stopped by a policeman and I got a ticket (correctable) as the instructor's car had tinted windows. I am supposed to show that the tints have been removed from the windows and that would be it. The instructor got nothing ! Now he is refusing to co-operate with me and says that since his license number does not appear on the ticket, he is not obliged to having it removed. Does it mean that I have to pay the fine. Is there any way I can fight this ? His car's details are on the ticket though. I'd be grateful for your advice.

Thanks,
Anand.

I think that he IS responsible! The Car's registered under HIS name it is HIS fault for having them tinted. Its Ridiculous that he's refusing to do anything about it when its not even YOUR fault. Did you tell the Policeman that its not even your car and your passenger was your instructor and its his car?

My suggestion is--if he refuses to do anything about it, go to the courthouse and try to find someone who will be able to help you and give you proper advice and if he really is responsible and doesn't help you, I think you should take him to court (if its even possible to take him to court for it? Not so sure) and if at all possible try to find another instructor.

[meetanando]

Hi,

Thanks for the email. I too think that the instructor is at fault. I did tell the policeman that it was not my car - but he was very angry and kept asking me if this was "educational" for me. Well he looked in his book for a couple of minuted and told me he could not find the appropriate section in his book to charge my instructor. I am new to US - so I just let it pass, assuming the worst if I protested.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I think that he IS responsible! The Car's registered under HIS name it is HIS fault for having them tinted. Its Ridiculous that he's refusing to do anything about it when its not even YOUR fault. Did you tell the Policeman that its not even your car and your passenger was your instructor and its his car?

I have changed my instructor - and will write a negative review about his driving school. Actually I was quite happy with the driving instructions - but after this incident, I am quite disappointed with his behaviour.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

My suggestion is--if he refuses to do anything about it, go to the courthouse and try to find someone who will be able to help you and give you proper advice and if he really is responsible and doesn't help you, I think you should take him to court (if its even possible to take him to court for it? Not so sure) and if at all possible try to find another instructor.

It's very likely that I may have to end up with the fine - but do you think that if I told the court people what happened, they may not charge me ? Hoping against hope here.

Cheers,
Anand.

I do believe that as an instructor he is responsible for your actions while under his instruction. It is his responsibilty to TEACH you to obey the driving Laws. In my opinion you should plea not guilty and explain it to the judge. If you do get stuck with the fine I would then file a small claims case against the instructor for the fine and costs incurred by you.