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 Rhode Island, traffic laws mandate that motor vehicles operating on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways must be equipped with certain mechanical equipment that is in proper working order. This includes, but is not limited to, functioning headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, and turn signals. If a vehicle is found to have a mechanical violation, such as a broken or missing piece of required equipment, 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 can rectify the issue within a specified time frame and have the correction verified by an authorized person, such as a local police officer. Upon verification, the court may dismiss the ticket. However, failure to correct the mechanical issue within the allotted time results in a fine and the citation may become part of the driver's record. It's important for drivers in Rhode Island to maintain their vehicles in compliance with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure road safety.