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 Tennessee, state statutes require that all motor vehicles operating on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways have certain mechanical equipment, such as headlights and taillights, in proper working order. Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise, during rain, fog, snow, or when visibility is reduced to 200 feet or less. A malfunctioning headlight or taillight can lead to a vehicle being stopped by law enforcement, and the driver may receive a citation. In Tennessee, such citations can sometimes be considered 'fix-it' tickets. This means that if the driver repairs the issue within a specified timeframe and obtains verification from an authorized person, such as a local police officer, the court may dismiss the citation. However, failure to correct the issue within the allotted time can result in a fine and the citation may become part of the driver's driving record.