Drivers allowed to flash headlights to warn of speed traps, judge reaffirms

Justin King leftlanenews.com A federal judge has reportedly reaffirmed First Amendment protections for drivers who flash their headlights to warn of speed traps. US District Court Judge Henry Autrey issued a preliminary injunction against the Ellisville, Missouri police department, barring officers from writing tickets over the common practice, according to a report from St. Louis' Fox 2 News. The case dates back to November 2012, when an officer with the Ellisville police department pulled over Michael Elli and issued him a ticket for flashing his headlights. A judge reportedly told the retiree he would face a $1000 fine, however the charges were quickly dropped. Frustrating with receiving his first moving violation in 35 years, Elli joined forces with the American Civil Liberties Union and filed a lawsuit against the city. "If you're at the gas station on the corner and someone says 'hey be careful over there, there's a speed trap', that's protected speech," said ACLU attorney Tony Rothert. "You can't be ticketed for that. This is no different." to read more: leftlanenews.com