A federal judge in Missouri ruled this week held that drivers have a First Amendment right to flash their headlights to warn other motorists of nearby police and speed traps.
The order by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey in St. Louis on Monday stems from a lawsuit filed by Ellisville resident Michael Elli. In 2012, Elli flashed his headlights to warn oncoming vehicles of a radar set up by police in the town of Ellisville.
A flash of headlights is a common way motorists communicate to oncoming drivers of either a dangerous situation or the presence of police — in essence, a warning to slow down.
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10 comments:
I thought the objective of speed enforcement was to ensure drivers stay within the posted speed limit (or 10-12 MPH over as it's enforced). Light flashing and signs warning of speed enforcement efforts, like radar detectors, promote that effort. To say it's illegal is kind of like the speed camera justification of saving lives when none have been lost, just a coverup of law enforcement machismo.
It cuts down on their revenue stream!
The system doesn't like it when you get in the way of revenue. It's like how throwing a coin in the parking meter is illegal in many places. If the municipality is getting money for the space as requested, why should it matter who pays for it?
guy is lucky he didn't get tazed!
PoPo ain't gonna like this! Who wants to be the first to test it?
ive said this all along. the flashing of lights actually HELPS police by asking other drivers to slow down.
so IF the actual premise behind their "traps" are to encourage people to slow down, then mission accomplished.
if it isnt to encourage people to slow down, then you have a court case about police losing money.
hmmmm.
As a SWORN HARASSING PO-P0 I will have to get some counseling from ERIC HOLDER on how else I can make your life miserable as you try to get to work...
People that drive the speed limit have no worries!
What gives anyone the right to post an arbitrary number along a road in a free country. Just another control factor towards tyranny.
I wouldn't dare warn anyone & spoil the fun.
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