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 Maryland, traffic laws mandate that motor vehicles on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways must be equipped with certain mechanical equipment that functions properly, such as working headlights and taillights. Maryland law requires headlights to be used from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, when visibility is less than 1000 feet, or during unfavorable weather conditions. If a vehicle is found with a mechanical violation like a broken headlight or taillight, law enforcement officers have the authority to stop the vehicle and issue a citation. While Maryland does not have a 'fix-it ticket' system named as such, the state does allow for equipment repair orders. If a driver receives a repair order for a mechanical violation, they are typically given a certain time frame to fix the issue and have the repair certified by an authorized person, such as a police officer or an authorized inspection station. Failure to comply with the repair order can result in fines and the violation may become part of the driver's record. It's important for drivers to address any mechanical issues promptly to avoid penalties and ensure their vehicle is safe for operation on public roads.