There’s welcome news for anyone who’s ever been hit with a municipal fine for a broken taillight, on top of the cost of repairs. Starting this spring, instead of ticketing drivers for mechanical violations, such as a burned out light bulb or malfunctioning turn signal, police officers in Springfield will have the option to issue vouchers to cover the costs of the repairs.
The Springfield Police Department announced the program on Friday. It’s a partnership with Lights On!, an initiative out of Minnesota that was founded after the death of Philando Castile, a Black man who was shot during a traffic stop related to a broken taillight.
Police Chief Paul Williams said the program will help alleviate both the stress and financial burden that an auto repair, a traffic stop and a fine can bring. The vouchers handed out by officers for light-related issues will give drivers two weeks to get repairs for up to $250 at a participating auto shop.
“Fostering positive relationships with the community has always been a focus of the Springfield Police Department,” he said. “This new partnership with Lights On! is another avenue to positively engage with and help the people that we serve.”