Bill allows drivers to flash headlights, warn others of speed traps

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Flashing headlights to warn other drivers on the highway would be legal in Florida under a bill that has been sent to Gov. Rick Scott.

On its final day of the session, the Florida Legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill (HB 1223) that says drivers can flash their headlights to other motorists, even if they are doing it to warn that highway troopers or police officers are nearby.

In 2010, troopers told Local 6 News that 82 people were ticketed for warning other motorists that officers were trying to catch speeders.  But last year, a lawsuit was filed contending that law enforcement authorities were misinterpreting Florida law.

Soon after the lawsuit was filed, the Florida Highway Patrol told troopers to stop issuing tickets to drivers who use their headlights to warn other motorists.