car wouldn't start mechanic said it was the starter replaced it but the abs system and traction control lights are still on says i have to drive it to get the lights to shut off is this true

Some sensors will throw a "false positive" when the battery is dead or disconnected for any length of time. I agree with the mechanic, drive the car a bit. It may take a few days to clear the codes that are causing the lights to come on. You could take the car to PepBoys or AutoZone and ask them to check the OBD for codes, and clear the codes (for free) but I understand that many of those shops aren't doing it anymore.