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 New Hampshire, traffic laws mandate that all motor vehicles on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways must be equipped with certain mechanical equipment that functions properly, such as headlights and taillights. These lights must be turned on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, or any time when visibility is reduced to less than 1000 feet. If a vehicle is found with a broken or burned-out headlight or taillight, law enforcement officers have the authority to stop the vehicle and potentially issue a ticket or citation. While New Hampshire does not have a 'fix-it ticket' system named as such, the state does allow for certain equipment violations to be corrected. If a driver fixes the issue and provides proof, such as a signed off inspection from a certified mechanic or a police officer, within a specified time frame, the violation may be dismissed or the fine reduced. However, failure to correct the issue within the required period can result in fines and the violation may become part of the driver's record.