While some traffic violations earn warnings, others earn tickets right away. There are other infractions that fall somewhere in the middle, with police officers handing out what are commonly known as fix-it tickets. This type of ticket relates to a problem with your vehicle, rather than an issue with your driving, and mandates that you fix the problem before a deadline. Fix-it tickets are ideal in some ways because if you fix the work within the requested amount of time, you don't have to pay the ticket. Some officers will give motorists a chance to tell their side of an issue at the side of the road; if the officer who detains you is receptive, you should argue for a fix-it ticket in these scenarios.

Loud Muffler

Having a loud muffler can often get you pulled over, and with good reason—the volume of your vehicle is likely disturbing people around you. While some police officers will give you a ticket right away for this infraction, you might wish to express a desire for a fix-it ticket and make a pledge that you'll get the work done promptly. You'll then need to visit a muffler shop for some work to quiet the sound of your vehicle.

Window Tinting

Police officers will also reprimand motorists for having windows that are too darkly tinted. Sometimes, an officer will see your dark windows and pull you over as a result. In other cases, he or she may notice the windows during a traffic stop for an unrelated matter and let you know that they're too dark. Having a police officer warn you about your dark windows is another time to request if you can get a fix-it ticket rather than a conventional ticket. You can then visit an auto glass shop to get the tinting removed and replaced with something lighter.

Headlights/Taillights

Many police officers will hand out fix-it tickets for dead headlights or taillights unless they have a record from the recent past of another officer warning you to correct this issue. In that case, you're apt to get a conventional ticket because you had a chance to fix the problem and didn't act. A fix-it ticket for a dead headlight or taillight is ideal because you can typically address this problem inexpensively. Often, you just need to replace the bulb, which will cost far less than having to pay a ticket for the infraction. For advice about handling a fix-it ticket, or even to fight one should you wish to do so, call a traffic law firm, such as Wood & Rabil  LLP.