The Daily Times (TN) provides more evidence that traffic violations are more about revenue than safety. Seventy-five year old Harlie Walker, from Nashville, was ticketed for "interfering with the duties of a police officer" when he flashed his lights at oncoming traffic. The officer observed his behavior and pulled him over for messing up his speed trap.

Walker went to city court and admitted he flashed his lights, but pleaded not guilty to interfering with the officer. He was found in violation of the ordinance and fined $10, plus $65 in court costs.

Interesting that the court costs are 6 1/2 times the amount of the fine. Walker made the valid point that his flashing his lights would actually cause people to slow down, and thus reduce crime. But as most people know, traffic cops don't want a reduction in crime because that means they miss their quota. Likewise, traffic court judges don't want a reduction in crime because that is a reduction in revenue.

You could probably also argue free speech rights, but that would be a stretch. Still, it is very telling that they would convict Walker for engaging in an activity that would actually reduce speeding on our nation's roads. It reminds me of those meter maids that arrest people for feeding other people's meters.

Related articles:
That pesky First Amendment -- 08/14/2003.