# Ticketed for flashing headlights... (video) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 30, 2009, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticketed-for-flashing-headlights-video/523055 "2009-12-30T16:30:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![erkme73](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@erkme73](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erkme73)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2009, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticketed-for-flashing-headlights-video/523055/1 "2009-12-30T16:30:50Z")
I amended this on a two-year old thread - a long thread. So I’ll cross-post a copy here and warn others not to post on the original thread. Sorry for the confusion… * * * I’m hoping those that contributed to this thread are still subscribed in some form. I can assure you Florida Highway Patrol has an active policy to cite drivers who warn others of police radar. I just go popped earlier this month. The officer did not know that I had the entire incident recorded (video and audio). A link to the stop is here: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Ed7xiZeWrYk/hqdefault.jpg "Cop issues ticket for warning others of speed trap") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed7xiZeWrYk) For those that think officers don’t have the time or motivation to go after petty ‘crimes’ like this, let me remind you - the two FHP cruisers in this stop did over 102 MPH to catch me within 1 minute of me turning my headlights on and off. There are many pro-law websites where LEO really talks nasty about the practice “I’d have them arrested for obstruction. The charge won’t stick, but they’ll get a free ride”… or “it’s a gift that keeps on giving” referencing the insurance rate increase. They take it very personally - that it’s disrespectful. They then have a score to settle. One even states with pride “I’ve let speeders go to get the punk that’s warning people”… fellow posts agree. That being said, in my video, I 'm accused of IMPROPER USE OF HIGH-BEAMS. The trooper refused to listen to my explanation (bogus or not), and insisted I used my brights. When I tried to show the difference in intensity between off/on and on/brights, he got even more offended. The points all of you have made regarding speech issues, I think, are the most legitimate. The statute with which I was cited 316.2397.7 forbids the use of ‘flashing lights’ on normal vehicles. Just as in the Kirtland Hills case cited above, the term “flashing lights” refers to a type of light - not the act of “flashing one’s lights”. The trooper is trying to prevent others from communicating. That’s a no-no. Court date has not been assigned yet. I have submitted this to the ACLU under free speech infringement - though I’ve heard nothing back. Also, you may notice that when I asked the Trooper “What is illegal with warning other motorists” he did not answer the question. Quick answer: It isn’t. Like to hear comments. Thanks… ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2009, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticketed-for-flashing-headlights-video/523055/2 "2009-12-30T17:05:50Z")
I’m not seeing a specific question here, and in any case this looks like a request for advice on a specific, active, legal case. Since this is not suitable for GQ, I am closing it. It may be possible to reframe the question as a debate in GD. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2009, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticketed-for-flashing-headlights-video/523055/3 "2009-12-30T17:33:43Z")
PS. I see you have just cut and pasted the OP to start a GD thread. When I said “reframe,” I meant it might be possible to discuss the free speech issues, but that no reference should be made to the specific legal case. In any case, before starting a new thread on this topic, you should run it by the GD moderators before posting. Colibri General Questions Moderator