Blue Light Laws

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Austin on March 21, 2009 at 5:07pm

It depends on the state.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christian M Hartley on March 21, 2009 at 5:33pm

In Alaska, blue lights are on POV for ems and firefighters, and some police departments, and it is state law that ALL drivers except other emergency vehicles responding to a call MUST pull over as if the 1988 Dodge Colt behind them is a ladder truck. Even cops who are not headed to a call. Once activated, the blue lights make any vehicle authorized to have them, into a state-authorized emergency vehicle.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by OLDEMSR on March 21, 2009 at 5:45pm

OLDEMSR,
In CA we aren't allowed to use any lights while responding... Support personel responding for traffic control may have amber lights facing to the rear only!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mark Klaene on March 21, 2009 at 6:06pm

NM has no such law. There is no coordinated emergency law in the state. Volunteers can run emergency lights IF their local jurisdiction allows it and issues an emergency vehicle permit. Some city/counties do, some don't. Our county does for chief officers but the requirements are insane so not many do. Ours, and other dept's have gotten around this by providing chief officers with department vehicles. Statewide they can't seem to get coordinated some cops run red, some red/blue, some red/amber. must fire run red or red/amber. we run red/blue. Even tow trucks are not coordinated , some run blue some amber, some combination. It is a little ridiculous that we don't have a state coordinated policy . If we did then I would support the blue " courtesy light" . Personally I find amber to be unsafe when operating in or very near a roadway , traffic just ignore it because they think it is work/construction. Red and blue work because they think they might get a ticket.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Big White Dog on March 21, 2009 at 6:26pm

In Calif, vollies are prohibited from having any kind of warning lights/devises and flashing blue lights are for law enforcement only. There is no provision for using a solid blue light. However, legally a law enforcement officer is supposed to display at least one forward facing solid burning red light to be considered operating "code 3". Also, it is incorrect that responders can have a rear amber flasher. 25253-25258 CVC designates who is permitted to have a rear flasher.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Alan on March 21, 2009 at 6:33pm

Maryland does not allow lights in personal vehicles unless you are a chief or a officer.

▶ Reply to This

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last