In recent years, law enforcement began seizing people for flashing bright lights accusing people of supposedly warning drivers about the presence of police or troopers on the road ahead. The question was whether a driver could flash lights at another driver.
A new traffic law went into effect on January 1, 2013 that essentially says that drivers may now flash their lights to communicate to other drivers. You may have seen this while driving down the interstate the flashing is used to warn other drivers headed the opposite direction of law enforcement ahead. Of course, it is also used as a means of communication to let you know that the driver doing the flashing wants to pass, or that the driver ahead may move, or an acknowledgement of another driver, or it is done by accident.
Of course, law enforcement will always take the dimmest view of the intent behind the flashing of the bright lights. This law was actually needed because law enforcement was citing people for interfering with a legal duty which is a crime. The counter argument being that First Amendment rights should protect you from saying “hey watch out, there is an officer up there”. Now, it is codified in the Statue, so flash away if you are so inclined.
Many times a traffic stop will lead to a drug possession case or worse. Therefore, these stops like all others could lead to more sever consequences. If you or a loved one has a criminal case from a stop for flashing bright lights or otherwise needs help with any traffic ticket or criminal case, then click, call or fill out the form today.
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