No one wants to be pulled over by the police for a traffic stop. This is the case because these encounters often lead to citations and sometimes arrests. However, one police department in Missouri is spreading holiday cheer by giving out gift cards to drivers they pull over. 

A traffic stop by this police department could make drivers $100 richer 

According to KSDK, the Florissant Police Department is continuing its years-long trend of spreading holiday cheer. The report says that sometimes, when a driver is subjected to a traffic stop, they get a $100 gift card instead of a citation. Specifically, this happens when the stop is over a minor traffic violation, such as a rear light not working. Of course, they also get a warning for the infraction. 

The department’s police officers are doing this all month long. Of course, this won’t be the case for every low-level traffic stop, but it has raised the spirits of many drivers who may be struggling financially. They are calling this act of kindness a “Summons of Joy,” and the cards are good for either Walmart or Sam’s Club. The police department can afford to do this thanks to donations from the North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice.

People in the area being subjected to a traffic stop and getting a “summons of joy” isn’t new. Notably, the department has been doing this act of kindness for about a decade. They have been able to give out about $50,000 worth of gift cards since starting the program. Here’s to hoping this trend continues for years to come.