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 Maine, 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. Headlights must be turned on from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, or whenever weather conditions require. If a vehicle has a broken or burned-out headlight or taillight, it can be a valid reason for a police officer to stop the vehicle and potentially issue a ticket or citation. This can also lead to further investigation into whether the driver is under the influence of alcohol. In Maine, if you receive a ticket for a mechanical violation, it may be considered a 'fix-it' ticket, which is a correctable violation. To have the ticket dismissed, the issue must be fixed within a specified period, and the repair must be verified by an authorized person, such as a local police officer. Failure to correct the issue within the allotted time frame will result in a fine, and the violation may be recorded on the driver's record.