Chattanooga Police announce new program; Lights On!

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – CPD has announced the start of a new program that will assist drivers who are stopped for certain minor traffic violations. This new program is aimed at improving the relationship between the community and law enforcement agencies.

Lights On! Is a micro grant program which allows officers to engage with drivers, assist with directing the source of the violation and allow members of the community to bring their vehicle back into compliance without causing a financial burden. 

Police Chief David Roddy says a recent study found socioeconomic minor traffic violations negatively affected the city’s communities of color. 

“During a traffic stop if the officer figures out the vehicle in question has some type of improper lighting : a headlight out or brake light not working. The officer will conduct the traffic stop as normal but instead of issuing a citation for the light, they will  be allowed to give that driver a voucher,” says Chief David Roddy, Chattanooga Police Department. 

This voucher is worth up to $250 and will be applied when  the owner takes their vehicle to one of six participating auto garages in the city to get the light fixed for free.

•                   Christian Brothers Automotive Hixson – 5595 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343
•                   Downtown Automotive – 1725 S Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37408
•                   Danny’s Auto Center – 3415 Campbell St, Chattanooga, TN 37406
•                   Scenic City Auto Repair – 2828 Rossville Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37407
•                   Express Tire & Service – 4911 Hwy 58 N, Chattanooga, TN 37416
•                   Parker’s Automotive and Fuel – 3660 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411

“We’re not just ignoring the problem, overlooking the problem, but actually fixing that problem.We know that communities and police relationships need healing now more than ever,” says Don Samuels, CEO of Lights On!

CPD says they hope this new program will take some of the financial burden off of our community members.

“The more positive engagements that a police department has with their community the stronger that trust is.  The stronger trust can have a direct impact on your clearance rates as a police department for acts of violence and crime but also perception of when the community is willing to step in and work with us on other issues. Trust is one of the most valuable things for the Chattanooga police department,” says Chief Roddy.

The money for this program is being paid for by funds allocated through Automated Traffic Enforcement citations.

Vouchers are awarded on a case by case basis and are up to the discretion of the ticketing officer. The voucher may only be applied to the repair of a light on your vehicle and must be used within 2 weeks.