Tewksbury Law Breakers Score Big After Getting Pulled Over

Tewksbury drivers may have been glad to see flashing blue lights in their rear view mirrors after police handed out gift cards instead of driving citations to celebrate the holiday season.

Officer Karen Capuano gets a hug from a driver after giving the driver a gift card, along with a warning about a low-level traffic violation, in an effort to spread holiday cheer while also enforcing traffic laws.
Photo Credit: *Tewksbury Police Department*

Morgan Gonzales

12/22/2022 3:15 p.m.

Thirty five Walmart gift cards were distributed to drivers who committed low-level driving infractions, like license plate issues, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, Tewksbury Police Department announced. This is the second year Tewksbury police shared a little extra Christmas cash instead of driving citations.

“We believe that every interaction matters and that we can leave a lasting impression on people by how we treat them,” said Chief Columbus. "Although handing out gift cards for those who are stopped for minor infractions is unique, it’s a way for us to show we are human and understand that the holiday season can be stressful. “

The gift card came with a warning about correcting the reason for the police stop, and only minor driving infractions were eligible for a gift card.

Speeding tickets in Massachusetts are usually not a cause for celebration, with charges of $50 plus $10 for every mile over the speed limit, according to BankRate.

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