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.
