Tennessee outlaws bumper stickers

[Her3tiK]

because they might be seen by children.

www.wkrn.com/story/15009792/stricter-offensive-bumper-sticker-law-takes-effect

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Starting Friday, Tennessee drivers caught with obscene or patently offensive bumper stickers, window signs or other markings on their vehicle visible to other drivers face an automatic $50 fine.

The law also includes movies other drivers can see playing inside of vehicles, including adult films.

Tennessee code 55-8-187 had allowed judges to decide on a fine from $2 to $50 based on their opinion.

Democratic State Representative Gary Moore, of Joelton, however, co-sponsored a House bill to stiffen the fine after he got several angry calls from constituents.

"On two different instances they had their children in the car with them and they pulled up on a vehicle that had an obscene bumper sticker," he said. "I think it will make drivers a little more aware that there is a law out there."

This is seriously fucking retarded. How do these people find the courage to step outside with the knowledge that little Billy and Sally might hear someone should "Motherfucker!" from dropping a hammer on their foot, or read a smartass bumper sticker/billboard/news ticker/limerick on every news stand. Motherfuck political correctness.

Add TN to the list of states I shan't be revisiting.

[Mlle Antéchrist]

So how does this not violate the 1st Amendment, again?

[verasthebrujah]

Okay, I understand the desire to prevent people from watching porn while driving. But even the article says that there is no clear definition of "offensive." How long do you think it will be before somebody is ticketed for having a bumper sticker that says "There is no God?"

This is my favorite part though.

In his opinion, Rep. Moore said the law does not violate any constitutional protections, including freedom of speech.

Because, obviously, freedom of speech is only threatened when one has something pleasant to say.

[erictheblue]

Jul 3, 2011 13:25:28 GMT -5 verasthebrujah said:

But even the article says that there is no clear definition of "offensive."

That was my thought. My fiancee has a bumper sticker that says "Cats, not Kids." Is that offensive?

This is my favorite part though.

In his opinion, Rep. Moore said the law does not violate any constitutional protections, including freedom of speech.

Because, obviously, freedom of speech is only threatened when one has something pleasant to say.

I am sure this violates free speech. I will laugh when this is struck down.

[Shane for Wax]

WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?!?

[Amaranth]

Jul 3, 2011 13:35:28 GMT -5 Shane for Wax said:

WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?!?

I am. They taste good with a nice cream sauce.

[lighthorseman]

Who watched porn while driving? Denial of freedom of speech and censorship piss me off, but THAT one? "Basic road safety" seems sort of relevent.

[Amaranth]

Jul 3, 2011 15:34:16 GMT -5 lighthorseman said:

Who watched porn while driving? Denial of freedom of speech and censorship piss me off, but THAT one? "Basic road safety" seems sort of relevent.

In Vermont, it's illegal to have a display viewable by the driver. I've been told there's a GPS exception, but the wording of the law seems to not actually exclude them.

Needless to say, libertarians have been fighting this, because essentially, it should be your own personal responsibility or something.

I mean, who can you hurt, watching porn at 60 MPH?

EDIT: VIDEO display, specifically. You can have readouts and stuff.

[Old Viking]

For a brief time I displayed a bumper sticker that said, "Confused About Satanism? I Can Help."
My courage crumbled and common sense took over in less than a week (without incident).

[MaybeNever]

Jul 3, 2011 15:34:16 GMT -5 lighthorseman said:

Who watched porn while driving? Denial of freedom of speech and censorship piss me off, but THAT one? "Basic road safety" seems sort of relevent.

FASCIST

[Iczer-Four]

Jul 3, 2011 13:35:28 GMT -5 Shane for Wax said:

WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?!?

"Fuck the children!" - George Carlin

[ironbite]

And the guy's a Democrat. Wow.

Ironbite-that's sad and invasive.

[ltfred]

Bumper stickers are stupid. I have never seen one with the least bit of inteligence behind it.

A jihad on bumper stickers.

[nickiknack]

If I lived in TN, I'll go out and buy a bumper sticker that reads: Is This Offensive?

[VirtualStranger]

Jul 3, 2011 17:57:27 GMT -5 ltfred said:

Bumper stickers are stupid. I have never seen one with the least bit of inteligence behind it.

A jihad on bumper stickers.

Linked for size