Ohio buggy light law leads to resistance, citations

An Amish buggy travels on U.S. Route 30 in Lancaster County, Pa. — Ad Meskens/Wikimedia Commons An Amish buggy travels on U.S. Route 30 in Lancaster County, Pa. — Ad Meskens/Wikimedia Commons

A new law mandating flashing yellow lights on horse-drawn vehicles in Ohio has been met with resistance by some Amish buggy drivers. The new law went into effect in September, but law enforcement did not enforce it for a monthlong public education period.

WJW Fox 8 News reported deputies and troopers began writing citations in Ashland county communities on Oct. 10. Video obtained by the news outlet shows two Amish men pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy.

“We heard about it,” said one man about the law. “I would put [a flashing light] on, but my bishop is not allowing me.”

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported a majority of the more than 150 crashes involving Amish buggies happened during nighttime hours when visibility is low.

Fox 8 News reported state troopers say some Amish leaders resent the new law and urge others to not obey it.

“A lot of their argument is, that’s not what their forefathers did, and they’re using some spiritual or religious exemptions or claiming that as well,” said Lt. Brad Bishop, commander of the state patrol’s Ashland post.

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