Broken or Non-Functioning Headlight
A CVC 24400 fix-it ticket usually means one or both of your headlights were not working or not mounted as required. Vehicle Code 24400 requires at least two headlamps, one on each side of the front (motorcycles excepted), and requires them to be lit during darkness or inclement weather. A ticket for not having them on (24400(b)) is about driving, not equipment; the statewide bail schedule does not list it as correctable. Repairing the headlight and getting it certified resolves this violation.
Correction Window
The deadline is printed on your citation. Have the headlight repaired and certified before that date.
Fee After Correction
These steps apply when your ticket was issued as correctable. An officer does not issue it that way if there is evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, the violation presents an immediate safety hazard, or you cannot promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)). When the court accepts your proof of correction, the court clerk collects a $25 fee for each corrected violation (Vehicle Code 40611). There is no fee if the agency that cited you handles the correction and nothing is sent to the court (Vehicle Code 40611(c)). Without proof of correction, you may owe the full fine. Check your notice or ask your court for the amount.
Who Can Certify
A police department, the CHP, a sheriff, a marshal or another agency that enforces the Vehicle Code can certify this correction. A vehicle safety systems inspection station licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) can also sign it off. BAR says you do not need a full vehicle safety systems inspection to clear a brake or light fix-it ticket.
The court must dismiss a corrected violation when you deliver proof of correction on or before the date on your ticket (Vehicle Code 40522). After that date it may not accept the correction, and you may owe the full fine. If you fail to appear without good cause, the court may add a civil assessment of up to $100 after mailing you a warning notice (Penal Code 1214.1). Willfully failing to appear, or willfully failing to deliver proof of correction, is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code 40508 and 40616). If you need more time, ask the court before the date passes.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Identify which headlight is malfunctioning and determine whether it is the bulb, wiring, or housing.
- 2
Replace or repair the headlight at home or at a licensed auto repair shop.
- 3
Confirm both headlights are functioning before seeking certification.
- 4
Have a law enforcement officer or a BAR-licensed safety inspection station sign the certificate of correction on your citation.
- 5
Submit the signed citation and $25 fee to the court before your deadline.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace the bulb myself or does it need a shop?
- You can replace the bulb yourself. Once repaired, bring the vehicle to a law enforcement officer or a BAR-licensed safety inspection station for sign-off. The certifying party verifies the light functions, not who performed the repair.
- Both headlights went out at the same time. What should I check?
- If both headlights fail simultaneously, the issue is likely electrical rather than two separate bulb failures. Check the headlight fuse in your vehicle fuse box before replacing bulbs. A mechanic can diagnose the cause if the fuse is intact.
This guide covers passenger vehicles. Some rules differ for commercial vehicles and truck tractors (for example, where registration tabs go under Vehicle Code 5204(a)). If you were driving one, check with your employer or a licensed attorney.
This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.
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