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 Washington State, 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 working headlights and taillights. Washington law requires headlights to be used from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, as well as at any other times when visibility is reduced. If a driver is stopped for a mechanical violation like a broken headlight or taillight, they may receive a traffic ticket or citation. In some cases, these may be 'fix-it' tickets, which are correctable violations. The driver can have the issue repaired, and upon verification by an authorized person (such as a police officer), the court may dismiss the ticket. However, failure to correct the issue within the specified time frame will result in a fine and the violation may be added to the driver's record. It's important to note that such stops can also lead to further investigation by the officer, including inquiries into whether the driver has been drinking.