Judges afford First Amendment protection to flashing lights warning of speed traps

A federal judge in Oregon was the most recent judge to rule that flashing your lights on a freeway to warn other motorists of a speed trap was protected speech under the First Amendment. The traffic court judge held that the sheriff’s deputy had acted improperly in arresting the driver for “expressive conduct” protected under the First Amendment. (Portland Press Herald, April 11, 2014, by Jeff Barnard, The Associated Press)

A federal judge in Missouri came to the same conclusion ruling that police in Ellisville from enforcing an ordinance forbidding flashing lights to signal other drivers. (reason.com, April 9, 2014, by J.D. Tuccile)