Lights on, or off?

Is it legal for a cop to sit off on the side of the road after dark with all the lights off? I've always heard they have to be in generally plain sight and have the lights on if its dark out. Is this just something people say, or is there actually some fact to it?

From what I thought they had to be in plain sight and with park lights on. But I see it all the time around here.

Anyone know specifically for CA? This guy had no lights on whatsoever. He was in plain sight, but hard to see coming around the corner. He was also sitting right in front of the sing where the speed limit changes from 50 to 35.

i got pulled over on a back road when it was dark. the cop was on the side of the road with no rights on!

I just want to know if its required of them or not. If its not, I pay the fine and take traffic school. If its required, I think I have a good chance fighting it considering everything that was happening right at that moment.

your word against his..can you prove that he did not have his lights on and was not where you could see him.
fight it all you wont, its not getting dropped.
know from ex.

Can't proove anything.

I know a guy that got his dropped, and he was doing 30 over, for similar instances.

seth, its not worth trying to fight the ticket. im from ca and i had the same situation, and the only way you will win is if the cop doesnt show up to court.THEY ALWAYS SHOW UP!

Well traffic school it is then.

The cop didn't show up for my friend, and he got off. And he was definitely in the wrong. I just think they way the cop played it was kinda shady. And the latch on the top of the Mustang broke right about then and scared the crap outta me. Shitty day.

yeah it sucks to get pulled over for the little things, and then you see those people doin 120 on the freeway and weavin in and outta traffic cuttin people off and there is never a cop around.