Have you ever had a burnt out tail light or some kind of mechanical problem that you knew needed to be fixed, but just didn’t do it, or you put it off for an unreasonable amount of time? Well, it could cost you a big chunk of your paycheck. Would you want to work for free for somebody? Of course not, but that’s exactly what you would be doing if you end up getting a large fine due to not fixing a problem with your car. Why take that chance when you can have your car fixed up right away and not have to worry about any dreadful fines? Realistically, you can’t hold off on it forever. You’re going to have to do it sooner or later.

In an attempt to keep the roads as safe as possible, police officers are constantly on a search for danger, which includes cars with certain safety problems. Things like burnt out lights, mechanical issues, and windows tinted too dark may increase the chances of an accident. If you are pulled over, you may receive a warning that comes with a requirement to fix the issue you were pulled over for. If you decide to continue driving as you were without making the required changes, you cross into the territory of higher fines and legal troubles.

What Are Correctable Violations?

Being a driver means taking responsibility for maintaining your car. Your lights should be working, safety gear should be in acceptable form, and any visibility issues with your car should be fixed.

When the police observe you driving with a fixable violation, the officer may pull you over and make you aware of the problem. He or she may:

  • Issue a verbal warning or
  • Issue a ticket.

If you receive a ticket, the offense information will be sent to a database, which will give you a deadline by which you need to have the issue fixed.

Examples of correctable violations include a bad exhaust, worn tires, malfunctioning blinkers, not having insurance papers, having an expired registration, or having an expired driver’s license.

Even if you have been pulled over for speeding, you may still get an extra violation for not having your insurance papers with you.

How to Fix These Violations?

Of course, the only way to satisfy the requirements of the violation deadline is to fix your car yourself or take it to a shop. Many fixes will be very inexpensive, such as a tail light or dark window tint removal. However, some fixes such as windshield or muffler replacement can set you back quite a bit. Either way, you need to get it taken care of to avoid further fines and legal issues.

Your ticket will likely have information regarding where you need to check in to confirm that your fixes have been completed.

If it isn’t on the ticket, you will find a phone number on the ticket to call for those details. Also on the ticket will be a deadline for fixing the violation.

After correcting the violation, one who is authorized must sign the “Certificate of Correction” on your ticket. You must then present the ticket to the court prior to the deadline.

You may encounter a fine called a dismissal fee with the violation that you will need to pay. Then, the court stamps your ticket and you receive a receipt for your payment.

After the court has received your fine and given you a receipt, you will be set to drive again with no risk.

Failure to Comply Comes with Serious Consequences

A fix-it ticket is similar to a moving offense ticket, meaning it can carry harsh consequences for not complying with orders.

Your ticket will list a court date. Failing to have the problem fixed with no court signature means you will need to appear before a judge for explaining. Further, failing to appear for that may lead to a bench warrant for your arrest.

Appearing in court without still having it fixed is going to greatly increase your chances of getting more fines or even a suspended license.

Failing to appear is up there with the most serious of offenses when dealing with a fix-it ticket. A bench warrant for your arrest could have you in custody the next time you get pulled over for speeding or having a burnt out light. From there, the expenses only rise with lawyer fees and the like.

It may seem like police officers are out to spoil your day by giving you a fix-it ticket, but the reality is that many people have been killed in accidents caused by faulty car safety measures. By fixing up your car as soon as possible you are not only benefiting yourself by avoiding further fines, but also taking safe measures for protecting against any magnitude of car crash for yourself and others.