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 South Carolina, traffic laws mandate that motor vehicles must have certain mechanical equipment in working order when operating on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways. This includes the requirement for functioning headlights and taillights. Headlights must be turned on from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and when visibility is reduced. If a vehicle has a broken or burned-out headlight or taillight, it provides a valid reason for a police officer to stop the vehicle and potentially issue a citation. In South Carolina, such mechanical violations can result in what are informally known as 'fix-it tickets.' These citations typically allow 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 verified and presented to the court within the allotted time, the citation may be dismissed. However, failure to correct the issue within the specified period can result in fines and the citation may become part of the driver's record.