Instead of handing out tickets for non-working headlights and taillights, Nashville will soon begin using a new, more charitable tactic.
“Chief John Drake this afternoon announced that motorists driving with blown headlights or taillights will now receive the gift of free professional bulb replacement through vouchers being supplied to [Metro Nashville Police Department] officers by the Lights On! program,” according to a release from the city.
More than 140 cities across the nation participate in the Lights On! program, which recruits local body shops that will accept the vouchers, and then submit them to Lights On! for payment.
Participating body shops in Nashville are Music City Auto Repair and Cooper Automotive Service.
Lights On! says it predicts more body shop partners will join the effort.
The organization has partner law enforcement agencies in 12 states, including North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
“A vehicle is less safe when one or more lights aren’t working,” Drake said. “The Lights On! program gives motorists an incentive to get their car or truck light fixed in a timely way without cost, while also promoting positive experiences with our officers. In vehicle stops where a blown light is the only issue, drivers can expect to receive only a repair voucher and be on their way.”
A group called MicroGrants is the parent organization of the Lights On! program.
“Our mission is to give a boost to motivated people on their journey to economic self-sufficiency,” a description of MicroGrants on the Lights On! website says. “By providing cash, not loans, we meet the immediate needs of low-income individuals on their quest to start a business, finish their education, or acquire transportation for their job.”
“Instead of punishing drivers for broken lights, we turn a dreaded traffic stop into an opportunity to create positive interactions between communities and law enforcement, while mitigating what may be a financial hardship for some members of our communities,” said Sherman Patterson, vice president of Lights On!.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Car Tail Light” by Jarne Aerts.
