I am someone who got pulled over for the "California stop aka rollthrough" in my 20s -- while having my headlights out because I didn't know a fuse had been blown, and I was lookey-looing at a fire engine stop.
1968 3/4 ton camper special (but driving it in the early aughts). They work differently than cars today, folks.
The officer was super courteous, educated me that when my dash lights were out, it meant my headlights (and probably my taillights?) were out too, didn't write me a citation because I was only about 10 blocks from my home and let me go on my way.
I mean, I was cute back then, but I was also really nice.
Maybe try that?