Well a while back I got a ticket for a headlight being out. I knew the headlight was out, in fact I intentionally unplugged that headlight. The problem I had was that my headlight switch decided to take a crap on me. In a Ford all the power to the headlights runs straight through the headlights switch which also functions as a breaker switch. So when the headlight switch fails typically it will not support as much current and will overheat, tripping the breaker and killing all your lights, front and back. When a Ford headlight switch fails like this your lights will cycle on and off every couple minutes as the switch heats and cools.
Knowing that, and not being able to get a replacement switch that night I did the thing that seemed the most logical and safe so I could get home. I unplugged one of the headlights so as to not put as much of a load on the headlight switch. It worked and my lights stayed on. I had one functional headlight and two functional tail-brake-turn signals. Much better than my alternatives which I considered to be: 1. Making the hours drive home in 1-2 minute spurts, waiting for several minutes between spurts with my lights out for the headlight switch to cool. OR 2. Sleep in the truck.
Now I don't really mind sleeping in the truck, but I would rather be home. If I can get home safely then I may as well. I unplugged one of the headlights and the single halogen sealed beam on this modern pickup put out more light than the two factory lights on any of my three '60s Ford cars. I considered it to be safe as I could see very well and all my marker-tail-brake lamps were functional so other drivers should have no trouble seeing me and understanding my intentions.
Anyhow, I got stopped by a cop and written up a ticket for failure to maintain lamps. Well I think I did quite a prudent job of maintaining my lamps that night, much better than your typical motorist would do. I tried telling him what happened and told him if he wanted I could fix the other headlight right away, it would only take a second. He told me he didn't care and left. Alrighty then. It just goes to show that cops truly don't care about safety. It's all about revenue. And sheesh, would it have end him to be polite and not blow me off like that? Oh well, cops will be cops I suppose.
Cory
