File Photo (Lake Zurich Police Department) | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner

Police in Lake Zurich have launched a new program where officers will hand out gift cards to motorists instead of citations to help drivers repair vehicle equipment violations.

The Lake Zurich Police Department partnered with Advance Auto Parts to launch the program, which is designed to increase roadway safety for local motorists in the area.

Representatives from the Advance Auto Parts Lake Zurich store, located at 740 South Rand Road, presented Lake Zurich Police Chief Steve Husak and Lake Zurich officers with $1,500 worth of gift cards in $25 increments to begin the initiative.

Officers may issue a $25 gift card to motorists instead of a citation to encourage them to safely repair vehicle headlights, taillights or other minor equipment issues, the department said.

“As we head into summer and more drivers hit the road, it’s important to keep roadway safety top of mind,” Husak said.

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“These are trying economic times. By partnering with our local Advance Auto Parts store, we can assist drivers with a means to obtain the parts needed to safely operate their vehicles,” Husak added.

Motorists receiving a gift card may use the card at any Advance Auto Parts location, including the Lake Zurich store.

The Lake Zurich Police Department is the first agency in Lake County and the second in Illinois to take part in the initiative.