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 Dakota, traffic laws mandate that all motor vehicles operating on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways must have certain mechanical equipment, such as headlights and taillights, in proper working order. Headlights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise, and when visibility is impaired by weather conditions. A malfunctioning headlight or taillight can lead to a vehicle being stopped by law enforcement, and the driver may receive a ticket or citation. This can also prompt an officer to investigate further for potential alcohol consumption by the driver. South Dakota does offer a 'fix-it ticket' for certain mechanical violations. This type of ticket allows the driver to correct the issue within a specified time frame and have the ticket signed off by an authorized person, such as a local police officer, which can lead to the dismissal of the ticket by the court. However, failure to correct the issue within the allotted time results in fines and the violation may be added to the driver's record.