Mechanical Violations

All states require motor vehicles to have specific equipment properly installed on a vehicle. That equipment also must be in working order while you drive.

If your vehicle's equipment is missing or broken, you can get a traffic ticket for a mechanical violation. Too many infractions, including vehicle problems, can lead to penalties like driver's license suspension or revocation.

Types of Mechanical Traffic Violations

Common reasons you might get a mechanical violation include:

• Burned-out headlights, brake lights, or turn signals
• Cracked windshields
• Broken mirrors
• Missing or malfunctioning seat belts
• Missing muffler or other noise-control devices, causing loud sounds
• Excessive smog emissions
• Damaged license plate

Unlike one-time offenses like reckless driving or skipping a stop sign, these are ongoing. They will continue to violate the law until you fix them.

Other vehicle-related issues can be more serious, up to a misdemeanor or even a felony. Fortunately, most mechanical violations are minor and simple to resolve.

What Is a Fix-It Ticket?

Citations for some mechanical issues are often known as correctable violations or fix-it tickets. State laws specify how fix-it tickets work.

Your citation will tell you whether it is a fix-it ticket. A police officer usually checks "yes" next to a term like "Correctable Violation." Motorists have a short period of time to fix the problem before their court date.

After you repair the mechanical issue, you show proof of correction to an authorized person. You'll need their signature. For example, a local law enforcement officer could sign the "Certificate of Correction" part of the ticket.

If the court accepts your correction, it can dismiss your traffic citation. But, if you fail to fix the problem within the period, you must pay the entire fine for the mechanical violation. You might also get another ticket, which will go on your driving record.

Too Many Traffic Tickets

Collecting a certain amount of tickets can risk your driving privileges. That's why a fix-it ticket could sometimes carry higher penalties, especially after a DUI or prior tickets for unlawful driving.

Because the failure to repair a mechanical violation leads to the issuance of another ticket, it is wise to address a fix-it ticket quickly. Your one fix-it ticket could become two tickets. Those tickets can count toward your state's license penalties or points system.

Commercial Vehicle Fix-it Tickets

As a professional driver, tickets can affect your commercial driver's license. Running a red light is a clear moving violation that only a driver can cause. But, a mechanical issue for a vehicle that belongs to your employer can be confusing.

Your employer may generally handle vehicle inspections and equipment. Yet, you may still be personally liable for a fix-it ticket. Depending on the case, some states and companies might let you transfer the ticket to your employer, but this option is rare.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that drivers share responsibility for the vehicle's condition. As a commercial driver, you should still complete a pre-trip inspection to ensure the vehicle meets safety and legal standards. Alert your employer to any mechanical issues.

State Laws for Mechanical Violations

Learn about the specific laws for vehicle requirements through the chart below. Or, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Get Legal Help for a Traffic Violation

Fix-it tickets are often straightforward and typically don't demand legal action. A prompt repair can protect your driving privileges.

But every situation is different. You may find yourself in need of advice, especially if you have previous traffic tickets. Contact a traffic law attorney in your area for more information.