Sheriff’s Office begins car care program

The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office has launched a new program to help drivers with minor equipment violations.

Operating a vehicle without properly functioning headlights and taillights is a ticket-worthy offense, and creates a public safety concern. However, the sheriff's office plans to begin handing drivers vouchers for discounts to local car parts stores and repair shops to resolve those issues, rather than immediately writing out a ticket.

"We understand that driver's sometimes have to defer maintenance on their vehicles to pay for other necessities, such as groceries, rent, etc. UCSO's participation in the Oregon Car Care Program allows us to help our citizens and their families fix these items, which improves the safety of their vehicle, and keeps our highways safer for all."

With the vouched, drivers can get a discount to purchase, repair, or replace broken equipment at the following locations in Oregon:

• Advanced Auto Parts
• Battery Systems
• Baxter Auto Parts
• Carquest Auto Parts
• Clackamas Auto Parts
• Milex Complete Auto Care
• Mt. Angel Auto Body
• Napa Auto Parts
• White's Collision