Tiny Town Sheriff Challenged Your Ethics About Flashing Headlights and Faced Backlash for It | Carscoops

      "It is important to think about the potential repercussions of your actions," stated the sheriff in a now-removed post.

      July 26, 2025, at 21:01

      by Stephen Rivers

      A sheriff in West Virginia has urged the public to refrain from warning speeders by using their high beams.

      The department acknowledged this as a matter of free speech but questioned the ethics of the action.

      After facing online criticism, the department removed the post and turned off comments.

      Flashing headlights to alert oncoming drivers of a danger is an unwritten driving guideline that many motorists follow instinctively. This warning can pertain to anything, from animals on the road and debris to, more frequently, a police officer with a radar gun.

      In many regions across the United States, this practice is regarded as a form of protected speech, recognized by numerous courts under the First Amendment.

      More: Why Did San Francisco Police Trap Over 100 Cars During Midnight Meet?

      A sheriff from a small town in West Virginia acknowledges this fact but wants motorists to reflect on the morality of such actions. At least, he did until public backlash prompted the department to retract his request.

      A Warning Message, Followed by a Swift Withdrawal

      Chief Charles Wilson of the Barrackville Police Department reportedly stated in a now-deleted post that, “While your intent may be to exercise your right to free speech and alert others of a possible fine, it is crucial to think about the potential consequences of your actions.”

      Local news outlet WBOY mentions that Wilson cautioned residents that “individuals who do this might be assisting drivers who pose a threat to public safety, like those driving under the influence, fleeing a crime scene, or engaging in illegal activities.” Such reasoning isn't unusual within law enforcement. However, it put Chief Wilson in a bit of a predicament online.

      A Legal Perspective and Context

      After WBOY covered the issue, lawyer, YouTuber, and automotive enthusiast Steve Lehto commented on it as well. He questioned the likelihood of such scenarios. “What are the chances that the car passing by while you saw the speed trap is fleeing a crime scene or is under the influence or engaged in illegal activities?” he remarked.

      Furthermore, he emphasized that not using headlights to warn fellow drivers might inadvertently aid the Barrackville PD in generating more ticket revenue.

      This could represent a new approach for the small town with a population of 1,211. Based on posts still available on the department's Facebook page, the department recorded a total of five traffic stops in July 2024, out of which three citations were issued.

      Local Reactions and Ongoing Questions

      As media coverage expanded, so did the backlash against the department's message. The deleted post and others from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office have prompted responses from users criticizing Chief Wilson’s original remarks. We reached out for additional comments but had not received a response at the time of writing.

      Credit: Barrackville Police Department