There's nothing worse around Christmastime than having a cop play Grinch, and leaving you with a parking ticket.
Unless you live in the city of Oshawa.
For the second year, the community is doing something cash strapped Toronto likely could never afford - allowing those slapped with one of the yellow tags to pay off their fine with toys.
The idea is help needy kids and ensure they get presents for the holidays.
But a lot depends on when you get hit. Anyone who receives a parking fine in Oshawa between December 1st and December 11th can pay it off at the city's Parking and Vehicle Enforcement Office on Dec. 10th and 11th using the unwrapped gifts.
But it can't be just anything from the dollar store. Under the "
Toys for Tickets" rules, the items have to be the same value (or more) than the fine, and you'll need your receipt to prove it. Toys suitable for newborns to those 18 years of age are acceptable.
The folks behind the idea think it's a better way of celebrating the holidays and allowing unfortunate drivers to actually feel good about paying off what they owe.
"Last year ... we received positive comments from citizens who felt good about buying a toy in lieu of payment for their parking ticket and staff felt great about helping to make a difference in the community," explains Parking Enforcement Supervisor Laura Hicks in a statement. "Our goal is to exceed last year's donation of collecting over $1,000 value of gifts."
Still, not everyone is eligible. If you parked illegally in a handicapped space you'll still be on the hook for the money. And it only applies in the city of Oshawa.
But you don't have to park illegally there to make a donation. You can give to the ultimate recipient, the Durham Regional Police Food and Toy Drive, without actually breaking the law.