San Francisco police have a special holiday present for errant motorists downtown.
A ticket.But, in the seasonal spirit of giving, this just isn't any traffic ticket; it's special.
Under a new program, officers are doling out red-and-green warning tickets to drivers for minor infractions. The tickets have "Season Greetings from the San Francisco Police Department" written across the top with a drawing of a little green wreath.
The tickets have a space for officers to write in the violation and its usual fine but then urges the driver to donate that same sum to "your favorite charity and turn this warning notice in with your gift."
The back of the ticket also lists the names and addresses of nine charities including the Salvation Army, the San Francisco Clothing Bank and St. Anthony's Dining Room.
Illegal left turns, illegal U-turns, illegal lane changes and minor speeding tickets are possible violations where a motorist might receive a warning. The decision about what type of ticket to issue is left up to the officer.