1062520435_6659976384_zThe police are always on the lookout for people who drive dangerously, and that includes vehicles with safety glitches. Lights that aren’t functioning, mechanical problems and even dark window tinting can all put drivers at higher risk of accidents.

When pulled over, the cops may give you as the driver a warning ticket for these types of offenses that require you to get the issues fixed. However, if you don’t take it seriously and fail to make the necessary repairs, it can lead to larger fines and get you into legal trouble.

What are Correctable Violations?

As a driver, it’s your responsibility to maintain your car. Lights should be functional, safety gear like seat belts should not be tampered with, and visibility problems like cracked windows should be replaced. These laws are in place to protect everyone on the road by avoiding accidents.

  • When an officer sees someone driving a car with a correctable violation, they can pull that person over to alert them of the problem. To do that, the officer may;
    • Give the person a verbal warning and direct them to fix the problem, or
    • Write a ticket for the offense.
  • When a ticket is issued, the information regarding the offense will be reported into the database, and the driver will have a limited amount of time to correct the faulty exhaust, bald tires, broken blinker or other safety problem as mentioned on the ticket.
  • Other correctable violations include not having the car insurance papers, carrying an expired registration or an outdated driver’s license.
  • While the officer may only find out you’re driving without insurance after pulling you over for speeding, the lack of insurance can be written up as a separate charge that must also be addressed.

How to Fix these Violations?

While a majority of violations only cost a few dollars to correct, including broken parking lights or window tint that’s too dark, violations like broken mufflers or windshields can cost substantially more. It’s important to make the necessary repairs regardless of the associated cost.

  • The ticket will usually have information detailing where to go for an inspection after the offense has been corrected i.e. the necessary repairs are done.
  • If the information is not listed directly on the ticket, there should be a number that you can call to have that information.
  • The ticket will also clearly list the deadline for correcting the offense.
  • Once you have corrected the violation, you will need to have an authorized person sign the “Certificate of Correction” on your ticket.
  • The ticket will then have to be taken to the court before the deadline.
  • There may be a fine known as a dismissal fee associated with the offense, and that fine will have to be paid.
  • Court will stamp your ticket and give a receipt for the amount of penalty paid.

Once the court has collected the fine and provided you with a receipt, then you can drive with confidence knowing that everything is in order.

Failure to comply with the above can have serious consequences

A fix-it ticket is similar to a ticket written for moving offenses, and it carries harsh consequences if you fail to comply with the requirements.

  • The ticket will have a court date on it. If you fail to fix the problem and have the courts sign off on it, then you will have to appear before the judge to explain the situation.
  • Failure to appear for court can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest.
  • If you do appear and the problem has not been fixed, then the court can levy additional fines or even revoke your driving privileges.

A failure to appear is one of the most serious charges associated with a fix-it ticket. With a bench warrant for your arrest, you could be taken into custody the next time you’re pulled over for speeding or that broken taillight. Once in jail, the amount of expenses will only rise as you need to pay for your bail, hire an attorney and pay even more fines.

Remember that traffic cops who issue citations for correctable offenses aren’t trying to ruin your day, but they are trying to make the roads safer for all of us. Even if it’s going to cost a few hundred dollars to get the problem corrected, it’s important to make the investment and take care of the issue. Otherwise, you could wind up facing much steeper fines or even get jailed.

If you have a fix it ticket and are not sure how to deal with it, please contact us today.

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Scott Desind

Scott Desind | Traffic Ticket Attorneys The Traffic Ticket Attorneys, Desind and Klijian, have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets. Our attorneys are well respected and known for their experience in fighting traffic tickets, specialized knowledge of the law and procedures and results by the court personnel, officers, deputies, competitors and clients.