What If The DOT Officer Is Mistaken?

So yesterday I got selected to have an Inspection at a Texas Port-of-Entry. I wasn't worried since I had a recent scale ticket, all my paperwork, and a decent trailer (though I had replaced one of the screws holding the license plate since it was missing). So I pull over and the Officer does his inspection, I flash all my lights as instructed and then he asks me to come inside with my paperwork. So I grab everything and head inside. He's a personable fellow and we chit chat. He's surprised I've only been on the road for 3 months, and asks what I used to do. More surprised by my past analytical work and suggests I look into the carriers that work with DoD, which I've considered once I have some experience under my belt. I hand over all my stuff. BoL, scale ticket, CDL , medical card, truck registration. Everything is good. He then says my license plate light is out and gives me that warning sheet. I'm surprised, but sign everything. I go out and look at the light, I can't see it either, bummer.

Later that day when I'm shutting down Im walking towards the truck stop and look back and see the light is on. It's darker now, so is it possible he couldn't see it cause it was a bright Texas day? Any way to "fight" a mistake on their part?

I think their reply might be that it wasn't working at the time of the inspection and the fact that you noticed it working later in the day would affirm their position that there is a wiring or ground issue causing it to work at random.

Had you caught it during the inspection and pointed out to the officer that the reason he couldn't see it was due to it being bright and yet he didn't change the report, you'd definitely be in the right.

Makes sense.

OMG you are a threat to the motoring public. How dare you travel the same highways as my family putting them in extreme danger of losing their lives. Shame, shame, shame....

The real shame is that this will go against the safety score of your carrier and has absolutely NOTHING to do with safety.

Pat, Truck is a scofflaw. He said the heck with that light. License plates don't need no stinking lights, especially in the day time. Who needs lights or turn signals anyway, when people see you sliding over in their lane, they'll move. If not, well then they get that custom rubber circle graphics kit.

Please understand that I'm joking folks, safe driving first. ........

Any way to "fight" a mistake on their part?

In this case no, there is not. Even if it where something you wanted to fight you couldn't since he only gave you a warning. A ticket you can fight but unless I was misinformed in school there is nothing you can do about a warning.

Just a little FYI.

Woody