General Discussion

cbdo2007

(9,213 posts) Thu Apr 18, 2013, 01:58 PM Apr 2013

Headlight flashing prosecution prompts lawsuit

Headlight flashing prosecution prompts lawsuit
Michael Eli cited for using headlights to warn drivers of speed trap
Published 7:32 AM CDT Apr 18, 2013

ST. LOUIS —A new lawsuit accuses police in the St. Louis County town of Ellisville of violating the rights of drivers by prosecuting those who flash headlights to warn other drivers of police presence and speed traps.

The American Civil Liberties Union said the lawsuit was filed Tuesday on behalf of Michael Elli.

In November, Elli flashed his headlights at oncoming traffic and was pulled over by an Ellisville officer. Elli was cited for flashing lights to warn of radar ahead. The charge was eventually dismissed.

The ACLU said the prosecution violates the driver's First Amendment right to free speech.

http://www.kmbc.com/news/kansas-city/Headlight-flashing-prosecution-prompts-lawsuit/-/11664182/19797932/-/87nk8m/-/index.html

9 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Headlight flashing prosecution prompts lawsuit (Original Post) cbdo2007 Apr 2013 OP

there was a similar case a few years ago in PA BillStein Apr 2013 #1

these flashing head lights lawsuits pop up from time to time and as always... Javaman Apr 2013 #2

Because the vast majority of the time, the citizen can't afford to sue. jeff47 Apr 2013 #3

Where do the uniformed police have a right to privacy? They're public servants. Nuclear Unicorn Apr 2013 #4

Indeed, I flash for deer here, too. longship Apr 2013 #5

Maybe the deer assume the "crossing" sign gives them right-of-way. Demoiselle Apr 2013 #9

If the flashing "signal" gets people to slow down, what's the problem? nt. Demoiselle Apr 2013 #6

Because it's not about safety, it's about the money from the tickets. n/t hughee99 Apr 2013 #7

Oh. Good point. (nt) Demoiselle Apr 2013 #8

BillStein

(758 posts)

1. there was a similar case a few years ago in PA

Reply to cbdo2007 (Original post)

Thu Apr 18, 2013, 02:03 PM

Apr 2013

People were given tickets for obstructing police. The State Supreme Court eventually ruled for the motorists, but I forget the rationale

Javaman

(62,510 posts)

2. these flashing head lights lawsuits pop up from time to time and as always...

Reply to cbdo2007 (Original post)

Thu Apr 18, 2013, 03:07 PM

Apr 2013

the police lose and the citizen wins.

I honestly don't know why the cops even bother?

jeff47

(26,549 posts)

3. Because the vast majority of the time, the citizen can't afford to sue.

Reply to Javaman (Reply #2)

Thu Apr 18, 2013, 03:45 PM

Apr 2013

It's only after a whole lot of people get tickets that one citizen sues and wins.

Nuclear Unicorn

(19,497 posts)

4. Where do the uniformed police have a right to privacy? They're public servants.

Reply to cbdo2007 (Original post)

Thu Apr 18, 2013, 03:49 PM

Apr 2013

I can see in a case where an undercover officer would be in danger if their identity were revealed but uniformed cops where uniforms for a reason -- to be easily identified.

Also, people around here flash their lights for deer ahead. Heaven forefend a cop be nearby.

longship

(40,416 posts)

5. Indeed, I flash for deer here, too.

Reply to Nuclear Unicorn (Reply #4)

Thu Apr 18, 2013, 04:09 PM

Apr 2013

And where I live there are many more deer than humans. People hit deer on the roads here all the time. Everybody who lives here has had it happen multiple times. The stupid animals run right into your path, or literally right into your vehicle. You'd think natural selection would do something about that, but apparently there's not enough intelligence there to leverage. And, yes. I am still writing about the deer.