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 Montana, traffic laws mandate that motor vehicles on public roads must have certain mechanical equipment in working order, such as headlights and taillights. These lights must be turned on from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. If a vehicle has a malfunctioning headlight or taillight, it provides a valid reason for a police officer to stop the vehicle, which can lead to further investigation, including checks for impaired driving due to alcohol consumption. In Montana, a citation for a mechanical violation like a broken headlight may be considered a 'fix-it' ticket. This type of ticket typically allows the driver to correct the issue by a specified deadline and have the repair verified by an authorized person, such as a local police officer. If the repair is certified and presented to the court within the allotted time, the ticket may be dismissed. However, failure to address the mechanical issue within the required timeframe can result in a fine and the citation may become part of the driver's record.