Celica Forums Thread Like Summary - Electrical Prob w/ Tail lights?

I just have a GT 2004 .(MICA Blue). So anyways yesterday i got pulled over by a cop. They told me that my tail lights were not working. But when i step on the brakes. It lights up. Im thinking its the fuse. But why would the brake lights go on if the fuse is bad. It cant be the bulbs. Can anyone help?

have someone check the bulbs,then check the wire thats going to the bulb,if you put one side of a 12 volt meter to ground,and put the other end on the wire going to the bulb,it should read 12volts when you click the lights switch once.
check to see if your side markers are coming on as well(orange light on bumper)and the two lights thats above the license plate.
after you have determined that there is no voltage,you can work your way back to the relay.