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!.
– – –
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.
It’s a MN based Left Wing group that is “funding” this. If I was in the City Council I’d be asking why MNPS is partnering with this group or if the COB is involved.
Hey, I need some new tires, who do I contact to get me “free” tires?
This isn’t law enforcement, so I predict the cops will be less than enthusiastic with making (potentially dangerous) traffic stops to hand out coupons.
Why can’t people in Nashville who own cars should responsible and maintain their own vehicles?
If the majority do not think cops should be ticketing people for equipment violations, CHANGE THE LAW.
I am not certain that Nashville is using taxpayer funds to pay for this new initiative. I would caution anyone that gives money to a non-profit to do some level of research. In 2021 This particular non profit reported $428,000 in “unauthorized payments”. I certainly hope the individual or individuals responsible are identified and the public informed as to the ongoing litigation to resolve this matter. This is a great cause to support, it should not be funded with tax dollars and must be accountable for all its donations.