New Jersey

NJ High Court: Digital Billboard Ban Is Unconstitutional, Violates 1st Amendment

New Jersey's highest court has ruled that a township can't ban digital billboards because it would violate the First Amendment.

The state Supreme Court ruling Thursday reversed a lower court's decision. The high court says billboards are a method to communicate and that any restrictions can't infringe on the U.S. Constitution or the New Jersey State Constitution.

Franklin Township in Somerset County allows non-electronic billboards but voted in 2010 to ban digital billboards.

The township had said electronic billboards can distract drivers, harm the aesthetics of the area, and could create a safety hazard.

Township attorney Louis Rainone says they are disappointed.

The attorney for the company that had requested to install at least one electronic billboard in the township didn't return a call seeking comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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