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 North Carolina, state statutes require that all motor vehicles operating on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways have certain mechanical equipment in working order, such as headlights and taillights. North Carolina law mandates that headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise, during periods of rain, smoke, or fog, and when visibility is 400 feet or less. A malfunctioning headlight or taillight can lead to a vehicle being stopped by law enforcement, and the driver may receive a citation. While North Carolina does not have a 'fix-it ticket' system named as such, the state does allow for equipment violations to be non-moving violations that can be corrected. If a driver repairs the issue and provides proof, such as a receipt for the repair or an inspection by an authorized person, the court may dismiss the charge. However, failure to correct the issue within the specified time frame can result in fines and the violation may become part of the driver's record.