What Is a Fix-It Ticket in California and How Does It Work?

What Is a Fix-It Ticket?

A fix-it ticket, formally known as a correctable violation, is a type of traffic citation issued in California when law enforcement identifies an equipment or registration issue with your vehicle that can be remedied. Unlike moving violations such as speeding or running a red light, correctable violations are not tied to dangerous driving behavior. Instead, they address problems like a broken tail light, expired registration tags, or a cracked windshield that impairs visibility.

The legal basis for correctable violations is found in California Vehicle Code Section 40610. Under this statute, an officer who stops a driver for certain equipment or registration deficiencies may mark the citation as correctable. This designation gives the driver an opportunity to fix the underlying problem and present proof of correction to the court, rather than paying the full fine associated with the violation.

How Does the Fix-It Ticket Process Work?

When you receive a fix-it ticket, the officer will note the specific violation on the citation and mark it as correctable. From that point, you generally have a set period to resolve the issue. While the California Vehicle Code does not prescribe a single statewide deadline, most courts require correction within the timeframe printed on the citation, which is typically tied to your court appearance date. This is often around 30 days from the date of issuance, though you should always check the date on your specific ticket.

1. Fix the problem identified on the citation (replace the broken light, renew your registration, obtain valid insurance, etc.).
2. Have the correction verified by a law enforcement officer or other authorized person, who will sign off on the ticket.
3. Submit the signed-off ticket to the court listed on the citation, along with a dismissal fee (typically $25, though it varies by county).
4. The court processes the dismissal and closes the case with no further penalties.

Who Can Sign Off on a Correctable Violation?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 40616, the sign-off must be performed by an authorized person. For equipment violations like a burned-out headlight or broken mirror, any sworn law enforcement officer can inspect the repair and sign the ticket. For registration violations, the sign-off is typically handled by the DMV or a law enforcement officer who can verify your updated registration. For proof of insurance corrections, you will generally need to present a valid insurance policy that was active on the date of the citation.

What Happens If You Ignore a Fix-It Ticket?

Ignoring a fix-it ticket can have serious consequences. If you fail to correct the violation and do not appear in court by the deadline, the court may impose the full fine for the underlying violation, which can be substantially higher than the dismissal fee. In addition, the court may add a civil assessment of up to $300 under Penal Code Section 1214.1 for failure to appear. Your case may also be sent to collections, which can affect your credit.

Furthermore, the DMV may place a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing until the matter is resolved. In some cases, a failure to appear can result in a bench warrant. What starts as a minor equipment issue can quickly escalate into a far more expensive and complicated legal problem if left unaddressed.

Fix-It Tickets and Your Driving Record

One of the most important things to know about correctable violations is that, when properly dismissed, they do not add points to your driving record with the DMV. This means a successfully resolved fix-it ticket will not increase your insurance premiums or count toward a license suspension under the DMV negligent operator point system.

However, if you fail to correct the violation and the court enters a conviction for the original charge, the outcome depends on the nature of the underlying violation. Most equipment violations still do not carry DMV points, but the fine and any associated late fees will remain on your court record.

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Common Types of Fix-It Tickets in California

Fix-it tickets are issued for a wide range of vehicle-related issues. Some of the most frequently cited correctable violations include the following.

• Broken or burned-out headlights, tail lights, or brake lights (CVC 24250, 24600, 24603)
• Expired vehicle registration tags (CVC 4000(a))
• Failure to carry proof of valid auto insurance (CVC 16028(a))
• Cracked or damaged windshield obstructing the driver's view (CVC 26710)
• Excessive window tint that does not meet legal specifications (CVC 26708)
• Missing or illegible license plates (CVC 5200, 5201)
• Non-functioning horn (CVC 27001)
• Missing or broken side mirrors (CVC 26709)

Learn which California traffic tickets qualify as correctable violations. Which California Tickets Are Correctable? →