Choosing A Car You Will Love

What Every Driver Needs To Know About Fix-It Tickets

30 April 2015

Louis Castro

Every driver should be aware of what fix-it tickets are and how to resolve them. Fix-it tickets are given by police officers when you get pulled over for obvious vehicle problems and damages that could cause traffic accidents or injuries to yourself or others in some way.

Some states call this type of ticket a safety equipment repair order. When given a fix-it ticket, you will be required to make corrections and have the corrections verified. Here's what you need to know.

Types of repairs that may be needed

There are several types of vehicle conditions that are concerning to the authorities and others on the roadways. Here are a few repairs that may be required by a fix-it ticket.

• windshield cracks
• illegally dark window tinting
• faulty emissions
• broken brake lights
• burned out headlights
• headlights are the wrong color
• broken turning signals
• expired inspection sticker
• dead registration tags

Please be aware that the police department that issued the ticket may require repairs under a fix-it ticket for other issues not listed here.

What steps to take to resolve a fix-it ticket

The steps you'll need to take will depend largely on the laws governing the jurisdiction where your fix-it ticket was given. The police officer should give you instructions on how to resolve the fix-it ticket given to you. Generally, however, the steps are as follows:

• take the vehicle to a certified mechanic, if repairs are required
• update all records for the vehicle, such as registration and inspection, if necessary
• take your vehicle to the police department for inspection by an officer
• hand deliver the documentation given to you by the inspecting officer to the local municipal court
• several days later, verify that the ticket has been fully resolved

Depending on the local court, you may need to download and print a document to take with you when you have the police inspection done.

What to do if you cannot afford the repairs

If you cannot afford the repairs, which are usually required within 10 days, then you will need to register your vehicle as non operation status if you would like to keep your vehicle. First, however, try asking the municipal court for an extension if you are sure you will be able to make the repairs shortly after the 10 days are up. You may need to show proof that you will be financially able to make the repairs as required within a specified time frame before you will be granted an extension.

If you do get a non operation status registration, you will need to go through the same steps listed above when you repair the vehicle in addition to obtaining or renewing a regular registration. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

If you cannot afford the repairs and don't expect to be able to for the foreseeable future, you may consider selling, trading or junking the vehicle. Keep in mind that you will need to show proof to the authorities that you relinquished ownership of the vehicle. Again, state laws vary, therefore, check with your state's DMV for more information or contact the municipal court handling your case.

What can happen if you don't do anything

If you don't do anything, you may be at risk of being served with a bench warrant, your vehicle registration may be suspended, and/or your driver's license may be revoked. Any one of these situations will likely be more difficult to deal with than resolving the fix-it ticket.

A fix-it ticket is something that a police officer may issue to you if you are caught driving a vehicle that is unsafe or illegal. Be sure to make the repairs and corrections before the time limit or you may find yourself with severe repercussions. For more information about auto repair, visit websites like http://www.centralaveautobody.com.

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