Is Flashing Your Headlights Free Speech?

[HotD]

When Michael Elli of Missouri flashed his headlights to warn other drivers of an upcoming speed trap in Ellisville Mo. he didn't think he was doing anything illegal.

After he received a ticket for obstruction of justice, which carried a $1,000 fine, he fought back,.......

http://autos.aol.com/article/is-flashin ... d=webmail2

[dusterdude]

Sho is

[Reverenddel]

I do it for other drivers, I like it being done for me.

If tickets are for SAFETY, and not REVENUE, then what's the problem?

By the way? You can get public safety officials to clam up when they claim tickets are for SAFETY by saying :

"In this day, and age, they have the ability to put radio transmitters in speed limit signs, and electronic 'Governors' on motor vehicles that will only go to that limit when the signal is received. So if it's for safety, why are you spending MILLIONS on radar, traffic cameras, traffic planes/helicopters, and fast/fast/fast police cars? Why? BECAUSE IT GENERATES REVENUE THAN ELECTRONICALLY GOVERNORING VEHICLES!!"

They have never been able to confront that logic with a valid argument.

[Kreutz]

Municipalities would save more money laying off surplus cops.

[AlanM]

How about a township that ONLY continued to exist so it could run a speed trap?

Read up about New Rome, Ohio

Less than 13 acres and generated nearly $400,000 in one year in traffic fines.
Not just speeding.
See: the Car and Driver article: Town Without Pity

[AlanM]

(The forum software wouldn't let me add this to my previous post.)

Then, of course, there was Linndale, OH that had police giving out speeding tickets on the 422 yards of I71 that passed through their town even though there is no access to the interstate in the town.
see: http://blog.gasbuddy.com/posts/Ohio-Sta ... -1069.aspx
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linndale,_Ohio

[SHMIV]

I flash headlights for all kinds of reasons. In order to convict him of obstructing justice, they first must prove WHY he flashed his lights. Maybe there was a deer or a dog standing on the roadside and he wanted to warn the other drivers about the potential road hazard. Maybe he was about to make a lane change or turn off. His finger was on the lever, and that pot hole caused him to accidently flash his lights. Maybe the bumps in the road only made it appear that he was flashing his lights.

Good on him for fighting, though. Hope he wins his lawsuit. I have always believed that there should be well lit speed traps with large notification signs well in advance, that are manned by fully dressed police cars with blue lights flashing. The hiding in the shadows should be illegal.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[mamabearCali]

Of course it is, I hope he wins. I flash my head lights for all sorts of communication. To tell someone to go ahead or to communicate there is a deer in the road. It is a more polite heads up than blaring the horn.

Sadly in this day and age the govt is usurping all our rights so why not the freedom of speech too.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Kreutz]

How about a township that ONLY continued to exist so it could run a speed trap?

Read up about New Rome, Ohio

Less than 13 acres and generated nearly $400,000 in one year in traffic fines.
Not just speeding.
See: the Car and Driver article: Town Without Pity

I lived in a village like that (Tuckahoe NY), the place was the size of a postage stamp yet had 40 full time cops.

[M1A4ME]

I have always flashed my lights at oncoming traffic after passing a stopped police car, an accident, a tow truck hooking up to a car/truck on the side of the road, a spot where traffic is backing up, etc.

Anything the oncoming drivers can't see that might present a safety hazard when they round the corner on it I flash my lights at them - so they have some warning and some time to slow down and get ready.

[dusterdude]

How about a township that ONLY continued to exist so it could run a speed trap?

Read up about New Rome, Ohio

Less than 13 acres and generated nearly $400,000 in one year in traffic fines.
Not just speeding.
See: the Car and Driver article: Town Without Pity

I lived in a village like that (Tuckahoe NY), the place was the size of a postage stamp yet had 40 full time cops.

wow!!!,sounds like colonial heights

[jjord014]

Sounds to me like driving through Emporia, VA

[SHMIV]

Blah. Emporia. They send speeders to the hangin' judge down there. Mention Emporia to old school truckers, and they'll cuss a blue streak. West from Emporia, on 58, is LaCrosse. They've gotten the same way, I hear. There was only one cop when I lived there.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[dusterdude]

I dont get down that way too often