What Is A “Fix It” Ticket in California? - Steps To Take To Correct It

Have you been given a ticket for something incredibly minor and easy to fix? In California, these are called “Fix it” tickets. Fix it tickets are often cited for minor vehicular issues and if left alone they can not only turn into a financial burden, but it can possibly leave a mark on your driving record.

What Is a Fix It Ticket?

Fix it tickets are correctable vehicular violations often issued to drivers with minor performance issues and/or incorrect registration paperwork on their vehicles. They fall under a category of traffic violations that are defined as correctable and are often dismissed once the necessary adjustments and fines are met and paid for.

What Do “Fix It” Tickets Apply To?

These fix tickets are applicable to anything that is damaged such as broken headlights, broken tail lights, damaged license plates, excessive smog emissions, and the absence of noise-controlling parts like mufflers.

While some of these parts may not drastically affect the overall performance of the vehicle, it can potentially affect the driveability of a car and can possibly result in a head-on car accident in California.

Fix It Ticket for Tinting

Tinting your car windows is a frequent and common case for fix it tickets as many drivers opt to tint their car windows beyond the legal requirements in California. As stated in the California Vehicle Code 26708, all vehicles can only fully tint the side rear windows and the rear windshield, meanwhile the front side windows and the top four inches of the front windshield can only be tinted at 30%.

How Much Does a Fix It Ticket Cost in California?

Fix it tickets generally cost around $25, however, depending on the issuing officer and the severity of the correction additional fines and citations may be added on. According to the California Vehicle Code Section 40310, any correctable traffic violation that is not paid within 20 days of the issue date is subject to a 50% upcharge of the original penalty.

3 Steps to Easily Correct a Fix It Ticket

Correcting a fix it ticket is a generally easy process that should not take more time than it should. In fact, these tickets can be solved in three easy steps:

1. Fix the cited violation by repairing/removing certain parts and features.
2. Have an officer of your local court verify that the violation has been fixed.
3. Turn in the signed citation to the court’s clerical office and pay a $25 administrative dismissal fee.

By completing all of these three steps, your case will be dismissed by the court and you will no longer have to worry about any court dates or additional fees.

Where Can I Get My Fix It Ticket Signed Off In California?

For all citations based on vehicular repairs, any police officer at your local police department or courthouse will be able to verify and sign off on your fix it ticket, however, it is important to note that they will charge you an additional inspection fee around $15-$25.

For all vehicle registration citations, they will need to be verified at your local DMV.

How Do I Submit a Proof of Corrections?

To submit a proof of corrections to your local courthouse, you would either need to do it by mail or in person. Depending on the type of violation, your proof of corrections may either need to be approved by a deputy clerk or an inspection officer.

What Happens If I Don’t Fix My “Fix It” Ticket In California?

If you do not fix your fix it ticket in California then additional penalties and fines will be added on. The fees can range up to $325 depending on the county, however, depending on the severity of the citation and your driving record, your license may be put on hold.

Failure to make the necessary corrections and payment for your ticket may cause the court to issue a bench warrant and the DMV will suspend your driving privileges. Getting caught with these lingering charges will most certainly lead to serious criminal charges.

Does a Fix It Ticket Go On Your Record?

Due to the nature of fix it tickets, they are considered to be minor violations compared to more damaging and dangerous traffic violations such as speeding, drunk driving, and illegal parking. As such, fix it tickets will not have a large effect on your driving record, unless you fail to make the necessary corrections and do not pay the associated fines within a reasonable amount of time.

What Should I Do If I Receive A Fix It Ticket?

If you receive a fix it ticket for any minor violations, it is recommended to make the necessary changes, acquire and submit the proper paperwork, and pay the associated fines. If not, then you risk running into deep legal trouble that could potentially land you right in jail.

Should you require any sort of legal representation and assistance regarding this matter, contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and talented legal team.