Thread: State laws on warning lights?

Originally Posted by 50theman

Quote me that law or better yet give me a link to it. I have never heard of a law covering you on colored lights from another state.

ill try and look for it i remember learning it in school so ill talk to my old govt teacher about it but it doesnt specifically cover lighting but seeing as how some allow blue and others allow red or whatever it makes sense another example is lights on a trailer im towing where in my state iowa it says you must have so many amber and red marker lights another state may say you need more or less they cant legally give you a ticket because thats what is legal in your state again ill look for it i wont make any promises of finding it but if my memory serves me correctly it would be a federal law

Originally Posted by waldalm

Caught me off guard for sure LOL

..AND then they exchanged elightbar screen names. LoL

Originally Posted by waldalm

Agree I haven't heard of a "law" that covers one from liabilty. However, mutual respect usually plays a key role. And lights can be likened to the Ron White "drunk in public" scenerio. If you're not using the lights, a LEO can't stop you, order you to activate your lights and then issue you a violation for improper lights. You have to be in violation to be cited. No blinkies going, no tickets.

Back to, regardless to JD or state, it's not illegal to possess lights. It's illegal to use them without proper authority, improperly or without permits.



"One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book.

Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, “Good morning Ma’am. What are you doing?”

“Reading a book,” she replies, thinking, “Isn’t that obvious?”)

“Well, you’re in a Restricted Fishing Area,” he informs her.

“I’m sorry officer, but I’m not fishing. I’m reading.”

“Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I’ll have to take you in and write you up.”

“For reading a book?” she replies.

“Ma’am, you’re in a Restricted Fishing Area,” he informs her again.

“I’m really sorry officer, but I’m not fishing. I’m reading.”

“Yes, yes, I know, but the way I look at it, you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start fishing at any moment. So, I’ll have to take you in and write you up Ma’am.”

“Well, if you do that, I’ll charge you with sexual assault!” says the woman.

“But, I haven’t even touched you,” says the Game Warden.

“That’s true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.”

“Have a nice day Ma’am,” and he left."

I agree on the courtesy of letting a Emergency Responder have a light or lights on there car from another state, but that's me, not the law. Virginia code does not say they have to be turned on, it says equipped. That allows a Law Enforcement Officer if he wants to, to write you a ticket just for having them equipped on your vehicle.

46.2-1022. Flashing blue, red and blue, blue and white, or red, white and blue warning lights.
Certain Department of Military Affairs vehicles and certain Virginia National Guard vehicles designated by the Adjutant General, when used in state active duty to perform particular law-enforcement functions, Department of Corrections vehicles designated by the Director of the Department of Corrections, and law-enforcement vehicles may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating blue, blue and red, blue and white, or red, white, and blue combination warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent. Such warning lights may be of types constructed within turn signal housings or motorcycle headlight housings, subject to approval by the Superintendent.

On your story, that's nice. But lets say someone borrows your car and it has your drugs in it. I guess I cant charge the person borrowing your car with possession of drugs. Come on now????

Guys, 50theman beat me to the replies in this thread. He's exactly right that the Code section in Virginia states "equipped," and whether the lights are on or not has nothing to do with it. There's case law in Virginia courts that has ruled in favor of the Commonwealth when vehicles (both registered in Virginia and not) are equipped with blue lights and were not in use.

And mrredd, be careful confusing items that are required by a state (such as the licenses plates you used as an example), and those things that are permitted by a state (such as colored warning lights). They're two completely different topics.

Originally Posted by 50theman

I agree on the courtesy of letting a Emergency Responder have a light or lights on there car from another state, but that's me, not the law. Virginia code does not say they have to be turned on, it says equipped. That allows a Law Enforcement Officer if he wants to, to write you a ticket just for having them equipped on your vehicle.

46.2-1022. Flashing blue, red and blue, blue and white, or red, white and blue warning lights.
Certain Department of Military Affairs vehicles and certain Virginia National Guard vehicles designated by the Adjutant General, when used in state active duty to perform particular law-enforcement functions, Department of Corrections vehicles designated by the Director of the Department of Corrections, and law-enforcement vehicles may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating blue, blue and red, blue and white, or red, white, and blue combination warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent. Such warning lights may be of types constructed within turn signal housings or motorcycle headlight housings, subject to approval by the Superintendent.

On your story, that's nice. But lets say someone borrows your car and it has your drugs in it. I guess I cant charge the person borrowing your car with possession of drugs. Come on now????

Like I said, I'd never heard of a law protecting one. In the drugs to fishing poles, that's stretching it...

1: Drugs are illegal to possess period, fishing poles aren't. (And before somebody says something, we all know the drugs we're talking about)
2: It said "restricted fishing area", not "fishing poles restricted"



Here's just an example though of how Alabama states what is allowed. Doesn't pertain to lights, but it goes in key with the state to state equipment laws.
As a note, window tint is something that Alabama is pretty strict on for residents. Guess every state has to have something lol

Window tint exceptions:

Section 32-5C-3
Exceptions.
The provisions of Section 32-5C-2 shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) Adjustable sun visors which are mounted forward of the side windows and are not attached to the glass.

(2) Signs, stickers, or other matter which is displayed in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the front or rear windshield.

(3) Direction, destination, or termination signs upon a passenger common carrier motor vehicle if the signs do not interfere with the driver's clear view of approaching traffic.

(4) Any transparent item which is not red or amber in color which is placed on the uppermost six inches of the windshield.

(5) Any federal, state, or local sticker or certificate which is required by law to be placed on any windshield or window.

(6) Any other vehicle, the windows or windshields of which have been tinted or darkened before factory delivery or permitted by federal law or regulation.

(7) Any motor vehicle not registered in this state.

In the state of Maryland, only fire or law enforcement can use red to the front. "Foreign" vehicles entering the state may display unlit lamps of any color, so long as those lamps are legally allowed on your vehicle in the state that it is registered. That being said, I can't keep track of the state light laws for the other 49 states and DC. According to Maryland law, I can pull you over and issue you a citation for illegally displaying a prohibited light since it is specifically prohibited.

If you were to receive a citation, you would have to bring documentation to court proving that your vehicle is registered in whatever state and that the state allows you to have those lights in your vehicle. Its a pain in the neck for everyone involved. I usually give people the benefit of the doubt unless they are acting like an idiot.

Originally Posted by mredd007

but you sir are wrong there is a law that states that if something is legal in your state and illegal in another they cannot ticket you for that

Think so? Try coming thru Virginia with a radar dectector. Just because its legal in your state doesnt mean its legal to use here.

[QUOTE=waldalm;234827]Back to, regardless to JD or state, it's not illegal to possess lights. It's illegal to use them without proper authority, improperly or without permits.QUOTE]

In Virginia, iits not illegal to possess them, but illegal to have them on your car if your not authorized. You cant just mount a colored light on your car just because you want to, whether you use it or not.
Here is the code:

46.2-1020. Other permissible lights.

Any motor vehicle may be equipped with fog lights, not more than two of which can be illuminated at any time, one or two auxiliary driving lights if so equipped by the manufacturer, two daytime running lights, two side lights of not more than six candlepower, an interior light or lights of not more than 15 candlepower each, and signal lights.

The provision of this section limiting interior lights to no more than 15 candlepower shall not apply to (i) alternating, blinking, or flashing colored emergency lights mounted inside law-enforcement motor vehicles which may otherwise legally be equipped with such colored emergency lights, or (ii) flashing shielded red or red and white lights, authorized under § 46.2-1024, mounted inside vehicles owned or used by (a) members of volunteer fire companies or volunteer rescue squads, (b) professional fire fighters, or (c) police chaplains. A vehicle equipped with lighting devices as authorized in this section shall be operated by a police chaplain only if he has successfully completed a course of training in the safe operation of a motor vehicle under emergency conditions and a certificate attesting to such successful completion, signed by the course instructor, is carried at all times in the vehicle when operated by the police chaplain to whom the certificate applies.

Unless such lighting device is both covered and unlit, no motor vehicle which is equipped with any lighting device other than lights required or permitted in this article, required or approved by the Superintendent, or required by the federal Department of Transportation shall be operated on any highway in the Commonwealth. Nothing in this section shall permit any vehicle, not otherwise authorized, to be equipped with colored emergency lights, whether blinking or steady-burning.

Originally Posted by twodogs603

Think so? Try coming thru Virginia with a radar dectector. Just because its legal in your state doesnt mean its legal to use here.

thats because a radar detector isnt permanently mounted like some light bars and can easily be removed you would leave a magnant mount on anyway while your traveling so its apples and oranges

Originally Posted by mredd007

thats because a radar detector isnt permanently mounted like some light bars and can easily be removed you would leave a magnant mount on anyway while your traveling so its apples and oranges

You're completely missing the point. There's no part of the code section that calls out "permanently mounted," "magnetically mounted," "or easily removable." It's not apples and oranges, it's required equipment versus aftermarket equipment.

Did you miss the two very clearly written copies of the Virginia code that were already posted?

I can appreciate that you took a high school government class and believe that you have an understanding of law, but please take a moment and listen to those that have real-world experience with this stuff. We're trying to educate, not humiliate.

here let me reiterate since some people dont use common sense when reading things if you make a PERMANENT modification to your vehicle that is legal in your state i.e tint, lightbars, fog lights etc. a federal right to pass through law prohibits another state from ticketing you for that modification so just because your state (virginia) still would illegally ticket someone for this does not mean it is legal to do so you still must respect the state laws and not use your lightbar but they cannot ticket you for a modification that is otherwise legal in your own state ill get that law posted for yall

Originally Posted by mredd007

ill get that law posted for yall

Looking forward to it.

Originally Posted by Travelin Man

You're completely missing the point. There's no part of the code section that calls out "permanently mounted," "magnetically mounted," "or easily removable." It's not apples and oranges, it's required equipment versus aftermarket equipment.

Did you miss the two very clearly written copies of the Virginia code that were already posted?

I can appreciate that you took a high school government class and believe that you have an understanding of law, but please take a moment and listen to those that have real-world experience with this stuff. We're trying to educate, not humiliate.

no im not missing the point, i believe you are. thats great that virginia code says that but unforunately federal law trumps state law and it has nothing to do with me thinking i know the law because of a highschool class just as tint is permanent so is some light bars it has been proven already that you cannot ticket someone for having tint that doesnt abide by your laws by your logic tint is also not required but your not expected to take it off or get your tinted glass changed because you drive to a different state so yes perm mount vs easily removable mount has a lot to do with it if im wrong ill eat shit on it i can admit that that im a grown man but the fact is there is so much law out there that nobody can know it all and we all great it wrong sometimes lawyers have the best knowledge and usually they are specialized so what does that say not all police no every single law even they have to look stuff up like i said ill provide you with the law and if im wrong ill admit simple as that

It seem's like his simple question could have been given a simple answer: use common sense.

What is with you newbies and junior members you ask for help and then you bash the one's that help you. I recently went form Ithaca NY to Sayre Pa and when you cross the state line there's a huge sign that says radar detectors illegal. As far as the lights PA is basiclly red/white /blue saw one as I entered Sayre. When I was a firefighter here and an all blue Visats on car going to Pocono Race Way and you know that the cops are all over that place drove right by. Same when I was chief r/w/r Vista same deal they knew by the plates I was from Ny. As long as you don't use them your'e alright.
Now for the orginal op from the looks of your car no problem and stop with the BS about lights & laws regarding such.You've put up just about every post that has already been done. Use the damn search fuction it can be your friend.
as for this I sign off with this

Originally Posted by mredd007

tint is permanent

Ever stood on the side of the road as a violator peeled their illegal window tint off their vehicle? I have - it's ain't permanent.

Originally Posted by Travelin Man

Ever stood on the side of the road as a violator peeled their illegal window tint off their vehicle? I have - it's ain't permanent.

No. My factory tint is baked into the glass. I guess it could be removed with a hammer.

Originally Posted by theroofable

No. My factory tint is baked into the glass. I guess it could be removed with a hammer.

Yes, I get that some glass comes from the factory with imbedded tint in accordance with FMVSS standards.

Originally Posted by Travelin Man

Yes, I get that some glass comes from the factory with imbedded tint in accordance with FMVSS standards.

as far as the tint thing there are documented stories so yea its just not worth it to most people to spend all the extra money fighting it if they are from out of state im not having an easy time finding the law and its hard to argue with no facts so we will have to agree to disagree but as far as Virginia thats a state i have no desire to travel too from what i read on the web the are to strict for my taste nobody likes douche bag law enforcement

Originally Posted by chief1565

What is with you newbies and junior members you ask for help and then you bash the one's that help you. I recently went form Ithaca NY to Sayre Pa and when you cross the state line there's a huge sign that says radar detectors illegal. As far as the lights PA is basiclly red/white /blue saw one as I entered Sayre. When I was a firefighter here and an all blue Visats on car going to Pocono Race Way and you know that the cops are all over that place drove right by. Same when I was chief r/w/r Vista same deal they knew by the plates I was from Ny. As long as you don't use them your'e alright.
Now for the orginal op from the looks of your car no problem and stop with the BS about lights & laws regarding such.You've put up just about every post that has already been done. Use the damn search fuction it can be your friend.
as for this I sign off with this

I haven't bashed anyone??? And all i was looking to know if i had to cover up the lens's or what not. Pretty sure there isn't a post asking about covering clear lens's

Originally Posted by mredd007

as far as the tint thing there are documented stories so yea its just not worth it to most people to spend all the extra money fighting it if they are from out of state im not having an easy time finding the law and its hard to argue with no facts so we will have to agree to disagree but as far as Virginia thats a state i have no desire to travel too from what i read on the web the are to strict for my taste nobody likes douche bag law enforcement

First, learn how to write a paragraph in proper English. Second, maybe this site isn't for you, since you don't like us "douche bag law enforcement" Third, don't come to my beloved Commonwealth, since you'll only end up in cuffs from your manner of thinking.

Originally Posted by mredd007

no im not missing the point, i believe you are. thats great that virginia code says that but unforunately federal law trumps state law and it has nothing to do with me thinking i know the law because of a highschool class just as tint is permanent so is some light bars it has been proven already that you cannot ticket someone for having tint that doesnt abide by your laws by your logic tint is also not required but your not expected to take it off or get your tinted glass changed because you drive to a different state so yes perm mount vs easily removable mount has a lot to do with it if im wrong ill eat shit on it i can admit that that im a grown man but the fact is there is so much law out there that nobody can know it all and we all great it wrong sometimes lawyers have the best knowledge and usually they are specialized so what does that say not all police no every single law even they have to look stuff up like i said ill provide you with the law and if im wrong ill admit simple as that

For the love of Pete, would you please use some punctuation so we know where a sentence ends and the new one begins. A huge paragraph and only one period and comma.

This whole post reminds me of several years back, after the hurricane struck New Orleans, and law enforcement officers from all over the country went down to New Orleans to help them out. Several NYPD officers, returning to New York, were running lights and sirens up Interstate 81 on the way back to New York. Should they have been. No. Did they have a good reason too? No. Does it look bad to the general public? Yes. And it appearantly upset a deputy too because he and a Virginia state trooper chased them down and stopped them and gave a good ass chewing. If he just didnt turn those damn lights on he would have been ok...

Originally Posted by hoisy71

I haven't bashed anyone??? And all i was looking to know if i had to cover up the lens's or what not. Pretty sure there isn't a post asking about covering clear lens's

Hoisy,
Sorry your original post turned into a pissing war. Its actually kinda funny though to see different opinions.
Chances are you will not have any problem. If you have clear lenses Im sure you will be ok. There is always a chance you could get stopped but its not likely. Come on thru and wave at us as you go by.

Originally Posted by hoisy71

I haven't bashed anyone??? And all i was looking to know if i had to cover up the lens's or what not. Pretty sure there isn't a post asking about covering clear lens's

Common sense clear lens. How the hell they gonna know unless you tell them.Hey man my clears are blue or red.

Originally Posted by 50theman

First, learn how to write a paragraph in proper English. Second, maybe this site isn't for you, since you don't like us "douche bag law enforcement" Third, don't come to my beloved Commonwealth, since you'll only end up in cuffs from your manner of thinking.

You have his plate number. Screw with him.

Originally Posted by twodogs603

This whole post reminds me of several years back, after the hurricane struck New Orleans, and law enforcement officers from all over the country went down to New Orleans to help them out. Several NYPD officers, returning to New York, were running lights and sirens up Interstate 95 on the way back to New York. Should they have been. No. Did they have a good reason too? No. Does it look bad to the general public? Yes. And it appearantly upset a deputy too because he and a Virginia state trooper chased them down and stopped them and gave a good ass chewing. If he just didnt turn those damn lights on he would have been ok...

It was on I-81.

Originally Posted by twodogs603

Hoisy,
Sorry your original post turned into a pissing war. Its actually kinda funny though to see different opinions.
Chances are you will not have any problem. If you have clear lenses Im sure you will be ok. There is always a chance you could get stopped by its not likely. Come on thru and wave at us as you go by.

Thanks for the hospitality! Definatly will do!

Originally Posted by twodogs603

For the love of Pete, would you please use some punctuation so we know where a sentence ends and the new one begins. A huge paragraph and only one period and comma.

no i will not i dont care about grammar nor the grammar police if you dont like it feel free not to read it

Originally Posted by 50theman

First, learn how to write a paragraph in proper English. Second, maybe this site isn't for you, since you don't like us "douche bag law enforcement" Third, don't come to my beloved Commonwealth, since you'll only end up in cuffs from your manner of thinking.

first off i can write a sentance in proper english i choose not too its the internet idc second i dont think all law enforcement are douche bags but much like everything else the ones that do give the rest of them a bad name thirdly i dont plan on visiting your commonwealth from the general consensus on the web is that virginia(maybe its just state patrol) has douche bag law enforcement that mess with everybody for no good reason other than they want to be pricks no one and i mean no one likes law enforcement like that law enforcement should protect AND serve not be over bearing douche bags