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 and taillights—and to turn headlights on at specified times, such as up to 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

A broken or burned-out headlight or taillight 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, such as working headlights and taillights, in proper functioning order. These lights must be used during specific times, typically from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or whenever visibility is reduced. If a vehicle is found to have a mechanical issue like a broken headlight or taillight, law enforcement officers have the authority to stop the vehicle and potentially issue a citation. In Massachusetts, such citations can be considered 'fix-it' tickets, which are correctable violations. The driver can rectify the issue within a specified time frame and have the repair certified by an authorized person, such as a local police officer. Upon presenting proof of the correction to the court, the citation may be dismissed. However, failure to address the mechanical issue within the allotted time can result in fines and the citation becoming part of the driver's record.