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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. If you don’t take care of your car maintenance, you can be in danger of receiving a fix-it ticket.
WHAT IS A FIX-IT TICKET?
Fix-it tickets are generally non-moving violations. They can also be known as a correctable violation, something can be easily fixed. But be careful, just because it’s a non-moving violation it can still effect your records.
Examples of correctable violations include:
- a bad exhaust
- worn tires
- malfunctioning blinkers
- a light out
- not having proof of valid insurance
- an expired registration
- an expired driver’s license
Whether you’re just paying a fee for the violation or providing proof of correction. It’s important to note that if you have been pulled over for a moving violation, you can also get an additional tickets. These additional “fix-it” tickets.
HOW TO FIX IT?
When a police officer observes you driving with a fixable violation, the officer may pull you over and make you aware of the problem. He or she may then issue a verbal warning or issue a ticket.
Make sure to consult with a traffic ticket attorney to figure out your next step. Simply providing proof of a solution, can sometimes lead to a ticket dismissal. You want to be sure of your legal footing before you go in alone.
JUST FIX IT
To satisfy the requirements of the ticket, you can fix your car yourself or take it to a shop. Most fixes are fairly inexpensive, such as a tail light or dark window tint removal. However, some fixes such as windshield or muffler replacement can be more expensive. Either way, you need to get it taken care of to avoid further fines and legal issues.
Your ticket will have information regarding where you can turn in proof of the fix. If it isn’t on the ticket, there is a phone number on the ticket you can call to get more detail. A deadline is provide on your ticket for when you must have your issue fixed. You must present the ticket to the court prior to the deadline.
OTHER FEES
Although there may not be a fee associated with your ticket, you may encounter a fine called a dismissal fee that you will need to pay. Once you have presented your proof of correction and paid any applicable fines or fees, the court stamps your ticket and you receive a receipt for your payment. Once this has been completed, you will be set to drive again with no risk.
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES
A fix-it ticket is similar to a moving violation ticket in that it carries harsh consequences for failure to comply with orders. Your ticket will list a court date. If you fail to have the problem fixed and certified, you will need to appear before a judge to explain your actions.
If you fail to have the problem fixed and certified and you fail to attend your court date, it may lead to a bench warrant for your arrest. Appearing in court without the repairs done can increase your chances of getting additional fines or even a suspended license, so it is always best to simply have the repairs made and certified as soon as possible after receiving the ticket.
One of the most serious offense associated with a fix-it ticket is failing to appear. A bench warrant for your arrest could put you in police custody the next time you get pulled over for speeding or having a burnt out light. From there, the expenses only rise with additional traffic violations, attorney fees and the like.
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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 are killed in accidents caused by cars without fully functioning safeguards, like properly working tail lights or turn signals. By repairing your car as soon as possible, you are not only benefiting yourself by avoiding further fines, but also taking measures to protect yourself and others.