Using headlights to warn of speed traps is free speech, lawmaker says

[mota bhai 2,675]

TRENTON - Is it free speech to flash your headlights to warn oncoming drivers about a speed trap?

One state lawmaker thinks so, and he wants New Jersey’s law changed to protect it.

Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-Ocean) introduced a bill (A2922) last month that would clarify that it is “permissible for the operator of a motor vehicle to flash his or her headlights in the direction of oncoming traffic to warn the operator of another motor vehicle of a traffic accident, a road hazard, or the presence of law enforcement officers enforcing the speed limit.”

“If law enforcement is using radar to combat excessive speed, a motorist who flashes the lights is having a positive impact, helping to slow the flow of traffic and improve road safety,” Dancer said in a press release. “However, if tickets are being issued for blinking the lights, frankly, that is an overly aggressive tactic to preserve the flow of easy money from speed traps.”

...

“When you come down to it, this is a free speech issue," Dancer said. "Common sense tells us a person should be able to look out for others and warn them of hidden dangers.”

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/04/using_headlights_to_warn_of_speed_traps_is_free_speech_nj_lawmaker_says.html

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Finally, I can use my secret language of blinding people with lights in peace.

Sometimes flashing lights can mean, "Hey! cops!"

Sometimes it can mean, "Hey, your brights are on!"

Sometimes it can mean, "Follow me for drugs."

Other times it can be part of a gang initiation.

Only those fluent in this language can tell the difference. Thanks, NJ!

[JohnR! 5,495]

I love NJ. It is like a quaint European country in the 70s... Have they never heard of Waze? Flashing headlights are passe!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I have never heard of Waze. Does that mean NJ is my one true home?

[mota bhai 2,675]

Waze didn't play well on my phone, had to delete it.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Free speech for free people.

[JohnR! 5,495]

I have never heard of Waze. Does that mean NJ is my one true home?

Waze is a cool app. It combines GPS, traffic conditions and crowdware; and it allows you to pick the quickest route from A to B - taking traffic into consideration - and with the input of other drivers it alerts you to hazards on the road and police along the route. It is a great friend to the lead-footed, such as your truly!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I don't have a car. I speak my language by standing on the side of the road with my trusty flashlight.

[mota bhai 2,675]

You a New Yorker? How do you get by without a car?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I ride on the wings of my dreams.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Waze didn't play well on my phone, had to delete it.

The entire phone?

[mota bhai 2,675]

Yes.

[JohnR! 5,495]

I don't have a car. I speak my language by standing on the side of the road with my trusty flashlight.

You need not a car where the streets have no names... (or at least they used not to....)

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Is this like having a horse with no name?

[Operator 1,927]

Utter nonsense. All of it.