Petaluma Police Partner With LightsOn! For Car Bulb Voucher Program

PETALUMA, CA — A program called Lights On! through which officers hand out repair vouchers instead of tickets has expanded to Petaluma and is the first such partnership in Northern California.

The mission of Lights On! is to heal police-community relationships. Through the program, when a Petaluma police officer conducts a routine traffic stop involving a mechanical violation such as a burned-out light bulb or a broken turn signal, instead of issuing a ticket for the violation, the officer can provide a voucher for a free repair at participating local auto repair shops.

The Petaluma Police Department has partnered with Local Heroes and Hansel Autogroup to bring the program to the city.

"Instead of punishing drivers for broken lights, we can fix the mechanical issue and mitigate what often becomes a downward spiral for community members in need," said LightsOn! CEO John Harrington, a former police chief and the Minnesota commissioner of public safety.

Lights On! was founded after the death of Philando Castile, who was shot during a traffic stop for a broken taillight, July 6, 2016, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

"We are giving officers a new tool on their toolbelt that enhances trust and creates positive community-police interactions," Harrington said.

To date, LightsOn! has partnered with 163 law enforcement agencies across 21 states. In 2022, the program surpassed the milestone of 10,000 redeemed vouchers.

In Petaluma, the initiative officially launched Monday, Nov. 6.

"We are proud to adopt this program,” said Petaluma police Deputy Chief Brian Miller. "For some families, a broken taillight or turn signal can sometimes mean choosing between a minor auto repair and buying groceries. A citation for these minor offenses can lead to further financial strain and will most likely lead to additional confrontations with law enforcement, and even possible vehicle impoundment, but we have a duty to keep safe cars on the road. This program gives officers a useful tool to engage with drivers and offer a helpful solution, rather than a ticket or fine."

Local auto service providers who are interested in becoming a Lights On! service location can sign up at LightsOnUS.Org/auto-shops.