Local Emergency Light Laws

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Damon Dyer on September 16, 2008 at 8:06am

Same here in Arkansas .

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by joe on May 3, 2008 at 8:47am

in ct. volunteers may only run blue and you can have as many as you want. and you are required to follow all the laws of the road. but we have a nice little law. if the person in front of doesn't yeild you take theplate down and make a atatement to the police and they are sent a ticket.you must appear in court to push the issue and you must be responding to a true emeragacne ( house fire or working fire). the only people to run red and or white lights with siren is the asst. chiefs i n the state. good luck

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on May 3, 2008 at 9:26am

In Rhode Island with a emergency warning light class, the chief of the fire departments signature, and the signature of the chief of police, you are issued a permit to use a red warning light. (or red/white)
Using a dash light in accordance with Rhode Island general law must coincide with the use of a siren. NO SIREN, NO LIGHT. It takes common sense by all chiefs of departments, and also members to not abuse the privelage of using the light.
Having the dash light/siren is not a free pass to break the law. If you get caught in excess of 10mph over the speed limit, blowing through traffic signals, not using turn signals, or recklessly driving, you will face diciplinary actions via police or fire department. (or both)
You request the right of way only, never assume the right of way, or force it.
In MVA's involving firefighters, the lawyers will always ask a couple of key questions.

1. Was the responder going to a TRUE emergency?
2. Did the responder use DUE REGUARD for other motorists safety?

Having lights in the grill of a vehical or having wig wags I have noticed more drivers who look in their rear view mirror tend to slam on their brakes. Maintain a safe following distance so you don't end up causing an accident. (again see due reguard) If avoidable, don't use wig wags/grill lights, use a dash or roof mounted light.

Use your head. Follow your SOP's. Follow the law. Don't drink and drive. ALWAYS wear your Seat Belt. Be safe. Stay Alive!!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nikki on May 3, 2008 at 11:23am

In SC we have to have 360 view and an audible warning device.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dan on May 6, 2008 at 7:35am

In MN we cant have lights in our pov's.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brian Boeseneilers on March 15, 2009 at 4:06pm

Good thing to. People here can't drive WITHOUT lights and sirens. Stay safe

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bryan833 on May 6, 2008 at 10:27pm

I live in NC, here you can only run red and white lights. you can have as many as you want and put them were you want. the chief and the asst. chief is the only ones aloud to run sirens.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Will2745 on May 7, 2008 at 7:07am

In Michigan we can only use red or red/white lites, if you have lites you must have a siren..Also, must obey all traffic laws, stop at red lights or stop signs.allowed as many as your battery will handle but at least one must be visible 360 degrees. and never assume you have the right of way,,,

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Doyle on May 7, 2008 at 10:32pm

here in Mo you can run only blue and white lights in your personal vehichle, you may have strobes wig wags and such the more visible the better. A siren is a must can't have one without the other.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tim "snowman"hileman on May 7, 2008 at 11:09pm

in oregon no reserve/volunteer is allowed to run warning lights or sirens of any kind. you can exceed the speed limit only by five miles per hour and obey all traffic laws

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Barbara Nelson on May 31, 2008 at 7:30pm

Yes, thats right, no nothing! Yet we still get to the fire and put it out just fine.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amber-23 on January 24, 2009 at 3:33pm

I'm with that one! In Oklahoma were not allowed anything either. But if we were, In this "you hurt me...so I'm fixin to sue you" Day in age, I still wouldn't use them. I don't want that kind of liability. If you are just in the fire service to put alot of expensive lights and sirens on your own personal vehicle or just to drive the big shiny red truck, than you need to re-evaluate the reasons why you are doing it. Especially if the only reason your moving out of state is because you can't use them.

▶ Reply to This

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last