Warning Drivers Of Speed Traps With Flashing Headlights Is Free Speech

Having personally seen a cop pull someone over for flashing headlights, I know this will affect where I live.

 

I always flash my lights.

What does a better job of getting people to slow down:

One unlucky person getting pulled over after they've already been caught speeding and extorted out of lots of money?

or

a bunch of people slowing down as to not getting a ticket?


The law in VA says use must dim (or use low beams) in certain situations, or when they have to be lit (sunset to sunrise, during continuous wiper operation), but there's nothing in the code that specifically says you can't use them to quickly flash in order to communicate danger/warnings.

You actually can't get pulled over for not lighting your headlights in VA during continuous wiper use, but if you get pulled over for something else, they can write you a citation for it. There's no demerit points for the citation, but it's a way for them to make money.


A good number of states have already ruled that flashing of headlights is 1st amendment protected speech.