Back in "the day", what I would do is issue a "fixit" citation. Basically what this does is to put the citation in a hold status. You have 3 days to have the problem corrected, then present the citation with verification of the corrected problem to any law enforcement official, who then signs off that the problem was in fact corrected, and the citation goes bye-bye. Do
not have the problem corrected, then the citation is issued, often turning into a warrant for your arrest, as most people tend to "forget" that it was written.
Most cops, contrary to popular belief are
not soulless automatons with ice water in their veins. Ok...a few...but still. We
know that you were on your way to the DMV just as we pulled you over.
Just get it taken care of.