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MOUNT VERNON — A Knox Pages reader asked our newsroom: Why is the Knox Sheriff not enforcing the flashing light requirement for horse-drawn buggies?
The Knox County Sheriff’s office tells us its deputies will enforce the flashing light law for Amish buggies alongside working with the community.
The new law requires Amish horse-drawn buggies and other animal-drawn vehicles to display a yellow flashing light while driving on public streets. A violation of this law is a minor misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $150.
In Ashland County, a multitude of fines have been given to Amish due to not having yellow flashing lights on their horse-drawn buggies.
Since they have been charged, some of the Amish have argued through written letters that having yellow flashing lights would mean compromising their faith and trust in God. Many have refused to pay the fines associated with the misdemeanor charges.
Ashland Municipal Judge John Good said he understands the argument, but stands by the law.
In September, Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer said he met with bishops in the southeast portion of the county to discuss and provide educational material on the flashing-lights law.
“(We) expect them to start complying,” Shaffer said.
The sheriff’s office will start issuing warnings and “if they’re not complying,” the sheriff said, adding citations are always going to be an option.
The flashing light law, Shaffer said, is a safety measure for the Amish and the English community.
