The judge says not allowing drivers to flash their lights in warning violates First Amendment rights.

US District Judge Henry Autrey in St. Louis wrote, "Detaining, ticketing, or arresting someone for the content of their speech is illegal."

The suit came after Michael Elli was given a ticket in Ellisville, Missouri when he flashed his lights to warn drivers about police ahead.

The charges were dropped but that didn’t stop the ACLU from filing a lawsuit over the incident.

A law professor told the St. Louis Times-Dispatch "this has sweeping implications for the First Amendment. What this citizen is doing is warning other citizens about the violation of law."

A similar suit is taking place in Texas after a man was cited for standing in a median with a sign warning drivers of a speed trap.

More here.

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller