SOUTHMAYD, TX - The feeling you get when you notice the red and blue flashing lights pulling up in your rear view mirror can almost make you sick. But on the roads of Southmayd they're pulling motorists over for doing the right thing, and they drive away with a little something extra.

This holiday season Southmayd Police Chief Henry Gudenau and his other officers are handing out checks for $20 to drivers who obey traffic laws on the streets of their small town.

"It's a riot, it is, and it’s neat. I'm a big Christmas person and at Christmas time at this season it's neat to be able to give to the public,” said Gudenau.

It's not just an unexpected Christmas gift, Gudenau wants to reward people passing through for following the rules of the road and give a wake-up call to those who don’t. He said often times good drivers are ignored, and this is his way of giving them a pat on the back.

"It's getting the attention of all the drivers good and bad to maybe drive a little better while they're going through Southmayd," explained Gudenau.

He observes drivers as he normally would, follows them for a while to make sure they don’t break any laws. And then switches on the lights to pull the unsuspecting driver over.

And for most drivers the fear of getting a ticket is quickly replaced with pleasant surprise.

"I thought it was a joke at first but police usually don't joke around, so I thought this is great, slow economic times and I'm getting money from the police, it's quite a surprise," said Tommy Neal of Pottsboro. He passed the test Thursday afternoon while driving down Highway 289.

The city provides the money for the checks and City Council members sign off on them. So far Gudenau and his police team have 15 checks to hand out to deserving drivers. But he said more might be on the way.

Gudenau said his flashing lights are getting the job done by making everyone on the roads more aware.

"Driving around today I'm noticing people are watching their speed and driving a little better and that's great because they may get stopped and get a $20 check," said Gudenau.