N.J. measure would protect drivers who flash lights as speed-trap warning

A New Jersey lawmaker says motorists should not be ticketed for flashing their headlights to warn other drivers about police speed traps.

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer, R-Ocean, would clarify that headlight flashing is a permissible way of helping to improve road safety.

“It’s universally accepted, and it’s a long-held tradition. You flash your headlights, you immediately and instinctively slow down, caution,” he said. “There could be radar, a speed trap up ahead, there could be a hazardous road condition.”

A 1999 Appellate Court ruling determined that a driver who flashed his lights to warn other motorists about police using radar was protected under the First Amendment as free expression, he said.

While he does not have data on how many tickets are being issued, Dancer said they are being given out. Drivers would be reassured, he said, if his bill becomes law.