What constitutes a broken tail light?

I was given a warning for speeding the other day, and the officer noted that I had a broken tail light. The light functions perfectly, though there are some cracks that are covered by red tape.

My question is, exactly what constitutes a broken tail light? Does it matter that the light still works? Does there have to be a percentage of the red casing missing? I live in oklahoma, if it differs from state to state. I've tried finding the answer on the web, but I cannot locate exactly what website to check.

Also, any suggestions on price reasonable methods of "fixing" it so that it IS legal? I'm not certain how much a new casing of this model of vehicle costs. I'm afraid I'm not much of a car person in general...

i would say if you can see any of the white light from the bulb(if some of the red is broken off)

and the tape looks different from the platic most of the time

Well its usually at the officers discreation, sometimes he can write you up for borken tail lights even if theres a noticable crack, but just act nice and he might give you a warning....Just change the damn lights :P

just head to the nearest junkyard and they can probably sell you a used one that's still in good shape for cheap assuming you don't have rare car

correct me if im wrong but i allways thought that the light was considered broken only when their was more of the white light showing then the red.

correct me if im wrong but i allways thought that the light was considered broken only when their was more of the white light showing then the red.
Realistically the light is broken when the cop says it is. Its easier to have good lights and not attract their attention.
Keeping a low profile, by having a car in good shape with a quiet exhaust helps lots when you are speeding......

Your local courthouse should be able to tell you the exact law. However, I agree with MagicRat.