Brief Fact Summary. The Supreme Court of the United States found that a law that forbids general advertising on vehicles where such ads benefit businesses other than that of the vehicle’s owner, is a valid social and economic regulation.
Synopsis of Rule of Law. Unequal treatment on the basis of advertisements of products sold by the owner of the truck and general advertisements is not a violation of equal protection, but rather a valid social and economic regulation.
Such a classification is not based on anything having relation to the purpose for which it is made.
View Full Point of LawIssue. Whether section 124 of the New York City Traffic Regulations violates the Constitution.
Held. No. Judgment of the lower court affirmed. The city’s interest in traffic safety was served by the regulation banning general advertising on vehicles, but allowing advertising for the company which owned the vehicle. It is no requirement of equal protection that all evils of the same genus be eradicated or none at all.
Concurrence. It would be constitutional for New York to completely ban advertising if such advertising causes people driving on the highways to be distracted.
Discussion. Despite the law’s under-inclusiveness, the majority holds that it is a valid regulation and thus does not violate equal protection.