The Laws of Lights and Sirens

[Alec R]

Specific Links to Federal and State laws regarding the use of lights and sirens.

Discuss!

Please keep it clean and organized, this forum section is heavily moderated to keep information organized. We're going to use content from these discussions to compile a helpful guide for users seeking information about products in this industry.

**DISCLAIMER**

We are not lawyers here. Nothing posted here is 100% guaranteed to be completely accurate. Laws can change daily, and while the information listed below may be accurate at the time of posting, there is the possibility of subtle changes in wording or procedures that can make a huge impact on the end user. Please use the links and information below as a reference/guide, and make sure to verify validity/legality of the laws/information contained below before making decisions to travel, or outfit your vehicle.

**DISCLAIMER**

 

[tsquale]

Wisconsin State Statute for lights: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/347/II/25

Wisconsin State Statute for sirens/audible warning: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/347/III/38

MN State Statutes for lights: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.59

                                            https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.64

MN State Statute for sirens/audible warning: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.68

 

[chief1562]

NY State Light laws: http://www.safeny.ny.gov/emer-vt.htm

NY State Light Laws 2: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/pdf/srgvat.pdf

 

[MtnMan]

PA Title 75 Vehicle Code, Chapter 45. Other Required Equipment

Subchapter D. Equipment of Authorized and Emergency Vehicles

§ 4571. Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles

§ 4572. Visual signals on authorized vehicles

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter45.pdf

 


PA Code Title 67 Transportation,

Chapter 173. Flashing or Revolving Lights on Emergency and Authorized Vehicles:

 http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter173/chap173toc.html

 

 

 

[HILO]

State of Texas Transportation code regarding use of red, blue, and clear lights.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.547.htm#547.305

Equipment required for an Emergency Vehicle.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.547.htm#547.702

Emergency vehicles in Texas are Law Enforcement (agency owned, and POV with department head approval), Fire ( and volunteer POV), EMS (both municipal and private with State license, no POV lights for private employee EMT/paramedics), Blood and organ transport vehicles owned by the accredited organization (Red Cross).

TxDot, and sub contractors of TxDot are allowed to have amber and blue lights.

Security, private funeral escort, pilot car, tow trucks, as well as anyone else are only legally allowed amber lighting, no permits.

 

[jph2]

Michigan Vehicle Code

Public Act 300 of 1949, as amended

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 257.698 on flashing, oscilating, and rotating lights:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28btpnz3i4yhgibd55iunhkmuy%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-257-698

MCL 257.706 on horns, bells, sirens, and other audible warning devices:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28qccvdvutp1sotieo4fzk3k55%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-257-706

MCL 257.603 defining what constitutes an authorized emergency vehicle and exemptions from normal traffic laws afforded to them during a response:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28vy1ltyyfyrtg2045w3xqn545%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-257-603

 

[Mattdecker]

Ky Laws regarding Firefighter/EMT POVs and emergency vehicles

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statutes/statute.aspx?id=39895

A personal vehicle used by a paid or volunteer firefighter, ambulance

personnel, or emergency services director who is responding to an emergency

shall display the lights required in subsection (1) of this section.

 


All fire department, rescue squad, or publicly owned emergency management

agency emergency vehicles and all ambulances shall be equipped with one (1)

or more flashing, rotating, or oscillating red lights, visible under normal

atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the front of

the vehicle, and a siren, whistle, or bell, capable of emitting a sound audible

under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred (500)

feet. This equipment shall be in addition to any other equipment required by the

motor vehicle laws.

 

Note: In addition to this, all vehicles related to the paragraph above can not only run red but can mix amber and clear in that mix as well. 

 

[nerdly_dood]

Virginia:

The state code is posted online. The first relevant section is here and click Next as desired.

§ 46.2-1019. Spotlights.

Any motor vehicle or motorcycle may be equipped with one or two spotlights which, when lighted, shall be aimed and used so that no portion of the beam will be directed to the left of the center of the highway at any time or more than 100 feet ahead of the vehicle. Any such lights shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent. No such spotlights shall be used in conjunction with or as a substitute for required head lights, except in case of emergency.

§ 46.2-1021. Additional lights permitted on certain commercial vehicles.

In addition to other lights permitted in this article, buses operated as public carriers, taxicabs as defined in § 46.2-2000, and commercial motor vehicles as defined in § 52-8.4 may be equipped with (i) illuminated vacant or destination signs and (ii) single steady-burning white lights, emitting a diffused light of such intensity as not to project a glaring or dazzling light, for the nighttime illumination of exterior advertising.

In addition to other lights authorized by this article, buses operated as public carriers may be equipped with flashing white warning lights of types authorized by the Superintendent of State Police. These warning lights shall be installed in a manner authorized by the Superintendent and shall be lighted while the bus is transporting passengers during periods of reduced visibility caused by atmospheric conditions other than darkness. These warning lights may also be lighted at other times while the bus is transporting passengers.

§ 46.2-1021.1. Additional lights permitted on certain privately owned cars.

Privately owned passenger cars used for home delivery of commercially prepared food may be equipped with one steady-burning white light for the nighttime illumination of a sign identifying the business delivering the food. Such sign shall not utilize primarily green, red or blue colors. Such sign shall not exceed eighteen inches in height nor have more than four sides, no side of which shall exceed fifteen by twenty-four inches. Such light shall emit diffused illumination of such an intensity as not to project a glaring or dazzling light. Such light may only be illuminated during delivery.

§ 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.

§ 46.2-1023. Flashing red or red and white warning lights.

Fire apparatus, forest warden vehicles, ambulances, rescue and life-saving vehicles, vehicles of the Department of Emergency Management, vehicles of the Department of Environmental Quality, vehicles of the Virginia National Guard Civil Support Team when responding to an emergency, vehicles of county, city, or town Departments of Emergency Management, vehicles of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, animal warden vehicles, and vehicles used by security personnel of the Huntington Ingalls Industries, Bassett-Walker, Inc., the Winchester Medical Center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Wallops Flight Facility, and, within those areas specified in their orders of appointment, by special conservators of the peace and policemen for certain places appointed pursuant to §§ 19.2-13 and 19.2-17 may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating red or red and white 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.

§ 46.2-1024. Flashing or steady-burning red or red and white warning lights.

Any member of a fire department, volunteer fire company, or volunteer rescue squad, any ambulance driver employed by a privately owned ambulance service, and any police chaplain may equip one vehicle owned by him with no more than two flashing or steady-burning red or red and white combination warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent. Warning lights permitted by this section shall be lit only when answering emergency calls. 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.

§ 46.2-1025. Flashing amber, purple, or green warning lights.

A. The following vehicles may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating amber warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent:

(it's a very long list, basically tow trucks, construction vehicles, etc - for the full list click here)

B. Except as otherwise provided in this section, such amber lights shall be lit only when performing the functions which qualify them to be equipped with such lights.

C. Vehicles used to lead or provide escorts for funeral processions may use either amber warning lights or purple warning lights, but amber warning lights and purple warning lights shall not simultaneously be used on the same vehicle. The Superintendent of State Police shall develop standards and specifications for purple lights authorized in this subsection.

D. Vehicles used by police, fire-fighting, or rescue personnel as command centers at the scene of incidents may be equipped with and use green warning lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. Such lights shall not be activated while the vehicle is operating upon the highway.

§ 46.2-1026. Flashing high-intensity amber warning lights.

High-intensity flashing, blinking, or alternating amber warning lights visible for at least 500 feet, of types approved by the Superintendent, shall be used on any vehicle engaged in either escorting or towing over-dimensional materials, equipment, boats, or manufactured housing units by authority of a highway hauling permit issued pursuant to § 46.2-1139. Such lights shall be mounted on the top of the escort and tow vehicles and on the upper rear end of the over-dimensional vehicles or loads for maximum visibility, front and rear. However, any vehicles operating under a permit issued pursuant to § 46.2-1139 shall be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section if accompanied by escort vehicles.

The provisions of this section shall apply only to vehicles or loads which are either (i) more than twelve feet wide or (ii) more than seventy-five feet long.

§ 46.2-1027. Warning lights on certain demonstrator vehicles.

Dealers or businesses engaged in the sale of fire, rescue, or law-enforcement vehicles or ambulances may, for demonstration purposes, equip such vehicles with colored warning lights.

§ 46.2-1028. Auxiliary lights on fire-fighting, Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency vehicles.

Any fire-fighting vehicle, ambulance, rescue or life-saving vehicle, Virginia Department of Transportation vehicle or tow truck may be equipped with clear auxiliary lights which shall be used exclusively for lighting emergency scenes. Such lights shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent, and shall not be used in a manner which may blind or interfere with the vision of the drivers of approaching vehicles. In no event shall such lights be lighted while the vehicle is in motion.

§ 46.2-1029. Auxiliary lights on law-enforcement vehicles.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, any government-owned law-enforcement vehicle may be equipped with clear auxiliary lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. Such lights may be used to light emergency scenes and other areas for the purpose of detecting offenders, apprehending violators of law, and in performing other reasonably necessary law-enforcement functions. Such lights may be used when the vehicle on which they are mounted is standing or proceeding at a speed of no more than fifteen miles per hour. Such lights shall not be used in a manner which may blind or interfere with the vision of the operators of approaching vehicles.

Any law-enforcement officer may also use spotlights, as authorized in § 46.2-1019, for the purpose and in the manner described herein.

§ 46.2-1029.1. Flashing of headlights on certain vehicles.

Emergency vehicles as defined in subsection C of § 46.2-920 may be equipped with the means to flash their headlights when their warning lights are activated if (i) the headlights are wired to allow either the high beam or low beam to flash, but not both, and (ii) the headlight system includes a switch or device which prevents flashing of headlights when headlights are required to be lighted under § 46.2-1030.

The provisions of clause (ii) above shall not apply in the City of Chesapeake, the City of Portsmouth, the City of Poquoson, or the County of York.

§ 46.2-1029.2. Certain vehicles may be equipped with secondary warning lights.

In addition to other lights authorized by this article any (i) fire apparatus, (ii) government-owned vehicle operated on official business by a local fire chief or other local fire official, and (iii) rescue squad vehicle, ambulance, or any other emergency medical vehicle may be equipped with alternating, blinking, or flashing red or red and white secondary warning lights mounted inside the vehicle's taillights or marker lights of a type approved by the Superintendent of State Police.

§ 46.2-1030. When lights to be lighted; number of lights to be lighted at any time; use of warning lights.

...

B. Not more than four lights used to provide general illumination ahead of the vehicle, including at least two headlights and any other combination of fog lights or other auxiliary lights approved by the Superintendent, shall be lighted at any time. However, this limitation shall not preclude the display of warning lights authorized in §§ 46.2-1020 through 46.2-1027, or other lights as may be authorized by the Superintendent.

C. Vehicles equipped with warning lights authorized in §§ 46.2-1020 through 46.2-1027 shall display lighted warning lights as authorized in such sections at all times when responding to emergency calls, towing disabled vehicles, or constructing, repairing, and maintaining public highways or utilities on or along public highways, except that amber lights on vehicles designed with a ramp on wheels and a hydraulic lift with a capacity to haul or tow another vehicle, commonly referred to as "rollbacks," need not be lit while the vehicle is in motion unless it is actually towing a vehicle.

 

[CodeMan]

State of Florida:

316.2397 Certain lights prohibited; exceptions.—
(1) No person shall drive or move or cause to be moved any vehicle or equipment upon any highway within this state with any lamp or device thereon showing or displaying a red or blue light visible from directly in front thereof except for certain vehicles hereinafter provided.

(2) It is expressly prohibited for any vehicle or equipment, except police vehicles, to show or display blue lights. However, vehicles owned, operated, or leased by the Department of Corrections or any county correctional agency may show or display blue lights when responding to emergencies.

(3) Vehicles of the fire department and fire patrol, including vehicles of volunteer firefighters as permitted under s. 316.2398, vehicles of medical staff physicians or technicians of medical facilities licensed by the state as authorized under s. 316.2398, ambulances as authorized under this chapter, and buses and taxicabs as authorized under s. 316.2399 may show or display red lights. Vehicles of the fire department, fire patrol, police vehicles, and such ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal and county departments, public service corporations operated by private corporations, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Department of Corrections as are designated or authorized by their respective department or the chief of police of an incorporated city or any sheriff of any county may operate emergency lights and sirens in an emergency. Wreckers, mosquito control fog and spray vehicles, and emergency vehicles of governmental departments or public service corporations may show or display amber lights when in actual operation or when a hazard exists provided they are not used going to and from the scene of operation or hazard without specific authorization of a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency. Wreckers must use amber rotating or flashing lights while performing recoveries and loading on the roadside day or night, and may use such lights while towing a vehicle on wheel lifts, slings, or under reach if the operator of the wrecker deems such lights necessary. A flatbed, car carrier, or rollback may not use amber rotating or flashing lights when hauling a vehicle on the bed unless it creates a hazard to other motorists because of protruding objects. Further, escort vehicles may show or display amber lights when in the actual process of escorting overdimensioned equipment, material, or buildings as authorized by law. Vehicles owned or leased by private security agencies may show or display green and amber lights, with either color being no greater than 50 percent of the lights displayed, while the security personnel are engaged in security duties on private or public property.

(4) Road or street maintenance equipment, road or street maintenance vehicles, road service vehicles, refuse collection vehicles, petroleum tankers, and mail carrier vehicles may show or display amber lights when in operation or a hazard exists. A commercial motor vehicle or trailer designed to transport unprocessed logs or pulpwood may show or display an amber light affixed to the rearmost point of the vehicle or trailer.

(5) Road maintenance and construction equipment and vehicles may display flashing white lights or flashing white strobe lights when in operation and where a hazard exists. Additionally, school buses and vehicles that are used to transport farm workers may display flashing white strobe lights.

(6) All lighting equipment heretofore referred to shall meet all requirements as set forth in s. 316.241.

(7) Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except:
(a) As a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway;

( B)  When a motorist intermittently flashes his or her vehicle’s headlamps at an oncoming vehicle notwithstanding the motorist’s intent for doing so; and

© For the lamps authorized under subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), and (9), s. 316.2065, or s. 316.235(5) which may flash.

(8) Subsections (1) and (7) do not apply to police, fire, or authorized emergency vehicles while in the performance of their necessary duties.

(9) Flashing red lights may be used by emergency response vehicles of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Health when responding to an emergency in the line of duty.

843.081 Prohibited use of certain lights; penalty.—
(1) The Legislature finds and declares that Florida’s citizens are vulnerable to becoming the victims of criminal acts through the illegal use of blue lights by the criminal elements. It is the intent of the Legislature to reduce this vulnerability to injury and loss of life and property by prohibiting the use of certain blue lights by any person other than an authorized law enforcement officer.

(2) It is unlawful for a person to use in or on any nongovernmentally owned vehicle or vessel any flashing or rotating blue light unless such person is a law enforcement officer employed by a federal, state, county, or city law enforcement agency or is a person appointed by the Governor pursuant to chapter 354.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to salespersons, service representatives, or other employees of businesses licensed to sell or repair law enforcement equipment.

(4) For the purposes of this section, the term “flashing or rotating blue light” includes all forms of lights which display a blue light source or which were designed with the intent of displaying a blue light source whether or not such light is actually in use.

(5) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

316.1974 Funeral procession right-of-way and liability.—
(1) DEFINITIONS.—
(a) “Funeral director” and “funeral establishment” shall have the same meaning as set forth in s. 497.005.

( B)  “Funeral procession” means two or more vehicles accompanying the body of a deceased person, or traveling to the church, chapel, or other location at which the funeral service is to be held, in the daylight hours, including a funeral lead vehicle or a funeral escort vehicle.

© “Funeral lead vehicle” means any authorized law enforcement or non-law enforcement motor vehicle properly equipped pursuant to subsection (2) or a funeral escort vehicle being used to lead and facilitate the movement of a funeral procession. A funeral hearse may serve as a funeral lead vehicle.

(d) “Funeral escort” means a person or entity that provides escort services for funeral processions, including law enforcement personnel and agencies.

(e) “Funeral escort vehicle” means any motor vehicle that is properly equipped pursuant to subsection (2) and which escorts a funeral procession.

(2) EQUIPMENT.—
(a) All non-law enforcement funeral escort vehicles and funeral lead vehicles shall be equipped with at least one lighted circulation lamp exhibiting an amber or purple light or lens visible under normal atmospheric conditions for a distance of 500 feet from the front of the vehicle. Flashing amber or purple lights may be used only when such vehicles are used in a funeral procession.

( B)  Any law enforcement funeral escort vehicle may be equipped with red, blue, or amber flashing lights which meet the criteria established in paragraph (a).

(3) FUNERAL PROCESSION RIGHT-OF-WAY; FUNERAL ESCORT VEHICLES; FUNERAL LEAD VEHICLES.—
(a) Regardless of any traffic control device or right-of-way provisions prescribed by state or local ordinance, pedestrians and operators of all vehicles, except as stated in paragraph ©, shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which is part of a funeral procession being led by a funeral escort vehicle or a funeral lead vehicle.

( B)  When the funeral lead vehicle lawfully enters an intersection, either by reason of a traffic control device or at the direction of law enforcement personnel, the remaining vehicles in the funeral procession may follow through the intersection regardless of any traffic control devices or right-of-way provisions prescribed by state or local law.

© Funeral processions shall have the right-of-way at intersections regardless of traffic control devices, subject to the following conditions and exceptions:
1. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way to an approaching emergency vehicle giving an audible or visible signal.

2. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way when directed to do so by a police officer.

3. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession must exercise due care when participating in a funeral procession.

(4) DRIVING IN PROCESSION.—
(a) All vehicles comprising a funeral procession shall follow the preceding vehicle in the funeral procession as closely as is practical and safe.

( B)  Any ordinance, law, or regulation stating that motor vehicles shall be operated to allow sufficient space enabling any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger shall not be applicable to vehicles in a funeral procession.

© Each vehicle which is part of a funeral procession shall have its headlights, either high or low beam, and tail lights lighted and may also use the flashing hazard lights if the vehicle is so equipped.

(5) LIABILITY.—
(a) Liability for any death, personal injury, or property damage suffered on or after October 1, 1997, by any person in a funeral procession shall not be imposed upon the funeral director or funeral establishment or their employees or agents unless such death, personal injury, or property damage is proximately caused by the negligent or intentional act of an employee or agent of the funeral director or funeral establishment.

( B)  A funeral director, funeral establishment, funeral escort, or other participant that leads, organizes, or participates in a funeral procession in accordance with this section shall be presumed to have acted with reasonable care.

© Except for a grossly negligent or intentional act by a funeral director or funeral establishment, there shall be no liability on the part of a funeral director or funeral establishment for failing, on or after October 1, 1997, to use reasonable care in the planning or selection of the route to be followed by the funeral procession.

(6) VIOLATIONS.—A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable pursuant to chapter 318 as a nonmoving violation for infractions of subsection (2), a pedestrian violation for infractions of subsection (3), or as a moving violation for infractions of subsection (3) or subsection (4) if the infraction resulted from the operation of a vehicle.

316.2399 Special warning lights for buses or taxicabs.—The provisions of s. 316.2397(7) to the contrary notwithstanding, a bus or taxicab may be equipped with two flashing devices for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles and law enforcement agents that an emergency situation exists within the bus or taxicab. Such devices shall be capable of activation by the operator of the bus or taxicab and shall be of a type approved by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Such devices shall be mounted one at the front and one at the rear of the bus or taxicab and shall display flashing red lights which shine on the roadway under the vehicle. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

316.271 Horns and warning devices.— Sirens
(1) Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet.

(2) No horn or other warning device shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle.

(3) The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation, give audible warning with his or her horn.

(4) No vehicle shall be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a vehicle, any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section.

(5) It is permissible but not required that any vehicle be equipped with a theft alarm signal device which is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal.

(6) Every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type approved by the department, but such siren, whistle, or bell shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which event the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren, whistle, or bell when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof.

(7) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, a trolley may be equipped with a bell, and the bell is not required to be used only as a warning device. As used in this subsection, the term “trolley” includes any bus which resembles a streetcar, which is powered by overhead electric wires or is self-propelled, and which is used primarily as a public conveyance.

(8) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

 

[jswwjw]

Mississippi; Link to information

http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2002/pdf/HB/0400-0499/HB0401IN.pdf

 

[Judge Dredd]

Arizona


The laws here are really strict, unfortunately.

http://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00947.htm


28-947. Special restrictions on lamps


A. A person shall direct a lighted lamp or illuminating device on a motor vehicle, other than a head lamp, spot lamp, auxiliary lamp or flashing front direction signal, that projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candlepower so that no part of the beam strikes the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle.


B. A person shall not drive or move a vehicle or equipment on a highway with a lamp or device on the vehicle that is capable of displaying a red or red and blue light or lens visible from directly in front of the center of the vehicle. Lights visible from the front of a vehicle shall be amber or white. This section does not apply to either of the following:


1. An authorized emergency vehicle or a vehicle on which a red or red and blue light or lens visible from the front is expressly authorized or required by this chapter.


2. A fire engine that is solely used for hobby or display purposes and that has been issued a historic vehicle license plate pursuant to section 28-2484 if either of the following applies:


(a) The lights are covered and are not activated while a person is transporting or driving the vehicle to or from a parade, authorized assemblage of historic vehicles or test.


( B) The lights are activated only in a parade, for an authorized assemblage of historic vehicles or for testing purposes.


C. Except as provided in subsection D or E of this section, flashing lights on motor vehicles are prohibited except either:


1. On authorized emergency vehicles, school buses or snow removal equipment.


2. As warning lights on disabled or parked vehicles.


3. On a vehicle as a means for indicating a right or left turn.


D. A vehicle may have lamps that may be used to warn the operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing. The vehicle may display these lamps as a warning in addition to any other warning signals required by this article. The lamps used to display the warning to the front shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and shall display simultaneously flashing white or amber lights or any shade of color between white and amber. The lamps used to display the warning to the rear shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and shall show simultaneously flashing amber or red lights or any shade of color between amber and red. These warning lights shall be visible from a distance of at least one thousand five hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night.


E. A person may equip a motorcycle with a means of modulating the intensity of a head lamp beam between the higher and lower brightness at a rate of two hundred to two hundred eighty cycles per minute. A person shall not modulate the head lamp beam during the hours of darkness as prescribed in section 28-922.

 

[TDC]

Texas

City of Fort Worth

Funeral Escort Guide 

Sec. 34-39. - Equipment on escort vehicles; inspection.


( a ) A funeral escort guide, while actively engaged in furnishing an escort, shall use either a two-wheel or three-wheel motorcycle which is in good condition and which is equipped with two (2) lamps thereon that display a blue light visible from directly in front of the center thereof. These lamps shall be in addition to those required by state law. It shall be unlawful for escort vehicles to be equipped with a siren.



( b ) All escort motorcycles shall be inspected prior to use at a time and place designated by the chief of police. No additional equipment may be added after such motorcycle inspection unless the motorcycle is reinspected and approved before use. Any motor vehicle used in performing such escort service shall be subject to inspection at any time by the chief of police or his authorized representative.



(Code 1964, § 34-67; Ord. No. 8286, § 3, 3-10-81)

 

[theroofable]

Strange laws of NJ applying to personal vehicles (wording shows how outdated the laws are):

Highlights:

Red lights have to be magnetically mounted to the roof.  

No more than two flashing lights

Lights cannot be mounted to fenders

Lights cannot be mounted in the spotlight position

Lights cannot replace headlights

Wigwags are prohibited

You are not exempt from ANY traffic laws with either a blue light or red light and siren permit.  Strange huh?

Rarely are any of these laws followed/ enforced

Fire/ EMS Red light:

MOUNTING OF LIGHTS: 

 Red lights placed on a vehicle owned by and registered in the name of

the current chief or first assistant chief of a volunteer fire company, or chief 

officer of a first aid or rescue squad shall be mounted only on the exterior of the 

vehicle and will consist of not more than two (2) magnetic base type removable 

lights. If only one (1) red light is used, it will be mounted on the center of the 

roof, or the left windshield column. If two (2) lights are used, they will be 

mounted on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle directly behind the 

top of the windshield or on each windshield column. 

OEM Red light/ siren:

MOUNTING OF LIGHTS; USE: 

Any siren must be mounted under the hood or in the center of the roof of the vehicle. Any red light used must be a 

portable light with a magnetic base. The red light may be affixed to the vehicle at such times when the vehicle is being 

operated in response to an emergency. The red light may only be mounted on the roof of the vehicle. Mounting on the 

interior front dashboard, fenders or any other location of the vehicle is prohibited. At the conclusion of the emergency, 

the red light must be removed. Use of the light and/or siren during any such simulated emergencies or training is 

prohibited. 

 

Search and Rescue Red light/ siren: (Never have heard of or seen anyone with one of these)


Any siren permitted by this subchapter shall be mounted on the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer's 

recommendation and be audible from a distance of not less than 500 feet. 

Any red emergency light shall be affixed to the vehicle by means of a non-permanent mounting system unless 

the vehicle is identified, by function and by either county or municipality by means of a placard or sign which is 

attached to the vehicle and which contains letters in contrasting colors with a minimum height of two and one half inches.


Non-permanent red emergency lights shall be displayed on the vehicle only when it is being operated In 

response to an emergency and shall be removed at the conclusion of the emergency. 

Red emergency lights displayed on a vehicle shall not be used in place of the vehicle's regular headlights and 

shall not be mounted on the interior front dashboard of the vehicle. 

Alternately flashing or strobe headlights are prohibited and shall not be incorporated into the housing of any 

lighting permitted by this subchapter. 

The red emergency light and siren permitted pursuant to this subchapter may be used only under the following 

conditions: 

The vehicle is being operated by, or under the direct supervision of, the search and rescue team personnel 

listed on the permit response to an actual emergency



 

Civil Air Patrol Blue light:


MOUNTING OF LIGHTS: 

Emergency warning lights shall be removable or permanently attached of the flashing or 

revolving type, equipped with a blue lens and controlled by a switch installed inside the 

vehicle, or shall be blue of the light bar type. 

No more than two emergency warning lights shall be installed on a vehicle. If one light is 

used it shall be installed in the center of the roof of the vehicle, or on the front of the 

vehicle so that the top of the emergency warning light is no higher than the top pf the 

vehicles headlights, or in the center of the dashboard. It may be a low profile light bar of 

the strobe, halogen, or incandescent type, or a combination thereof. If two lights are 

used they may placed on the windshield columns on each side of the vehicle where 

spotlights are normally mounted, or on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle 

directly back of the top of the windshield. Under no circumstances may one light be 

Placed on the roof an one on the windshield column in the spotlight position. Light 

elements shall be shielded from direct sight of view of the driver. 

ALTERNATING FLASHING OR STROBE HEADLIGHTS ARE PROHIBITED AND 

SHALL NOT BE INCORPORATED INTO THE HOUSING OF ANY LIGHTING 


 

Fire/EMS Blue light:


MOUNTING OF LIGHTS: 

 Emergency warning lights shall be removable or permanently attached of the 

flashing or revolving type, equipped with a blue lens and controlled by a switch installed 

inside the vehicle, or shall be blue of the light bar type. 

 No more than two emergency warning lights shall be installed on a vehicle. If 

one light is used it shall be installed in the center of the roof of the vehicle, or on the front 

of the vehicle so that the top of the emergency warning light is no higher than the top of 

the vehicles headlights, or in the center of the dashboard. It may be a low profile light 

bar of the strobe, halogen, or incandescent type, or a combination thereof. If two lights 

are used they may be placed on the windshield columns on each side of the vehicle 

where spotlights are normally mounted, or on either side of the roof at the front of the 

vehicle directly back of the top of the windshield. Under no circumstances may one light 

be placed on the roof and one on the windshield column in the spotlight position. Light 

elements shall be shielded form direct sight or view of the driver. 

ALTERNATING FLASHING OR STROBE HEADLIGHTS ARE PROHIBITED AND 

SHALL NOT BE INCORPORATED INTO THE HOUSING OF ANY LIGHTING. 

 

[sheazle]

Missouri Revised Statutes

Chapter 304
Traffic Regulations
Section 304.022


Emergency vehicle defined--use of lights and sirens--right-of-way--stationary vehicles, procedure--penalty.

304.022. 1. Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle giving audible signal by siren or while having at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of such vehicle or a flashing blue light authorized by section 307.175, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as far as possible to the right of, the traveled portion of the highway and thereupon stop and remain in such position until such emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer.

2. Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying lighted red or red and blue lights, or a stationary vehicle owned by the state highways and transportation commission and operated by an authorized employee of the department of transportation displaying lighted amber or amber and white lights, the driver of every motor vehicle shall:

(1) Proceed with caution and yield the right-of-way, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the stationary vehicle, if on a roadway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or

(2) Proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be unsafe or impossible.

3. The motorman of every streetcar shall immediately stop such car clear of any intersection and keep it in such position until the emergency vehicle has passed, except as otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer.

4. An "emergency vehicle" is a vehicle of any of the following types:

(1) A vehicle operated by the state highway patrol, the state water patrol*, the Missouri capitol police, a conservation agent, or a state park ranger, those vehicles operated by enforcement personnel of the state highways and transportation commission, police or fire department, sheriff, constable or deputy sheriff, federal law enforcement officer authorized to carry firearms and to make arrests for violations of the laws of the United States, traffic officer or coroner or by a privately owned emergency vehicle company;

(2) A vehicle operated as an ambulance or operated commercially for the purpose of transporting emergency medical supplies or organs;

(3) Any vehicle qualifying as an emergency vehicle pursuant to section 307.175;

(4) Any wrecker, or tow truck or a vehicle owned and operated by a public utility or public service corporation while performing emergency service;

(5) Any vehicle transporting equipment designed to extricate human beings from the wreckage of a motor vehicle;

(6) Any vehicle designated to perform emergency functions for a civil defense or emergency management agency established pursuant to the provisions of chapter 44;

(7) Any vehicle operated by an authorized employee of the department of corrections who, as part of the employee's official duties, is responding to a riot, disturbance, hostage incident, escape or other critical situation where there is the threat of serious physical injury or death, responding to mutual aid call from another criminal justice agency, or in accompanying an ambulance which is transporting an offender to a medical facility;

(8) Any vehicle designated to perform hazardous substance emergency functions established pursuant to the provisions of sections 260.500 to 260.550; or

(9) Any vehicle owned by the state highways and transportation commission and operated by an authorized employee of the department of transportation that is marked as a department of transportation emergency response or motorist assistance vehicle.

5. (1) The driver of any vehicle referred to in subsection 4 of this section shall not sound the siren thereon or have the front red lights or blue lights on except when such vehicle is responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected law violator, or when responding to, but not upon returning from, a fire.

(2) The driver of an emergency vehicle may:

(a) Park or stand irrespective of the provisions of sections 304.014 to 304.025;

( B) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;

© Exceed the prima facie speed limit so long as the driver does not endanger life or property;

(d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

(3) The exemptions granted to an emergency vehicle pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection shall apply only when the driver of any such vehicle while in motion sounds audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a red light or blue light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of such vehicle.

6. No person shall purchase an emergency light as described in this section without furnishing the seller of such light an affidavit stating that the light will be used exclusively for emergency vehicle purposes.

7. Violation of this section shall be deemed a class A misdemeanor. 

 

Chapter 307
Vehicle Equipment Regulations
Section 307.175

Sirens and flashing lights emergency use, persons authorized--violation, penalty.

307.175. Motor vehicles and equipment which are operated by any member of an organized fire department, ambulance association, or rescue squad, whether paid or volunteer, may be operated on streets and highways in this state as an emergency vehicle under the provisions of section 304.022 while responding to a fire call or ambulance call or at the scene of a fire call or ambulance call and while using or sounding a warning siren and using or displaying thereon fixed, flashing or rotating blue lights, but sirens and blue lights shall be used only in bona fide emergencies. Permits for the operation of such vehicles equipped with sirens or blue lights shall be in writing and shall be issued and may be revoked by the chief of an organized fire department, organized ambulance association, or rescue squad and no person shall use or display a siren or blue lights on a motor vehicle, fire, ambulance, or rescue equipment without a valid permit authorizing the use. A** permit to use a siren or lights as heretofore set out does not relieve the operator of the vehicle so equipped with complying with all other traffic laws and regulations. Violation of this section constitutes a class A misdemeanor.

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/3070000175.HTM

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c300-399/3040000022.htm

 

[Sparky_911]

Illinois Represent.....   http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+12+Art%2E+II&ActID=1815&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=133600000&SeqEnd=135500000
 

(625 ILCS 5/12-214.1)
Sec. 12-214.1. Tow trucks meeting federal motor carrier safety requirements; lighting and signalling equipment. Any tow truck that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, regarding lighting and signalling equipment required on commercial motor vehicles, shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this Chapter regarding required lighting and signalling equipment.
(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-215) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-215)
(Text of Section from P.A. 98-80)
Sec. 12-215. Oscillating, rotating or flashing lights on motor vehicles. Except as otherwise provided in this Code:
(a) The use of red or white oscillating, rotating or flashing lights, whether lighted or unlighted, is prohibited except on:
1. Law enforcement vehicles of State, Federal or local authorities;
2. A vehicle operated by a police officer or county coroner and designated or authorized by local authorities, in writing, as a law enforcement vehicle; however, such designation or authorization must be carried in the vehicle;
2.1. A vehicle operated by a fire chief who has completed an emergency vehicle operation training course approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and designated or authorized by local authorities, in writing, as a fire department, fire protection district, or township fire department vehicle; however, the designation or authorization must be carried in the vehicle, and the lights may be visible or activated only when responding to a bona fide emergency;
3. Vehicles of local fire departments and State or federal firefighting vehicles;
4. Vehicles which are designed and used exclusively as ambulances or rescue vehicles; furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted except when responding to an emergency call for and while actually conveying the sick or injured;
5. Tow trucks licensed in a state that requires such lights; furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted on any such tow truck while the tow truck is operating in the State of Illinois;
6. Vehicles of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, vehicles of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, vehicles of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and vehicles of the Department of Nuclear Safety;
7. Vehicles operated by a local or county emergency management services agency as defined in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act;
8. School buses operating alternately flashing head lamps as permitted under Section 12-805 of this Code;
9. Vehicles that are equipped and used exclusively as organ transplant vehicles when used in combination with blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights; furthermore, these lights shall be lighted only when the transportation is declared an emergency by a member of the transplant team or a representative of the organ procurement organization; and
10. Vehicles of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that are used for mine rescue and explosives emergency response.

( B) The use of amber oscillating, rotating or flashing lights, whether lighted or unlighted, is prohibited except on:
1. Second division vehicles designed and used for towing or hoisting vehicles; furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted except as required in this paragraph 1; such lights shall be lighted when such vehicles are actually being used at the scene of an accident or disablement; if the towing vehicle is equipped with a flat bed that supports all wheels of the vehicle being transported, the lights shall not be lighted while the vehicle is engaged in towing on a highway; if the towing vehicle is not equipped with a flat bed that supports all wheels of a vehicle being transported, the lights shall be lighted while the towing vehicle is engaged in towing on a highway during all times when the use of headlights is required under Section 12-201 of this Code; in addition, these vehicles may use white oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights in combination with amber oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights as provided in this paragraph;
2. Motor vehicles or equipment of the State of Illinois, local authorities and contractors; furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted except while such vehicles are engaged in maintenance or construction operations within the limits of construction projects;
3. Vehicles or equipment used by engineering or survey crews; furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted except while such vehicles are actually engaged in work on a highway;
4. Vehicles of public utilities, municipalities, or other construction, maintenance or automotive service vehicles except that such lights shall be lighted only as a means for indicating the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing while such vehicles are engaged in maintenance, service or construction on a highway;
5. Oversized vehicle or load; however, such lightsshall only be lighted when moving under permit issued by the Department under Section 15-301 of this Code;
6. The front and rear of motorized equipment ownedand operated by the State of Illinois or any political subdivision thereof, which is designed and used for removal of snow and ice from highways;
(6.1) The front and rear of motorized equipment orvehicles that (i) are not owned by the State of Illinois or any political subdivision of the State, (ii) are designed and used for removal of snow and ice from highways and parking lots, and (iii) are equipped with a snow plow that is 12 feet in width; these lights may not be lighted except when the motorized equipment or vehicle is actually being used for those purposes on behalf of a unit of government;
7. Fleet safety vehicles registered in another state,furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted except as provided for in Section 12-212 of this Code;
8. Such other vehicles as may be authorized by local authorities;
9. Law enforcement vehicles of State or localauthorities when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating or flashing lights;
9.5. Propane delivery trucks;
10. Vehicles used for collecting or delivering mail for the United States Postal Service provided that such lights shall not be lighted except when such vehicles are actually being used for such purposes;
10.5. Vehicles of the Office of the Illinois StateFire Marshal, provided that such lights shall not be lighted except for when such vehicles are engaged in work for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal;
11. Any vehicle displaying a slow-moving vehicleemblem as provided in Section 12-205.1;
12. All trucks equipped with self-compactors orroll-off hoists and roll-on containers for garbage or refuse hauling. Such lights shall not be lighted except when such vehicles are actually being used for such purposes;
13. Vehicles used by a security company, alarmresponder, or control agency;
14. Security vehicles of the Department of HumanServices; however, the lights shall not be lighted except when being used for security related purposes under the direction of the superintendent of the facility where the vehicle is located; and
15. Vehicles of union representatives, except thatthe lights shall be lighted only while the vehicle is within the limits of a construction project.


© The use of blue oscillating, rotating or flashing lights, whether lighted or unlighted, is prohibited except on:
1. Rescue squad vehicles not owned by a firedepartment and vehicles owned or operated by a:
voluntary firefighter;
paid firefighter;
part-paid firefighter;
call firefighter;
member of the board of trustees of a fireprotection district;
paid or unpaid member of a rescue squad;
paid or unpaid member of a voluntary ambulanceunit; or
paid or unpaid members of a local or countyemergency management services agency as defined in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, designated or authorized by local authorities, in writing, and carrying that designation or authorization in the vehicle.
However, such lights are not to be lighted exceptwhen responding to a bona fide emergency or when parked or stationary at the scene of a fire, rescue call, ambulance call, or motor vehicle accident.
Any person using these lights in accordance with thissubdivision ©1 must carry on his or her person an identification card or letter identifying the bona fide member of a fire department, fire protection district, rescue squad, ambulance unit, or emergency management services agency that owns or operates that vehicle. The card or letter must include:
(A) the name of the fire department, fireprotection district, rescue squad, ambulance unit, or emergency management services agency;the member's position within the firedepartment, fire protection district, rescue squad, ambulance unit, or emergency management services agency;
© the member's term of service; and
(D) the name of a person within the firedepartment, fire protection district, rescue squad, ambulance unit, or emergency management services agency to contact to verify the information provided.
2. Police department vehicles in cities having apopulation of 500,000 or more inhabitants.
3. Law enforcement vehicles of State or localauthorities when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating or flashing lights.
4. Vehicles of local fire departments and State orfederal firefighting vehicles when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating or flashing lights.
5. Vehicles which are designed and used exclusivelyas ambulances or rescue vehicles when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating or flashing lights; furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted except when responding to an emergency call.
6. Vehicles that are equipped and used exclusively asorgan transport vehicles when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights; furthermore, these lights shall only be lighted when the transportation is declared an emergency by a member of the transplant team or a representative of the organ procurement organization.
7. Vehicles of the Illinois Emergency ManagementAgency, vehicles of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, vehicles of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and vehicles of the Department of Nuclear Safety, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.
8. Vehicles operated by a local or county emergencymanagement services agency as defined in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.
9. Vehicles of the Illinois Department of NaturalResources that are used for mine rescue and explosives emergency response, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.


(c-1) In addition to the blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights permitted under subsection ©, and notwithstanding subsection (a), a vehicle operated by a voluntary firefighter, a voluntary member of a rescue squad, or a member of a voluntary ambulance unit may be equipped with flashing white headlights and blue grill lights, which may be used only in responding to an emergency call or when parked or stationary at the scene of a fire, rescue call, ambulance call, or motor vehicle accident.
(c-2) In addition to the blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights permitted under subsection ©, and notwithstanding subsection (a), a vehicle operated by a paid or unpaid member of a local or county emergency management services agency as defined in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, may be equipped with white oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights to be used in combination with blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights, if authorization by local authorities is in writing and carried in the vehicle.
(d) The use of a combination of amber and white oscillating, rotating or flashing lights, whether lighted or unlighted, is prohibited except on second division vehicles designed and used for towing or hoisting vehicles or motor vehicles or equipment of the State of Illinois, local authorities, contractors, and union representatives; furthermore, such lights shall not be lighted on second division vehicles designed and used for towing or hoisting vehicles or vehicles of the State of Illinois, local authorities, and contractors except while such vehicles are engaged in a tow operation, highway maintenance, or construction operations within the limits of highway construction projects, and shall not be lighted on the vehicles of union representatives except when those vehicles are within the limits of a construction project.
(e) All oscillating, rotating or flashing lights referred to in this Section shall be of sufficient intensity, when illuminated, to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight.
(f) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a manufacturer of oscillating, rotating or flashing lights or his representative from temporarily mounting such lights on a vehicle for demonstration purposes only.
(g) Any person violating the provisions of subsections (a), ( B) , © or (d) of this Section who without lawful authority stops or detains or attempts to stop or detain another person shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony.
(h) Except as provided in subsection (g) above, any person violating the provisions of subsections (a) or © of this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(Source: P.A. 97-39, eff. 1-1-12; 97-149, eff. 7-14-11; 97-813, eff. 7-13-12; 98-80, eff. 7-15-13.)

(625 ILCS 5/12-215.1)
Sec. 12-215.1. Possession of oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights in motor vehicles; police equipment, markings, and other indicia of emergency vehicle authority.
(a) A person, except those given exceptions in Section 12-215 or 12-609 of this Code, may not possess or be in actual physical control of oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights or other indicia of emergency vehicle authority within any portion of a motor vehicle, including but not limited to wig-wags, red and blue LEDs, sirens, mounted or affixed devices or other equipment, markings or indicia of emergency vehicle authority.
( B) A person found guilty of violating this Section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
© Oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights and any other equipment, markings, or indicia of emergency vehicle authority shall be seized by the law enforcement officer at the time of a violation of this Section or of Section 12-215 or 12-609 of this Code upon any legal search. The officer may seize the vehicle containing the prohibited device or mechanism, and this device or mechanism shall be removed and held for evidentiary purposes. When the device or mechanism is no longer needed for evidence, the defendant may petition the court for the return of the device or mechanism. The defendant must prove to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that the device or mechanism will be used for a legitimate and lawful purpose.
(Source: P.A. 98-468, eff. 8-16-13.)


(625 ILCS 5/12-216) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 12-216)
Sec. 12-216. Operation of oscillating, rotating or flashing lights. Oscillating, rotating or flashing lights located on or within police vehicles in this State shall be lighted whenever a police officer is in pursuit of a violator of a traffic law or regulation.
(Source: P.A. 85-830.)

 

[Alec R]

Everyone, 

    GREAT information being posted, but we would like to see more specific links and less copy/paste of the laws. Remember, this information is going to be used for a guide, and while accurate now, the information could change in the future and render the copied information useless. While it is up to the end user to verify the accuracy, we still prefer to see some links that they can follow to current, accurate information.

Thank you for your cooperation and all the input so far!  

 

[Jarred J.]

since we already have an 8 page thread on this

 

[corpsman713]

State of Louisiana Revised Statutes    La. R.S. 32:318

§318.  Audible and Visual Signals on Certain Vehicles 

Every authorized emergency vehicle, except privately owned vehicles belonging to members of an organized volunteer fire department or fire district shall, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required by this Chapter, be equipped with a siren, exhaust whistle, or bell capable of giving an audible signal.

Every authorized emergency vehicle shall, in addition to any equipment and distinctive markings required by this Chapter, be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which shall be capable of displaying to the front two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level and to the rear two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level, and these lights shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at five hundred feet in normal sunlight.  In lieu of the alternately flashing red lights in the front, an authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a large revolving red light on the roof which is discernible in all directions and which shall also have sufficient intensity to be visible at five hundred feet in normal sunlight.  In lieu of the large revolving red light on the roof, authorized emergency vehicles of organized fire companies only shall be equipped with a large revolving alternating red and white light on the roof encased in a clear dome, which is discernible in all directions and which shall also have sufficient intensity to be visible at five hundred feet in normal sunlight.

A police vehicle when used as an authorized emergency vehicle may, but need not, be equipped with alternately flashing red lights specified herein.

The use of the signal equipment described herein shall impose upon drivers of other vehicles the obligation to yield the right of way and to stop.

In lieu of the alternating flashing red lights in the front of the vehicle, or of the large revolving red light on the roof of the vehicle, all law enforcement officers are hereby authorized to equip, operate, and use motor vehicles with blue colored electric emergency lights in the exercise of their official duties.  These lights shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at five hundred feet in normal sunlight.

All persons other than law enforcement officers on official duty are prohibited from equipping, operating, or using motor vehicles with blue colored electric lights.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, all publicly owned fire apparatus and publicly owned ambulances may use blue colored electric lights.  The lights  shall be on the rear of the vehicle and shall not exceed fifty percent of the visual lights.

 

[crucialcolin]

Great thread!  However no california yet.  I've allways been somewhat confused when it comes to that sort of thing particularly with amber warning lights. It seems to depend on the agency/officer rather or not they are legal or not.

 

[IshyFlynn]

Maine §2054. Emergency and auxiliary lights; sirens; privileges

B. "Authorized emergency vehicle" means any one of the following vehicles:


(1) An ambulance;



(2) A Baxter State Park Authority vehicle operated by a Baxter State Park ranger;



(3) A Bureau of Marine Patrol vehicle operated by a coastal warden;



(4) A Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry vehicle operated by a forest ranger;



(5) A Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry vehicle used for forest fire control;



(6) A Department of Corrections vehicle used for responding to the escape of or performing the high-security transfer of a prisoner, juvenile client or juvenile detainee;



(7) A Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife vehicle operated by a warden;



(8) A Department of Public Safety vehicle operated by a police officer appointed pursuant to Title 25, section 2908, a state fire investigator or a Maine Drug Enforcement Agency officer;



(9) An emergency medical service vehicle;



(10) A fire department vehicle;



(11) A hazardous material response vehicle, including a vehicle designed to respond to a weapon of mass destruction;



(12) A railroad police vehicle;



(13) A sheriff's department vehicle;



(14) A State Police or municipal police department vehicle;



(15) A vehicle operated by a chief of police, a sheriff or a deputy sheriff when authorized by the sheriff;



(16) A vehicle operated by a municipal fire inspector, a municipal fire chief, an assistant or deputy chief or a town forest fire warden;

• Chiefs, assistants and deputies can run full red lights and sirens. Important to remember.

(17) A vehicle operated by a qualified deputy sheriff or other qualified individual to perform court security-related functions and services as authorized by the State Court Administrator pursuant to Title 4, section 17, subsection 15;



(18) A Federal Government vehicle operated by a federal law enforcement officer;



(19) A vehicle operated by a municipal rescue chief, deputy chief or assistant chief;



(20) An Office of the Attorney General vehicle operated by a detective appointed pursuant to Title 5, section 202;



(21) A Department of the Secretary of State vehicle operated by a motor vehicle investigator; and



(22) A University of Maine System vehicle operated by a University of Maine System police officer. [2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV); 2011, c. 691, Pt. A, §30 (RPR).]

 




(2) Emergency lights used on an ambulance, an emergency medical service vehicle, a fire department vehicle or a hazardous material response vehicle may include one blue light mounted facing toward the rear of the vehicle so that the light is primarily visible to approaching traffic from the rear only.



 



E. "Emergency medical service vehicle" means a vehicle equipped and used to transport emergency medical personnel or equipment to ill or injured persons and authorized by Maine Emergency Medical Services. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]

• Fly cars are allowed... Must actually be licensed by the state. Even if you have medical equipment in your POV it doesn't qualify. No hatzolahing it up.

A. Only an ambulance; an emergency medical service vehicle; a fire department vehicle; a police vehicle; a Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry vehicle used for forest fire control; a Department of Corrections vehicle as described in subsection 1, paragraph B, subparagraph (6); and a highway maintenance vehicle may be equipped with a device that provides for alternate flashing of the vehicle's headlights.

• No wig wags on POVs

C. Exceed the maximum speed limits as long as life or property is not endangered, except that capital security officers and employees of the Department of Corrections may not exercise this privilege; [2001, c. 360, §7 (AMD).]

• No speeding for prison guards.

Only vehicles listed in this paragraph, rural mail vehicles as provided in paragraph C, subparagraph (5) and school buses may be equipped with, display or use a red auxiliary or emergency light.


(1) Emergency lights used on an ambulance, an emergency medical service vehicle, a fire department vehicle, a fire vehicle, a rescue vehicle or a hazardous material response vehicle must emit a red light or a combination of red and white light.



(2) The municipal officers or a municipal official designated by the municipal officers, with the approval of the fire chief, may authorize an active member of a municipal or volunteer fire department to use one red or combination red and white flashing auxiliary light mounted as near as practicable above the front registration plate on the front of the vehicle, behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard or 2 flashing red or combination red and white auxiliary lights mounted on the front of the vehicle above the front bumper and below the hood. The light or lights may be displayed but may be used only while the member is en route to or at the scene of a fire or other emergency. A light mounted on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror must be shielded so that the emitted light does not interfere with the operator's vision. The use of lights may be revoked at any time by the fire chief.



(3) Members of an emergency medical service licensed by Maine Emergency Medical Services may display and use on a vehicle red or red and white combination flashing auxiliary lights of the same proportion, in the same location and under the same conditions as those permitted municipal and volunteer firefighters, when authorized by the chief official of the emergency medical service. The use of lights may be revoked at any time by the chief official of the emergency medical service. [2005, c. 299, §1 (AMD).]

 

• A set of grill lights in RED/RED or RED/WHITE is allowed.

• You can run a dash light as an alternative option, again, R/W is allowed. Something like a Whelen Talon or Viper S2.

• You can also mount a light to your "front bumper above your license plate" if you want.

3. Sirens.  A bell or siren may not be installed or used on any vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle.

 

 



G. A vehicle may be equipped with a spotlight. Only spotlights on authorized emergency vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles and public utility vehicles may be used on a public way, except any vehicle may use a spotlight in cases of necessity when other lights required by law fail to operate. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]





A vehicle used or provided by a contract security company to assist in traffic control and direction at construction or maintenance sites on a public way may be equipped with amber auxiliary lights.


(5) A rural mail vehicle may be equipped with auxiliary lights.


(a) The lights used to the front must be white or amber, or any shade between white and amber.



( B) The lights used to the rear must be amber or red, or any shade between amber and red.



© The lights, whether used to the front or rear, must be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as possible.



(d) The lights, whether used to the front or rear, must flash simultaneously.



(e) The lights must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in normal daylight.









(4) A vehicle equipped and used for plowing snow on other than public ways may be equipped with an auxiliary rotary flashing light that must be mounted on top of the vehicle in such a manner as to emit an amber beam of light over a 360` angle, or an amber strobe, or combination of strobes, that emits at a minimum a beam of 50 candlepower and provides visible light coverage over a 360` range. The light may be in use on a public way only when the vehicle is entering the public way in the course of plowing private driveways and other off-highway locations.


H. A vehicle in a funeral procession may be equipped with a flashing light. The light must emit a yellow beam of light. The light may not be more than 5 inches in diameter and must be placed on the dashboard. The light must be shielded so that the emitted light does not interfere with the operator's vision. The flashing light may be used only when the vehicle is used in a funeral procession. In addition, a vehicle operated by a licensed funeral home and used as a lead vehicle in a funeral procession may use a device that provides for a white flashing strobe light in the front grille. [2007, c. 62, §1 (AMD).]

 

[TheGatekeeper]

Anybody has the lastest info about New-York State please ? (or a link to the regs)

 

[CrownVic97]

North Dakota

http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t39c01.pdf?20130422220024

http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t39c10.pdf?20130422220303

MOTOR VEHICLES


CHAPTER 39-01


DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS


39-01-01. Definitions.


In this title, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:

1. "Appropriate licensed addiction treatment program" means an addiction treatment program conducted by an addiction facility licensed by the department of human services or conducted by a licensed individual specifically trained in addiction treatment.

2. "Authorized emergency vehicles":

a. "Class A" authorized emergency vehicles means:

(1) Vehicles of a governmentally owned fire department.

(2) Vehicles when operated by or under the control of a police officer having
authority to enforce the provisions of this title or by a salaried employee of a
municipal police department within the municipality or by a sheriff or deputy
sheriff not including special deputy sheriffs, or by the director of the
department of corrections and rehabilitation and the director's authorized
agents who have successfully completed training in the operation of class A
authorized emergency vehicles.

(3) Vehicles clearly identifiable as property of the department of corrections and rehabilitation when operated or under the control of the director of the department of corrections and rehabilitation.

(4) Ambulances.

(5) Vehicles operated by or under the control of the director, district deputy
director, or a district deputy game warden of the game and fish department.

(6) Vehicles owned or leased by the United States and used for law
enforcement purposes.

(7) Vehicles designated for the use of the adjutant general or assistant adjutant general in cases of emergency.

(8) Vehicles operated by or under the control of the director of the parks and
recreation department.

(9) Vehicles operated by or under the control of a licensed railroad police officer and used for law enforcement purposes.

(10) Vehicles operated by or under the control of the state forester.

(11) Vehicles operated by or under the control of the bureau of criminal
investigation and used for law enforcement purposes.

b. "Class B" authorized emergency vehicles means wreckers and such other
emergency vehicles as are authorized by the local authorities.

c. "Class C" authorized emergency vehicles means:

(1) Vehicles used by the state division of homeland security or local division of
emergency management organizations.

(2) Vehicles used by volunteer firefighters while performing their assigned
disaster and emergency responsibilities.

(3) Vehicles, other than ambulances, used by emergency medical services
personnel.


39-10-03. Class A authorized emergency vehicles.

1. The driver of a class A authorized emergency vehicle may:

a. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter.

b. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.

c. Exceed the speed limit so long as the driver does not endanger life or property.

d. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified
directions.

2. The exceptions herein granted to a class A authorized emergency vehicle apply only:

a. When the authorized emergency vehicle is in pursuit of or apprehension of a violator or a suspected violator requiring the use of these exemptions.

b. When the class A authorized emergency vehicle is being operated in response to a reported emergency involving a possible personal injury, death, or damage to property, and when giving adequate warning by use of a flashing red or combination red and white lights that are visible under normal atmospheric mconditions for at least five hundred feet [152.4 meters] and if appropriate, giving audible signal by siren or airhorn. A firetruck, ambulance, or law enforcement vehicle that is otherwise a class A authorized emergency vehicle may display a flashing blue light in addition to and under the same conditions as the other colors allowed in this subdivision.

c. In any instance when the head of a law enforcement agency deems advisable within the area of that person's jurisdiction for the protection of person and property and when giving audible signal by siren or when giving adequate warning by use of a flashing red or combination red and white lights which are visible under normal atmospheric conditions for at least five hundred feet [152.4 meters]. A firetruck, ambulance, or law enforcement vehicle that is otherwise a class A authorized emergency vehicle may display a flashing blue light in addition to and under the same conditions as the other colors allowed in this subdivision.

3. An emergency vehicle may not display or permit to be displayed any red lamp except when operated on official business.

4. Any law enforcement officer as provided in paragraph 2 of subdivision a of
subsection 2 of section 39-01-01 having stopped another vehicle along a highway, and while still involved in that incident, or any other related activity, may use amber lights, visible under normal atmospheric conditions for at least five hundred feet [152.4 meters], for the purpose of maintaining traffic flow.

39-10-03.1. Class B authorized emergency vehicles.

1. The driver of a class B authorized emergency vehicle may:

a. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter.

b. Exceed the speed limit so long as the driver does not endanger life or property during the time of a local or national disaster.

c. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

2. The exceptions granted in this section to a class B authorized emergency vehicle apply only when the authorized emergency vehicle is displaying an amber and white light visible under normal atmospheric conditions for a distance of five hundred feet [152.4 meters] in any direction, and:

a. When it is necessary for the authorized emergency vehicle to use these
exemptions for the immediate protection of life or property;

b. When an authorized emergency vehicle is stopped on a highway for the purpose of performing a duty as required of the driver; or

c. When traveling at a speed slower than the normal flow of traffic.

39-10-03.2. Class C authorized emergency vehicles.

All class B specifications apply to class C authorized emergency vehicles except that a blue flashing light must be displayed in place of an amber light as provided in section 39-10-03.1.

 

[oddone]

these are the links to NH light laws
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-b.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-c.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-d.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-e.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-f.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-g.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-h.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-i.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-l.htm
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/266/266-78-m.htm