Crime

FL Man’s Lawsuit Raises Question: Should Flashing Headlights to Spoil Speed Traps Be Illegal?

Erich Campbell of Florida wanted to help other drivers avoid a pricey speeding ticket and license points, but instead found himself pulled over, handcuffed, and given a $101 ticket.

Campbell’s crime?

He flashed his headlights to warn oncoming drivers of a nearby speed trap.

The facts of the case are not in dispute. In December 2009, a patrolman was set up on the southbound side of Route 589 near the Tampa International Airport. During the stop, which was recorded by the patrolman’s vehicle dash camera, he told Campbell that flashing his headlights was illegal and gave him a ticket that read “improper flashing of high-beams.”

Campbell didn’t know it was illegal then, and doesn’t think it should be today. In fact, some analysts say that flashing high beams isn’t illegal under current Florida law, but cops have been writing tickets anyway.

Campbell eventually got the ticket dismissed, but he recently filed a class-action lawsuit against the state over writing similar citations. Campbell estimates that about 2500 drivers were penalized with similar tickets. Most simply chose to pay their fines, but Campbell took the fight to court on principle.

This has sparked an ongoing debate over the limits of free speech and law enforcement.

For police and others who believe flashing high beams should be illegal, there are two main justifications. One, flipping on your brights distracts other drivers and could be dangerous (though less of a problem during daylight hours).

The other argument cited has to do with obstructing police in the course of their official duties. According to this line of argument, spoiling a speed trap is something akin to warning a burglar that the cops are coming.

Campbell, for one, isn’t buying either of those explanations. He says it comes down to the First Amendment’s Constitutional guarantee of the right to free speech.

Here is a video overview of Campbell’s case, courtesy of Fox News:

It would seem there is a content restriction involved in a flashing signal ban, and typically the First Amendment errs against content-based restrictions. Flashing headlights can be used to warn other drivers of dangerous road conditions, an accident ahead, or even to have other drivers turn their own headlights on.

If this line of thinking is adopted by a Florida court, it would seem forced to ban either all intentional headlight flashes or none.Should Flashing Your Lights as a Warning be Illegal?.

Florida has no law in place that makes flashing headlights illegal. But police have used a law intended to ban after-market lights in order write the high-beam switching summonses.

Many states have already had the courts decide the legality of headlight flashing in years past. New Jersey ruled in 1999 that headlight flashing was not illegal and it was improper for motorists to be stopped under that pretext. A similar judgement was reached in New York state in 1994.

On the other hand, Arizona state court decided in 2002 that flashing headlights is illegal, and North Dakota has made it against the law to flash headlights when there are oncoming cars.

A Florida judge will review Campbell’s case over the next few months.

Blaze readers, where do you stand on this?

Comments (214)

1 2 3 ... 6
  • yooperjo
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:49pm

    We sometimes flash our headlights to warn approaching drivers of deer near the road, that may be about to cross. Is that illegal?

    Report Post »  
    • Lost Highway
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:35pm

      Constitutional in Tennessee.
      http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/tennessean/access/1821248741.html?dids=1821248741:1821248741&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+4%2C+2003&author=MITCHELL+KLINE&pub=The+Tennessean&edition=&startpage=W.1&desc=Flashing+headlights+is+free+speech%2C+judge+says

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:37pm

      Do it anyway ! Dont let them d-ball you ! It;s already u cant fish in ceasers rivers or lakes !
      Cant hunt in ceasers woods, damn what happened ? We are ……………………….grow a pair !
      I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees !

      A true libertarian…………….against the Police State ! ! !

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:41pm

      At Some point we have to tell them What laws we are going to permit ! and tolerate !

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:45pm

      It’s an out right abuse of authority, and power to soak $$$$ from the public ! Thats what were Really talkin about here !

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:52pm

      Trucks communicate cops positions all the time, is that illegal as well? should truckers have an advantage that the average citizen do not have? If you see a truck in my area anywhere near the speed limit you should beware.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • Salamander
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:54pm

      I flash headlights to warn drivers of ANY hazard, deer in road, washout, tree limb, car with flat, schoolbus, truck backing into driveway, police already with stop (for THEIR safety) AND police hiding in bushes, drives, etc for speed trap—UNLESS the oncoming vehicle is indeed speeding to the point of reckless driving, driving aggressively, etc., in which case I’m happy to see the derelict driver apprehended! Generally, the police have a difficult job enforcing the law. If they are responding to a citizen’s complaint of drivers speeding on a stretch of road, or if in their good judgment traffic has crept into the danger zone, I wish them the best! But, when they are just trying to meet quotas or fill up the local J.P.’s holiday fund, I wouldn’t want the occasionally inattentive driver to be apprehended for an anomaly! Of course, my judgement IS NOT as accurate as a police officer’s, AND I wouldn’t want to spoil a dragnet (to apprehend a bank robber, or catch someone who just caused an accident or otherwise broke the law and is getting away in a motor vehicle). So, I‘m pretty restrained about ’warning’ people of a speed trap!

      Report Post »  
    • Salamander
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:58pm

      One other remark–I drive a lot, maybe 150,000 mi per year! And, I REALLY APPRECIATE the job our police officers do, INCLUDING SPEED REGULATION! It DOES SAVE LIVES! Be alert, be aware, and remember–the average driver commits at least 4 infractions a day! If you’re aware, you’ll catch yourself doing it BEFORE the police have to help you out!

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 5:08pm

      To many municipalities are using cops to balance books. I know several and they do have quotas. I don’t think safety is their primary goal although it OK as long as they get their money.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • M 4 Colt
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 5:11pm

      Yes Arizona has made this illegal too, but that‘s because the state is broke so it’s always looking for ways to make more money off of it‘s legal citizens and this is just one of the many ways it does it but remember it’s been forced to do things like this to pay for all the “free benefits” that the illegal Mexicans use in Arizona, you know like the free education for their kids, free health care for them and their anchor baby”s and lets not forget the free food stamps too, boy o boy isn’t this social justice thing just great!

      Report Post »  
    • WeDontNeedNoSteeeenkinBadges
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 6:43pm

      QUESTION: Should Flashing Headlights to Spoil Speed Traps Be Illegal?

      ANSWER: Fire the standing army (“police”) and keep the U.S. Constitution intact.

      (This common sense moment brought to you by Mexican bandito
      WeDontNeedNoSteeeenkinBadges.)

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoSteeeenkinBadges  
    • darkrage000
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 6:59pm

      In the end, this is all about POWER and CONTROL.
      The police are there, not to punish or make their quotas, they are there to SERVE and PROTECT.
      They pull a speeding driver over because the Law has deemed the action unsafe. So the law is there for Public Safety. If a driver flashes his headlights and causes speeding drivers to slow down (thus entering a safer state of driving) then the Police should be grateful that 1) The roads are safer (which is what they are supposed to be there for, right?) and that 2) We can ‘police’ ourselves and create safety WITHOUT someone wanting to dig into our pocketbooks.

      Report Post »  
    • wordweaver
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:05pm

      This was my reaction as well. To be honest, I have blinked at oncoming drivers to warn them of speed traps – especially in residential areas and school zones, not on highways. But I have just as often blinked at drivers to warn them of safety hazards they are approaching. That is why ticketing a driver for this is indefensible. I can’t see a court upholding such a fine.

      Report Post » wordweaver  
    • NickyLouse
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:57pm

      “spoiling a speed trap is something akin to warning a burglar that the cops are coming”

      If you’re a Christian, ask yourself if following the speed limit law goes against God’s commands (and be honest). Then read Romans 13:1-7 and Titus 3:1

      If you’re not a Christian, why not?

      Report Post » NickyLouse  
    • Ford
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 10:24pm

      My husband is a cop, and his stance is that if someone stops speeding, then it’s a good thing. You’re doing the police a service and keeping them from extra paperwork :) And the thing about “quotas” is myth.

      Report Post » Ford  
    • stopspendingourmoney
      Posted on October 14, 2011 at 12:28am

      This is why I am a libertarian. I Cant believe with all the problems we have in this country right now this is even an issue, people are getting way to carried away with laws and regulations, we are already regulating our self’s to death, now they want to make more things illegal where does that madness stop? I thought we lived in a free country, I guess I thought wrong.
      Ron Paul 2012 make America free again

      Report Post »  
    • CottonMPG
      Posted on October 14, 2011 at 1:08am

      Why would it be illegal to warn drivers to slow down? Isn’t the point of speed limits and speeding tickets to enforce a “safe” speed to avoid accidents? If that is the reason and flashing your lights accomplishing the same thing.

      Report Post » CottonMPG  
    • Hefsmaster
      Posted on October 14, 2011 at 11:36am

      I thought of a system years ago to make radar detectors more like mobile phones with GPS maps on them. When you see the cops, you push a button manually that sends the signal out to others under the same system. It would be a sign up service to get this.
      That’s right, there were over a hundred of the same ideas in the us patent computer system. Also by all the leading radar manufacturers. Now why don’t we have this service that would become extremely popular… Because it goes against their revenue stream,
      Cops do not prevent crimes. They are statistic recorders, nothing more. Next time a crime is committed, observe and note the role of the cop in attendance.

      Report Post » Hefsmaster  
    • Navy Dave
      Posted on October 14, 2011 at 4:13pm

      One would think that stopping speeders would be a greater good in the public interest. Of course, I hate to see caps soaking the general public driving back and forth to work rather than doing real police work and offering real protection.

      Report Post » Navy Dave  
  • InterestingStuff
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:15pm

    Are there still laws in America? Is everyone who works for the government above the law? You decide
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_CTNSAc_IU

    Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:52pm

      This is a violation of our Constitution. Our Freedom of Speech would include our communication to others.

       
    • B_rad
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:54pm

      You are not supposed to flash your brights unless you are telling another driver to turn their’s off. When warning other drivers of whatever, you are supposed to turn your lights off then on when it’s dark, on then off when it’s light. And NO, it should not be illegal to warn oncoming drivers of a speed trap. There are a thousand other things the cops should be doing besides sitting on the side of the road waiting for a speeder so they can generate revenue. Go find people breaking real laws. And no, I’m not saying people should ignore speed limits, but catch them as you are driving the other way while you are watching for other infractions like failure to signal or tailgating or cutting people off.

      Report Post » B_rad  
    • bilorites
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:11pm

      I would think that the intent of the flashing was to help others avoid/evade speed traps would have to be proven…. otherwise…. warning about road hazards, saying “hi”…. at nite… if the oncoming cars didnt lower his “hi beams”it can be a reminder to do so….
      alot of gray area…. but the cops seem to be pushing the envelope more and more… can anyone say “Police State” ?

      Report Post »  
  • DeepInTheHeartofTexas
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:14pm

    I am a cop and completely disagree with any law against flashing your lights during daylight hours. A case could made for safety during night. It is simple communication and protected speech. This is nothing more than some officers’ sour grapes who feel cheated in their “gotcha” game and have lost sight of the larger picture: public safety. Most people slow down when they see a squad on the shoulder. It’s like a wake-up call or reminder to check your speed. While you are writing that one ticket, many more cars see that and slow down as they are reminded. It’s really the same difference if a citizen flashes his lights and everyone slows down because of that. The way I see it, the officer‘s larger objective is still reached even his stats on paper don’t reflect it.

    Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:45pm

      Yes but that is not the objective anymore. Public safety “who the hell cares about public safety” said Officer Jones. Police nowadays are more interested in creating a revenue stream by praying on people going to and from their jobs. It is quite obvious that they don‘t give a rat’s ass about the public. We are seen as “the enemy” by most cops. They want the money for their pensions and they go after working Joe and Jane to get it. This crap flat out is against the 1st Amendment.

      Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:52pm

      Take Hazelwood, Missouri for instance. It is ALL about the money. They have red light cameras EVERYWHERE. You can’t even drive down the street without the xenon camera lights flashing at you before you have even done anything wrong. They have shortened the yellow light so much that people are slamming on the brakes causing rear-end collisions in order to avoid a ticket. They especially prey on the Boeing employees. They look at them like they are a cash cow. So , “Public Safety?” Yeah, riiiiggghhhtt…….

      Report Post »  
    • UlyssesP
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:53pm

      Thanks, but you need to tell about and EXPOSE your “Union brothers” or it is just lip service, Officer.

      Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • Jackie Rogers, Jr.
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:56pm

      @ DeepInTheHeartofTexas
      I agree with what you say . the larger objective is to keep traffic within a safe speed zone. At the same time I agree with Mil-Dot in a sense. Some traffic officers view speed enforcement as a bagging contest. Why? Who knows.
      By the way, in my day a speed trap had a very specific meaning. Usually where a speed zone dropped rapidly within a municipality so that a “city judge” could levy a hefty fine against an offending motorist.

      Report Post » Jackie Rogers, Jr.  
    • jado1981
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:56pm

      As Mil-dot has said, it comes down to revenue raising.
      Same thing as the seat-belt law. Sure it saves lives, but so does cutting out butter and salt, and fats, and sugar, and corn-syrup, and …etc… Why don’t they make that illegal too? It saves lives, remember? I always wear my seat-belt, but I would do it, whether mandatory or not.
      I’m never for more laws, and I am more for personal responsibility, so I see the seatbelt thing as an extra way to make some easy money.
      I flash lights when I see a cop hiding on the side of the road, hey, it slows down other drivers who are unsuspecting, which is the same thing that happens when they see the cop anyway. It seems to just be a steady revenue stream for them. Sure it saves lives, but don’t do it under that guise.

      Report Post »  
    • NickyLouse
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 9:39pm

      Respectfully Sir, people don’t slow down because they are reminded of the law. They slow down because they do not want to be punished for what they know is wrong.

      Report Post » NickyLouse  
  • FanoftheFounders
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:14pm

    From a cop’s prospective: Speed traps are not permitted in my department. That said when you look at the point behind them you find public safety at the heart of it. Speeding kills, no doubt about it. We don’t have ticket quotas, we operate under a percentage. When the number of fatal or major injury collisions increases in an area, tickets for moving violations should increase. Studies done show this technique is amazingly effective. When people know cops are monitoring unsafe driving they slow down. When you warn others they slow down for that short period but they are imboldened because they got away with it. They will continue to speed and in some cases drive with further disregard the next time. We all hate tickets but they make us realize there are consequences for our actions. We become more aware of our driving and others around us. Nobody likes going to a funeral of a friend or family member who was killed because someone was late or wanted to get somewhere thirty seconds faster. Driving is a privilege not a right so slow down and you won’t get a ticket.

    Report Post » FanoftheFounders  
    • Bill in Texas
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:34pm

      No quotas? Maybe not in your department. lol Got to raise the revenues somehow. Taxes won’t pay for all your fancy gadgets. lol
      I’m just kidding about the quotas. I wouldn’t know one way or the other.

      Any way thanks for serving your community.

      Report Post »  
    • Vietvet1
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:00pm

      As the Father of a State Trooper…in MY opinion… flashing of the lights can mean a plethora of things … kinda like a wave can be..meaning HI, or Come here or ackowledging your presence. “We don’t have ticket quotas.” is a statement I found interesting. Here is my take on it… Every year Police Dept. file a Budget. Most that I read is “Projected funds from fines and fees”. They take the previous years input and apply it in a projected form when asking for the next year’s funding. Kinda a back door use of..OMG..a QUOTA (Projected of course.) So..in my mind… don‘t pee on my leg and say it’s raining.

      If the flashing of the lights meaning a “Cop in the area” slows traffic… then safety has been the issue. Is this any worse than truckers on CBs letting others know of a “Smokey at East Bound 30 Mile marker route- – -”??? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot folks??? Lets get to the real reason… $$$$$$$$$$

      Report Post »  
    • loadingmyclips
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:45pm

      Driving is a PRIVLEDGE!?!?! I guess you don’ realize JUST HOW MUCH it costs to drive, road tax fuel tax, sales tax, tax tax. THAT is the priviledge!! NOT A RIGHT! WE pay for the roads with our hard earned tax dollars!. WE PAY YOUR SALARY with our tax dollars .WE BUY YOUR CRUISER AND FUEL with our hard earned tax dollars. YOU got it backward bud!

      Report Post » loadingmyclips  
    • Rob in Katy
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 5:44pm

      Houston PD doesn’t have quotas either… but you have to write a certain number of tickets or have that little talk with your Sargent. They also are not tracking how many black vs whites that are pulled over, but they have a form that they fill out after each interaction… Sounds a lot like, “I did not have sex with that woman…”

      Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 7:36pm

      Stopped a guy once that asked if I had a quota. I told him it took 5 tickets to make my sergeant happy. The violator asked if he was #5. I said “NO. Your #6. Now I’m happy.” The reason for speed traps is because police don’t know a violation when they see one, or too lazy to stop it. Following too closely, right of way and red light violations cause more deaths than a number on a radar unit. It’s an 8 hour shift and 36 years of it was plenty. The judges haven’t a clue. I saw more bodies on the roads than I saw in Nam. And this isn’t a war. It’s giving a license to anyone with $10.

      Report Post »  
    • WhatYouSay2008
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:32pm

      Dear Pig: This is not 1940′s Germany. You have absolutely no right to use entrapment. I pay your and your little buddies’ salaries with my tax dollars, not to mention the stupid little “studies” that show you where to camp. Worry about the drug dealers and actual problems of your area, and leave the taxpaying citizens who are speeding alone. You are a joke!

      Report Post »  
    • NickyLouse
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 10:07pm

      Bravo, Officer. Driver behavior is usually combined with other factors including equipment failure, road design, and poor road maintenance in accidents. Aggressive driving is the number one root for poor driver behavior.

      40,000 people die in auto accidents every year. This statistic has remained fairly constant over the years even though miles driven continues to increase. The reduction in the ratio between deaths and miles is primarily due to improved road designs and safer cars, but you can never do away with stupidity. People believe that they are better drivers than they truly are and so they get more and more aggressive.

      Aggressiveness feeds on itself. The more aggressive a driver becomes, the less tolerant they are of adverse conditions and their frustrations lead to more aggressive behavior. I speak from experience as I was a road-rager. Just as a smoker has a keener sense for smoke, I am able tp relate to what makes people drive aggressively. Most don’t even think they are aggressive.

      Our lives are but a mist and the greatest of our worries are literally nothing compared to eternity. Anything divided by infinity equals zero.

      Report Post » NickyLouse  
  • manray favjet
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:14pm

    When I was young and dumb I used to do the same thing. Now that I am older and wiser I want speeders and law breakers to be caught. I for one don’t want to be on the road with speeders, drunks, illegals, or uninsured motorists. I sure as hell am not going to warn them.

    Report Post »  
    • Brainmuffin
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:36pm

      Have to agree with you there. If someone is dumb enough to go 50 in a 35, I want their butt caught.

      Report Post »  
    • WhatYouSay2008
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:35pm

      Do you understand the kind of power – and abuse thereof- you are supporting with your ignorance?

      Report Post »  
  • jb.kibs
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:13pm

    speed traps are illegal. so no. entrapment is illegal in most states.

    turn on your hazards for a second..
    stop on the side of the road and wave ppl down…
    stop and park next to the policeman with your lights on… if they are allowed to stop there, so are you. they are citizens who follow the exact same laws and regulations, they put their pants on 1 leg at a time…
    It is our right and duty to stop usurpations. to watch over us in the streets is to crush liberty. we will call you if we need help. THAT is how it is meant to be. LOOKING for trouble… seriously… what do you say about people who “look for trouble”.. “oh, he’s just looking for trouble”… well, that is EXACTLY what the police are doing.

    have you ever thought about this?
    in gun safety, which the police HAVE to take, one of the first rules is, do NOT EVER draw a gun on something unless you PLAN ON shooting it. police pull their guns out constantly… even if their “suspect” is unarmed. by LAW, by RIGHTS OF MAN, the “suspect” should pull out a gun and shoot them dead based on self defense. they pulled a gun = they PLANNED ON shooting you. planning on shooting me = threat against my life = EVERY RIGHT TO DEFEND MY LIFE.

    the next time a policeman pulls a gun, ask them this. “Do you plan on shooting me?” if they say yes, draw and put one between their eyes.

    Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:18pm

      Speed traps are bit actually entrapment, because the actions of the police do not cause or encourage people to break the law. However, if they really have nothing better to do than this, we should just get rid of a few of them. Having fewer cops will save more money than giving out speeding tickets.

      Oh, and needless to say, do not follow J.B. Kibs insanely advice of trying to draw a gun on a cop who already has his in his hands, Who do you think you are, the Lone Ranger?

      Report Post »  
    • bilorites
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:26pm

      Good point…. try getting away with it though…. I agree… all my gun handling training has been proper control and handling of a weapon… and to never pull a gun unless you intend to shoot..
      also…. cops dont very often abide by the speed limits themselves….they are always wizzing by and very seldom do they have their emergency lights on…. just saying

      Report Post »  
    • freethinking
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 5:14pm

      You can’t out draw a drawn weapon. We have enough shot cops now!

      Report Post »  
    • freethinking
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 5:31pm

      By the way, I too have been pulled over in the same state for the same thing. After 45 minutes and getting yelled at, sobriety tests, got tickets for illegal lane change, (bogus) open container (old beer can in bed of the truck). Still they’re trying to do a job I would never consider. However It’s no excuse to abuse their position which I consider this to be.

      Report Post »  
  • tvonmac
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:13pm

    Then the cops are breaking their own law by lighting up to pull someone over. Such hypocrites!

    Report Post »  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:13pm

    Do what now?

    Speed traps should be illegal.
    Flashing lights should be mandatory.

    Report Post » THX-1138  
  • lukerw
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:13pm

    Now, we have PC Police!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Annie Fields
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:13pm

    It’s been illegal here in MA for as long as I can remember… but we all do it anyway!

    http://www.anniefields.com/blog

    Report Post » Annie Fields  
  • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:10pm

    But wait, that’s the “thin blue line” that keeps us all safe. They have to be right on this issue. /sarc

    Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
  • Sig Sauer Guy
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:09pm

    Erich did something that most all of us do when we see a speed trap. What a Patriot for standing up for his freedom of speech and not letting the cops push him around!

    Report Post » Sig Sauer Guy  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:14pm

      i flash when i see policeman trying to ENTRAP the public. they are just “looking for trouble”. that is ALL there is too it.

      Report Post »  
  • txwheels
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:08pm

    The real reason cops don‘t want headlights flashed is because they’re in the dark and it hurts their eyes. And I don’t mean night time dark…

    Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:06pm

    No. I would want someone to flash me if I were heading into a herd of animals as well as a speed trap. This discussion is stoopid.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • hi
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:06pm

    I once flashed an unmarked police car! He spun around and came after me. I had a heart attack. But, then he turned back around after a minute.

    Of course it’s free speech or maybe I just do it randomly to slow people down. JK

    Report Post » hi  
    • loadingmyclips
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:57pm

      I did too!, but when he saw the incision in my skull and staples holding to closed,he became frightened and let me go!

      Report Post » loadingmyclips  
  • American Pride
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:06pm

    http://bcove.me/kl502qyh

    http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/tennessean/access/1821248741.html?dids=1821248741:1821248741&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+4%2C+2003&author=MITCHELL+KLINE&pub=The+Tennessean&edition=&startpage=W.1&desc=Flashing+headlights+is+free+speech%2C+judge+says

    Report Post » American Pride  
  • eleemosynary
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:05pm

    It is nice to hear that we are still looking out for each other. In Oregon I rarely see anyone flash there lights to warn of speed traps. Of course we also don’t fund our state police/highway patrol so there are not many out there to begin with.

    Report Post »  
  • wileyone
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:04pm

    When I was a police officer I stopped folks that were speeding and found they had warrants for their arrest. Sometimes it was a person that had no driving privledges, or even drunk. What would happen if that person had gotten tipped off that I was there, slowed down past me and then sped up to eventually kill somebody while they were exceeding the speed limits??? Think about who you might be warning next time you flash those lights. And yes if you get caught you should get the ticket.

    Report Post »  
    • American Pride
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:10pm

      Dead wrong.

      Report Post » American Pride  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:06pm

      Well heck, let’s just arrest everyone then and run them through the computer. They may be guilty of something and if not, they will be someday. Give me a break.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • THX-1138
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:44pm

      First, thank you for your service as a Police Officer.
      Second, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

      With all due respect…

      Report Post » THX-1138  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:53pm

      Warning other drivers of law enforcement enforcing the speed laws is interfering with said enforcement.

      If mine get killed by a drunk or a speeder, criminal law may not be enough. It just might come down to a blood feud.

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:05pm

      Wow dude, you should totally be out advocating for every single person to be routinely searched at least once a week! Think of who you might be missing if you don’t advocate for that!

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • evilhatemonger
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:18pm

      I was totally unaware of the great benefit of speed traps. Seriously, John Law napping on the side of the road waiting for the Radar to beep barely qualifies as law enforcement. Hall monitor maybe. How about the police actually get out and actually DRIVE in traffic and pull over the people yapping on their phones, texting and driving like self centered D-Bags. Oh wait, never mind, that would require effort. Some guy cruising at 62 in a 55 on the highway isn’t the real problem. He’s an easy target, though. My father was a LEO. He hated Radar because he thought it made police lazy. Time hasn’t proven him wrong so far.

      Report Post » evilhatemonger  
    • Yankee Clipper
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 5:01pm

      BS answer, the percentage of those whom have a warrent or are drunk you say you occassionally stop is very small as to be almost insignificant. Find a better way to justify your position. I flash my lights to ask people to move over, to tell trucks they can pull over in front of me, and to warn others of speed traps. Don;t like it tough ****!

      Report Post »  
    • rlimike
      Posted on October 14, 2011 at 6:33am

      B.S. …..comrade;your papers please ….. next they will be going door to door (just checking) to see if anyone has torn the tag from their mattress or pillows and making sure no one is improperly disposing a compact florescent light bulb, because people just break laws. You never know they might have a outstanding warrant for their arrest (just checking) no harm in that is there?

      Report Post » rlimike  
  • tnturner
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:00pm

    So are speed traps about deterring speeding or simply a revenue stream for the cops. It seems like a revenue stream so they actually do want people to speed. Huh.

    Report Post » tnturner  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:59pm

    Here’s a novel idea. OBEY THE SPEED LAWS! I say let the cops bust the speeders. You play, you pay.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:08pm

      HERE’S anouther shut up stop helping the commie police state !
      I’ll flash my lights when and where I wish And WILL NEVER PAY A FINE FOR IT ! EVER !

      Report Post »  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:09pm

      I feel no pity for drivers that die or are mangled in a solo crash as a result of speeding. That is their choice, and they must face the consequences. I do have a problem with those that put others in harms way because of speeding. That’s why we have speed laws, to protect each other. Therefore, I will not flash my lights to warn others. They can pay the price.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • Plutos_Pal
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:17pm

      Excellent. Don‘t break the law and you won’t need to worry about getting pulled over. I’ve been driving for darn near 40 years and never once have I been pulled over randomly. Every single time it was because I had done something I shouldn’t have.

      The idea that a cop sitting on the side of the road looking for speeders constitutes a “police state” is ludicrous.

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 4:31pm

      I’m talkin about locall governments looking to raise $$ which is what their doing !
      If some A$$ is doing 25-45 over arrest them >>>
      Their are way more speed limets being inforced by responsable drivers than any cops ! !
      And if you think your not living in a police state your either to young to remember real freedom or clueless ! ! we have a USSR-CHINA LIKE SYSTEM now ! !
      aND THEN PEOPLE COME ON HERE AND SAY i’M NOT BREAKING ANY LAWS SO I dont care ! !
      Well I suggest you break a few or They’ll pass more and more untill they GOTTCHA ! ! now give $$$

      Report Post »  
  • PunditPawn
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:54pm

    Just integrate twitter into garmin, then people can tweet when cops are around… kind of how thugs use their cellphones today.

    Report Post »  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:54pm

    “he other argument cited has to do with obstructing police in the course of their official duties. According to this line of argument, spoiling a speed trap is something akin to warning a burglar that the cops are coming.”

    Horrible analogy. The correct on is putting up a sign at a parking lot (as is done all around the country) stating that police actively patrol that area. It is saying “Don’t speed, stupid”.

    Report Post »  
  • Cerealface
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:53pm

    If flashing lights distract OTHER drivers.

    Stop pulling people over with FLASHING LIGHTS.

    Report Post » Cerealface  
    • isur5ed
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:05pm

      spot on.

      Report Post » isur5ed  
    • tjwdel
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 11:10pm

      Amen, brother. You’ve gotta be f&&&ing kidding me to say that it would be illegal to warn some other folks about a speed trap. That is big brother at work at its finest. Ridiculous and pathetic.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:52pm

    I do the same thing, don’t use your high beams just flash your lights on and off.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • CatB
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:57pm

      I use it all the time .. especially to let truckers know that I will let them move over into the lane in front of me .. unless they make a CLEAR law against this then I see no reason why it is illegal.

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on October 13, 2011 at 2:09pm

      Me too. You’d also be surprised at how many people drive without lights on a foggy or rainy day. I try to remind them, but they are clueless anyway. They don‘t seem to think that it’s because I cannot see them, not they they can see.
      It’s a law, here in Ohio, to have your lights on when you are using your wipers. $150 fine.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:51pm

    when we cannot flash our lights, it is a denial of our FREEDOM OF SPEECH, the lights are our way of saying SLOW IT DOWN, COPS AND A HUGE SPEEDING TICKET LAY IN WAIT AHEAD

    Report Post » BurntHills  
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