ASHEVILLE - Instead of getting a ticket for certain traffic stops, violators will now find themselves with a voucher to get their bad lights fixed.

In a new partnership with Lights On!, a community-driven program that hopes to foster relationships between communities and law enforcement agencies, instead of citing the driver on traffic stops involving lighting defects, Asheville police officers can provide a voucher of up to $250 for broken light repairs at partnered auto shops, according to a news release.  

“This could be anything from a burned-out light bulb to a broken tail light, and it allows our officers to provide a public service, while still promoting public safety,” Asheville Police Chief David Zack said in a statement. “I’m also glad to announce that Asheville is the first city in the state of North Carolina to partner with Lights On!” 

Traffic stop profiling: APD attempts to address traffic stop racial profiling concerns; advocates skeptical

Related news: Asheville chief wants car crashes investigated by civilians, not police; but law stalled

More:Man charged with explosives on July 4th posts bond, released from Buncombe County jail

Zack noted that the success of the program will largely depend on private donations and will not involve taxpayer dollars. Vice Mayor Sheneika Smith says this program can help address “debt traps” in the justice system that occur when motorists are unable to pay citations, fines and fees. 

“The cycle of legal system debt adds additional layers of mistrust between law enforcement and the community, so the practice of handing out vouchers instead of tickets will have more community benefits than most can imagine," Smith said in a news release from the Asheville Police Department.  

Lights on! was created in 2017 by Don Samuels, founder of MicroGrants, a nonprofit that provides grants to individuals to help spur economic stability. Samuels established Lights on! in the aftermath of the death of Philando Castile, who was fatally shot in 2016 during a traffic stop in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.

“These vouchers are more than a piece of paper,” Marcus Kirkman, Asheville’s training consultant for equity and inclusion, said in the release. “They are a reminder of the shared humanity and impact we can have on an individual’s life when we extend kindness. We celebrate this moment, we are excited about it, and our lights are on in Asheville.” 

Visit this site for more information about Lights on!. 

Ryley Ober is a news intern with the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. News tips? Email her at ROber@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober