All states have traffic laws that require motor vehicles on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways to have certain mechanical equipment installed and functioning properly. For example, a motor vehicle is required to have working headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, and turn signals/blinkers.

A broken or missing piece of equipment on a vehicle (a mechanical violation) is a common reason for a police officer to stop a vehicle and issue a ticket or citation—and a reason for the officer to inquire and investigate whether the driver has consumed any alcohol before operating the vehicle.

In some states tickets or citations for mechanical violations are known as fix-it tickets and the ticket or citation will indicate that it is a correctable violation of traffic laws. If you fix the mechanical problem within the required period and get the signature of an authorized person (a local police officer) the court may dismiss the ticket.

But if you fail to fix the mechanical problem within the required period you must pay the fine for the violation and you may be issued another ticket that will be part of your driving record.

In Massachusetts, motor vehicles are required by law to have certain mechanical equipment in working order, such as headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, and turn signals. If a vehicle is found to have a mechanical violation, law enforcement officers have the authority to stop the vehicle and issue a citation. These citations can sometimes be 'fix-it tickets,' which are correctable violations. The driver then has the opportunity to repair the defect within a specified time frame. To have the citation dismissed, the driver must have the repair certified by an authorized person, typically a local police officer, and present proof to the court. Failure to correct the mechanical issue within the allotted time results in fines and the citation may become part of the driver's record. It's important to note that the specifics of the process, including time frames and the types of equipment violations that qualify for fix-it tickets, can vary, and drivers should refer to the latest Massachusetts state statutes and regulations for detailed information.