Some states do not have a citation for "Unsafe Equipment", rather they impound the vehicle on the spot.
Sure wouldn't be fun walking back to the house....

Also, it is the operator's (read you, Sue) responsibility not to engage in the operation of an unsafe vehicle. Since that is the case, the citation and resulting fines are YOUR problem not the company's.

Same goes with uninsured vehicles. In 2001 the fine here was about $500.00. I know this because my employer had not kept up with the Registration, and the Insurance.

I was out an even grand paying the two citations, and court costs.