MESSAGE
| DATE | 2014-02-13 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
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| SUBJECT | Subject: [NYLXS - HANGOUT] The Limits of Free Speach
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http://autos.aol.com/article/warning-drivers-of-speed-traps-with-flashing-headlights-is-free/?fb_action_ids=10151897805467400&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=article&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582
Warning Drivers Of Speed Traps With Flashing Headlights Is Free Speech
A federal judge in St. Louis has set the benchmark
Posted: Feb 05, 2014
| By: AOL Autos Staff
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A federal judge in St. Louis ruled Monday that a driver flashing their
lights to warn other drivers of an impending speed trap is protected
free speech.
On November 22, 2012 Michael Elli received a ticket for flashing his
lights to warn fellow drivers of a speed trap, according to Fox 2. The
American Civil Liberties Union helped Elli fight the $1,000 ticket all
the way to federal court.
Judge Henry Autrey of St. Louis ruled a driver has the right to flash
their lights under the First Amendment. Autrey issued an injunction to
stop Ellisville Police from enforcing the policy.
"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. You
can't be ticketed for that. This is no different," Tony Rothert, an
attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, told Fox 2.
A lawyer for the police in Ellisville said the department isn't affected
by the ruling, as this kind of ticket has only been issued five or so
times in the last decade. Across the country, however, the ruling will
be considered the benchmark for such cases.
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