Do you have to carry your compliance certificate papers?
Nope. The plate in the engine bay is enough.
How much is a defect fine, and if you replace the offending defected part, is the fine eliminated?
The fine depends on what's wrong and the kind of mood that the cop is in. I think most are around $74, but don't quote me on that....The fine is not eliminated after you clear the defect. You still have to pay it.