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 Florida, traffic laws mandate that motor vehicles must have certain mechanical equipment in working order when operating on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways. This includes the requirement for functioning headlights and taillights. Florida law requires that headlights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise, during any rain, smoke, or fog, and when visibility is 1000 feet or less. A broken or non-functioning headlight or taillight can lead to a vehicle being stopped by a police officer, who may issue a citation and potentially investigate further for other violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol. In Florida, equipment violations can sometimes be considered 'fix-it' tickets. If the issue is corrected within a specified time frame and verified by an authorized person, such as a police officer, the citation may be dismissed by the court. However, failure to correct the issue within the allotted time can result in fines and the citation may become a part of the driver's record.