Oct. 28, 2019—A new program has rolled out in Minnesota that will help drivers with broken taillights, headlights, or brake lights to avoid a citation, instead of giving out a warning, reports Fox 9.
The ‘Lights on Minnesota’ program, launched by a Minneapolis non-profit, has metro police departments surround the Twin Cities-area to not only cut drivers a break but also helping them make a repair, giving them a voucher to get it fixed for free.
When the participating police departments see a headlight, taillight, or brake light out, they make a traffic stop, but give them the free voucher instead of a ticket.
The Fridley Police Department in Fridley, Minn. has been a part of the program since September and has handed out 22 vouchers last month alone. Courtney Miller of the Fridley Police Department says they have received hugs, handshakes and general ‘thank yous’ for the warning and voucher over a citation.
The program was an idea by former Minneapolis City Councilman Don Samuelson after the death of Philando Castile, who was pulled over for a brake light being out.
Since debuting in January, the program has gone from 19 participating police departments to over 60. Eventually, they plan to grow nationwide.
