Usage_by_country Emergency_vehicle_lighting

1 usage country

1.1 argentina
1.2 brunei
1.3 australia
1.4 canada
1.5 colombia
1.6 europe

1.6.1 belgium
1.6.2 czech republic
1.6.3 france
1.6.4 germany
1.6.5 greece
1.6.6 hungary
1.6.7 latvia
1.6.8 netherlands
1.6.9 norway
1.6.10 poland
1.6.11 romania
1.6.12 russia
1.6.13 slovenia
1.6.14 spain
1.6.15 sweden
1.6.16 united kingdom


1.7 hong kong
1.8 indonesia
1.9 japan
1.10 new zealand
1.11 south korea
1.12 united states of america

1.12.1 police
1.12.2 fire , ems
1.12.3 volunteer personnel
1.12.4 utility vehicles
1.12.5 optional colors

usage country

the color of vehicle’s emergency lights useful denote type of vehicle or situation, relationship between color , service varies jurisdiction.

by far common colors core emergency services use blue , red, , there arguments using both. 1 study found flashing lights, red more perceived in daylight, , blue @ night. furthermore, red has advantages in haze , fog, while blue stands out against traffic @ night. on other hand, different study found red had quickest detection times @ night.

argentina

argentina uses blue police, red fire, green ambulances, , amber utility vehicles.

brunei

blue used police, red ambulances , combination of red , blue fire trucks. yellow used buses , trucks such pick ups , tow trucks.

australia

a marked highway patrol cruiser of western australia police.



a marked roads , traffic authority vehicle magenta lights

in australia, colors regulated @ state level, there commonalities:

red , blue used state , federal police forces, military police, australian customs law enforcement motor vehicles. red , blue used state , australian defence force fire , ambulance services. civilian ambulance , fire units across country use red , blue lights state emergency service motor vehicles in states being authorised use red , blue light combination (except wa ses ). new south wales allows red , blue used roads , maritime services traffic commanders , traffic response crews designated emergency vehicles.
red signifies risk-to-life situation, , used alone aviation rescue fire fighting (arrf), mines rescue, red cross blood/organ transport , st john ambulance service. red lighting used in use fire engines, ambulances , state emergency service motor vehicles before changed red , blue.
amber lights used roadside breakdown vehicles, security patrol vehicles, tow trucks, road construction/repair motor vehicles , other utility vehicles. amber used motor vehicles operating in , around airports , docks, includes australian federal police , australian customs vehicles fitted additional amber lighting supplement red , blue lightbars. queensland state emergency service motor vehicles authorized display amber lights under circumstances.
green lights used denote stationary ambulance, fire or police command motor vehicle. in queensland used on state forest bush fire units along amber. further, in queensland, municipal animal control units use green , amber light combination.
blue lights reserved emergency motor vehicles in general, such police, fire, ambulance, state emergency service (except queensland) , traffic commanders. blue used airport emergency vehicles designate command vehicle. well, in many states, used volunteer firefighters.
magenta (purple) lights used heavy vehicle enforcement/escort officers of nsw roads , maritime services, victorian vicroads , south australian transport safety inspectors. used in combination amber lights council rangers , new south wales ministry of transport. in western australia magenta used department of environment , conservation ‘hazmat response unit’. magenta used in escort vehicles used whilst escorting large mining equipment north of state.
white used on newer emergency vehicles, both color on lightbars , in form of ‘wig-wag’ headlights.

many police motor vehicles, , less other emergency services, fit led matrix variable message displays vehicle lightbars. such message bars used in new south wales police , fire brigade capable of displaying numerous messages warning motorists of various hazards or dangers.

canada

a york regional police ford taurus using blue lights



toronto paramedic services ambulance using red lights



vaughan fire , rescue services pumper 711 using red lights



toronto fire services district chief using red lights

generally, red used emergency vehicles, amber construction , utility vehicles, , green volunteer firefighters. blue used, along red, police, snow removal vehicles in ontario (with amber municipal snow removal) , purple used funeral. police use both red , blue canada-wide (except local laws prohibit), including ontario (thanks successful testing in toronto , ottawa, , changes in provincial traffic act), color blue used non-emergency work. blue flashing lights still permitted on snow removal vehicles in ontario, long not used in conjunction flashing red lights.

some provinces restrict municipal peace officers (the exact title varies province) different color; instance, red-only in québec, , amber in ontario. however, ontario permit types of provincial enforcement officers, such ministry of transportation, red lights. officers appointed enforce highway traffic act , other statutes use red or red , blue lights well, such ministry of environment, ministry of natural resources, university constables , others. white flashing lights common supplemental light on emergency vehicles, particularly fire , ambulance vehicles.

in new brunswick green reserved emo command post. in addition use of optional green lights, volunteer firefighters receive special license plate size markings (red letters on yellow background) displayed in place of front license plate, or in window of said vehicle.

utility vehicles use amber. ontario , newfoundland use blue lights snowplows, while alberta uses amber , red snowplows, , has public awareness campaign advising motorists “flashing amber , red means snowplow ahead”. alberta allows red lights on classes of utility vehicles, such natural gas utilities may need disconnect gas line in emergency.

while funeral vehicles may use amber, more recently, funeral vehicles in ontario, , more alberta; have begun using purple lights identification. often, courtesy, motorists yield funeral processions. however, not required law.

red , blue: police; , ‘other non-police law enforcement’ in provinces , territories.
red: fire department, other non-police law enforcement in provinces of on , qc , search , rescue vehicles in bc.
red , white: emergency medical services, st. john ambulance , private ambulatory services; police services have not changed on red , blue
amber , blue: snow plows - manitoba , ontario (see tac snow removal equipment visibility guide - july 2015 isbn 978-1-55187-574-3).
amber: construction , utility; funeral homes; airport service vehicles (excludes emergency vehicles); private snow removal vehicles (ontario); canadian automobile association emergency assistance vehicles; snow removal (nova scotia).
purple: funeral processions - british columbia, ontario, alberta, manitoba, nova scotia, newfoundland , labrador, , prince edward island.
green: being used security agencies. being used emergency service volunteers in provinces. green may used stopped emergency vehicles denote command vehicle or site commander, new brunswick emo command post. volunteer fire fighters (ontario).
white/clear: mall security (ontario); university campus security (ontario)

colombia

under colombian law, emergency vehicles authorized use lights , sirens demand priority in traffic. however, rather unusually, not specified types of lights , sirens can used. since emergency vehicles imported other parts of world, 1 can see great variety of light colors , siren types in colombia. since law enforcement duties consolidated in national police, there uniformity in police vehicles. until 1990s, these police vehicles equipped yellow lights, although today equipped single red , blue led lightbar on roof, , supplementary red, white, , blue grille lights. other, more minor law enforcement vehicles (military police, cti, unp) follow same scheme.

fire trucks imported us, , therefore use red lights although european-style fire trucks blue lights can seen and, more rarely, yellow lights in spain.

like us, ambulance service in colombia contracted out private companies, , hospitals operate own ambulance services. these different services outfit vehicles differently, there little uniformity. also, many ambulances imported other countries , retain lighting schemes of country of origin. ambulances use red or red , white light combinations. however, ambulances operated national police , army equipped red , blue lights. ambulances can seen green lights, meaning imported argentina ambulances use green lights. others still can seen yellow lights, in spain.

as in of world, utility vehicles use flashing yellow/amber lights.

although emergency , utility vehicles allowed display flashing colored lights, law not enforced , common see private vehicles customized colored lights. taxis commonly display flashing blue lights decoration, although taxi drivers install sirens onto vehicles in order around traffic. many busetas (the traditional, unregulated bus systems in many urban areas) , chivas (rural, informal, public buses) display colorful flashing lights.

europe


german emergency vehicles (all blue beacons).

in of europe emergency vehicles use blue lights. however, darker specification blue used in other parts of world.

red lights not common in europe, though used in countries red has specific meaning. police in finland, estonia, germany , sweden use forward-facing red light indicate driver must pull on , stop. in u.k., police cars outfitted flashing red lights rear toggled on/off separately blue lights indicate caution. austria, germany , sweden use red on fire vehicles designate command post; in other countries single green beacon designates command post. in sweden, green strobe indicate medical command vehicle. greece uses red on fire engines, , red along blue on police vehicles. in poland, red used on designated vehicles, including police , military vehicles, indicate beginning and/or end of convoy (of type of vehicles). until national police in slovakia used blue lights, have started using red , blue lights; municipal , military police used blue lights in slovakia.

the use of blue emergency light originates in germany during world war ii. result of ‘verdunkelung’, measure aerial defense 1935, cobalt blue regulated replace red color used until 1938 in emergency vehicle lights. due scattering properties of blue color, visible lower altitudes , therefore less spotted enemy airplanes.

belgium

belgian law prohibits red lights facing forward , therefore emergency vehicles use blue lights (red lights allowed @ rear). other agencies , authorities permitted carry blue lights on service or intervention vehicles include customs administration, military police, service removal , destruction of explosive devices, governors of provinces, civil defense service, security service of railroad network, infrabel , utility companies.

czech republic

special audible warning device supplemented special warning light blue color can fitted vehicles.

ministry of interior used police , identified special legislation,
the prison service,
military police designated special legislation,
municipal police, determines municipality,
fire departments,
mine rescue service,
emergency service gas facilities,
emergency medical services , transport sick, wounded , pregnant women,
used armed forces military rescue units carrying out humanitarian tasks of civil protection.
the customs administration marked special regulation.

france

blue : when responding, emergency vehicles (including police cars) required have, @ least, 1 -360 degrees visible- blue light on roof. french law strictly states kind of blue lights , sirens emergency vehicle can display, 2 different categories.

the first category includes fire, local , national police, gendarmerie, customs, penitentiary service, public ems (samu), private ambulances under samu contract , government civil defence. these vehicles must use two-tones sirens , beacons rotating effect, and/or lightbars flashing or rotating effects. can use 2 additional blue, flashing, front-facing lights.
the second category includes other private ambulances, blood/organ transport, railroad security, snow plows, highway maintenance/safety , electricity/gas units respond incidents , banque de france transport trucks. these vehicles must use three-tones sirens (except snow plows) , beacons flashing effect, and/or lightbars flashing effects.

amber : emergency vehicle, amber lights can used or without blue, warn other drivers emergency vehicle stopped or slow. non-emergency vehicles allowed use amber include agricultural, construction, utility, oversized, tow , airport vehicles.

green, red, white or purple not considered emergency lights, 2 first ones used on roof of command vehicles (on scene of incidents).

germany

only emergency , police vehicle may use blue lights. includes firefighters, rescue services, emergency response vehicles public utilities , civil defense units. other kinds of blue lights (e.g. car floor lighting or cab interior lights) illegal on public roads. flashing blue lights , sirens may used authorized vehicles in case of emergency , order other vehicles make way, since these vehicles have absolute right of way. blue lights alone may used secure site of accident (or standing emergency vehicle). sometimes, columns of emergency or police vehicles use blue lights (without sirens) make column more visible other vehicles.

german police lightbars have ‘polizei’ written in white on dome, , incorporate led text display can read, in mirrored writing if towards front, ‘stop polizei’ or ‘bitte folgen’ (‘please follow’), signal drivers pull over. in newest generation, text display changes between german , english (stop polizei → stop police , bitte folgen → follow me).

greece

police used have blue-colored emergency lights after recent restock of vehicles, use of both blue , red color usual. fire departments make use of red emergency light while ambulances either use red or both colors. regulation states military vehicles carrying politicians can make use of single rotating blue light @ roof. every other individual and/or company may use yellow lights either warning or emergency. special groups emergency response teams , agents may include emergency lights on private vehicles in case of emergency when not in active duty. utility vehicles such construction related, tow trucks must equipped yellow-colored emergency light bar on top, visible front , rear side. same applies private security firm vehicles, in treated typical private cars.

hungary

blue lights (in light bars) used (reserved for) police, ambulance service, emergency blood transport, fire brigade, emergency response teams (public services), correction facilities. blue-red combo used police , ambulance, red can used in combo blue. police units use additional lighting, e.g. strobe lights, alternating headlight flash, behind-windshield blue/red lights. detachable blue flash lamps used unsigned cars of special police forces, personal transport services government members, , diplomatic convoy/escort vehicles. amber/yellow flashing lights warning special attribute (e.g. oversized, slow, parking @ unexpected places etc.) of vehicles garbage trucks, road cleaning/control/repair, snow plow, car assistance services, construction, transporting dangerous materials etc. amber/yellow lights not grant traffic privileges, except go in opposite direction in one-way streets or driving on opposite side in cases, e.g. road cleaning.

latvia

almost emergency vehicles in latvia equipped roof lightbars are:

white white/dark blue colour smaller eu dark blue lights - police (policija), road police (ceļu policija)
dark blue smaller white lights + dark blue beacons - paramedics (neatliekamā medicīniskā palīdzība)

the gas emergency service (avārijas dienests/gāzes avārijas dienests) , firefighter cars equipped dark blue beacons on top. gas emergency service vehicles not have lightbars. police cars ones have dark blue dash flashers.

amber lights designate non-emergency or slow movement vehicles such tow trucks, tractors, combine harvesters or construction equipment.

netherlands

the color of emergency vehicle lighting blue. vehicles using flashing blue lights , siren have right of way on other vehicles. designated emergency/priority vehicles may use blue lights; includes police, fire brigade, ambulance service , few other, smaller services such blood bank , lifeguard organizations. dutch police vehicles have led matrix display, can show different texts in red lighting. used stop politie (ordering driver pull on , stop) or volgen politie (ordering driver follow police vehicle). standard dutch police cars have text bar incorporated in light bar, vans , motorcycles have separate sign on front of vehicle. on ambulances, green beacon indicates command vehicle when multiple units responding incident - first vehicle arrives on scene. newer ambulance models have text display alternate words ‘ambulance’ , ‘spoed’ (‘urgent’). when ever vehicles on scene (usually fire brigade vehicles , police vans), or staying in place other reason, need switch amber lighting signal not moving.

norway

emergency services in norway use blue lighting. if blue flashing light seen in either traffic or sea, other vehicles must yield let vehicle pass. blue flashing lights used police, military police, customs, fire departments, rescue services, , ambulances. government, vip, , embassy vehicles may use blue if accompanied local police. vehicle equipped blue flashing light must have permission issued dmv. operator of such vehicle must qualified emergency vehicle operator , have ‘code 160’ endorsement on driver s license. blue lights can used alone or additional siren. siren may not used alone. operator of emergency vehicle may disregard speed limits , traffic lights caution. amber lights, however, not regulated, used vehicle need special attention, such tow-trucks, snow plows, , parking enforcement. red flashing lights no longer in use, , last used in 1960s.

poland

only designated vehicles (such police, fire service, ambulances, internal affairs, etc.) permitted use blue light. sale of blue emergency light permitted, however, possession of such light in vehicles (whether turned on or off, visible or not) strictly illegal. red lights used first , last vehicle of convoy of designated vehicles , strictly regulated. amber lights seeing increasing popularity in recent years, however, specific uses designated according polish ‘kodeks drogowy’. there no specific rules governing use of other colors such purple, green, or clear lights.

romania

the 3 emergency lights used in romania red, blue , amber. @ red flashing light, bringing vehicle full stop compulsory, while blue light yielding, slowing down , moving out of way compulsory, , amber light means other traffic vehicles must proceed caution due oversized or slow vehicle.

the cars allowed use red lights romanian police , roman general inspectorate emergency situations.

cars allowed use blue rotating light romanian police (including local police), romanian gendarmerie, romanian border police, emergency medical services (including smurd), civil protection, ministry of national defense, special units of romanian intelligence service, protection , guard service, ministry of justice - general directorate of prisons, public ministry when in mission, national anticorruption directorate when in mission, , financial guard vehicles.

the amber rotating light mean vehicle , accompanying vehicles oversized, overweight, transporting dangerous goods, work road/street maintenance, tow trucks, tractors, or agricultural vehicles.

russia

red , blue: traffic police (dps dorozhno patrulnaya sluzhba road patrol service); fso (federalnaya sluzhba ohrany federal security service).
blue: police, ambulance, fire brigade, emercom vehicles, gas emergency service, central bank of russia vehicles.
amber: construction , utility vehicles, airport service vehicles (excluding emergency vehicles), snow removal.
white: russian post, armored cash transport cars.

slovenia

blue: police, ambulance service, fire brigade, military police, military ambulance, traffic police.
blue , red: first vehicle of police vehicles convoy.
blue , green: last vehicle of police vehicles convoy. (also red color can used instead of green in cases)
white: additional lightbar color, wig-wag on emergency vehicles, accident scene lighting (fire , ambulance)
amber: municipality police, utility , construction vehicles, heavy machines, slow vehicles.

spain

the law allows cuerpo nacional de policía, guardia civil, policía local , autonomous law-enforcement agencies use blue lights, in contrast convention in europe, civil defense, ambulances (ambulancia) , fire engines (bomberos) have use yellow/amber lights (the other color authorized, in contrast convention in these color lights used denote slow vehicles). autonomous communities have allowed other colors, such blue, red or white (the latter 2 of used samur in madrid), however, these technically illegal use throughout spain. yellow/amber lights used in wide-load trucks , accompanying vehicles. steady burn green light permitted on taxis.

sweden

blue police vehicles, medical vehicles , fire engines use white along dark ‘euro blue’ improve visibility during daylight hours. blue lights allowed used on vehicles of “vital importance community”. means response vehicles gas companies , electrical companies may use blue lights , sirens, vehicles use railroad/tram/metro fast response units including private tow operators contracted lift trams, vehicles of swedish military police , vehicles of swedish customs service. vehicles transport blood or donor organs may use blue lights , sirens. cars carrying armed security officers (tasked protecting embassies, airports , government buildings) may use blue lights , sirens if responding alarm.

yellow/amber lights grant no priority in traffic , exist purely advertise vehicle’s presence, , warning: heavy machines, trucks, bulldozers , suchlike equipped yellow/amber lights, , slow-going vehicles, , vehicles operate in place not supposed encounter vehicle. fitting these lights other vehicles, such privately owned or pedestrian, legal.

red swedish police use forward-facing red light indicate driver must pull on , stop. fire vehicles use red light designate command post.

green swedish ambulances use single green flashing light indicate command post.

united kingdom

blue lights

the light bar on top of northumbria police car (england)

usage of emergency vehicle lighting restricted in united kingdom through road vehicle lighting regulations 1989. illegal vehicle show flashing colored light (with exception of normal direction indicators or green anti-lock brake warning indicator), unless emergency or other authorized vehicle. pedal cycles can exhibit flashing rear red lamp , flashing white front lamp.

the main color emergency service vehicles overwhelmingly blue, although there widespread use of flashing (white) headlights, , police vehicles have set of 2 rear-facing red flashing lights indicate police car stopped or indicate caution. legal definition of emergency vehicle limits use of both methods vehicles used for:

fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes (this includes private fire or emergency ambulance services, not private security)
fire salvage
forestry commission or local authority when fighting fires
ministry of defence bomb disposal, mountain rescue, nuclear emergency or armament support, or special forces responding national security emergency
national blood service or scottish national blood transfusion service vehicles
hm coastguard
british coal corporation (now coal authority) mine rescue
rnli lifeboat launching vehicles (usually restricted launching slipway)
mountain rescue
carrying human tissue transplant
hm revenue , customs when investigating serious crime.
london underground erus - emergency response units - when attending emergencies.

blue flashing lights must lit @ scene of emergency, or when driver considers desirable indicate journey being undertaken urgent, , (in terms of law) convey other drivers should take special care.

six metropolitan police service special escort group motorcycles driving blue lights flashing.

although not linked use of warning beacons, police, fire brigade , ambulance services (and in cases, blood services , bomb disposal units, not other emergency services listed above) may choose allow drivers claim legal exemptions motoring regulations, such being able treat red traffic light give way sign, exceeding speed limit, passing wrong side of keep left/right sign, driving in bus lane, or parking in restricted areas. may not, however, ignore ‘no entry’ signs, drive wrong way down one-way street or cross solid white line in middle of road (other same exceptions granted else, example pass stationary vehicle). in reality drivers disobey other laws @ professional judgement without automatic protection law. services, such hm coastguard not allow staff claim exemptions available them.

no qualification other driver s license legally required use blue lights; whilst provision has been made require drivers of emergency vehicles have suitable training if driving above speed limit, has not yet been brought force. organizations insist drivers trained in emergency driving techniques.

the common combination of blue flashing lights two-tone sirens has led ‘blues , twos’ becoming nickname core emergency services whole, title of british documentary series depicting them.

amber/yellow lights

amber lights grant no priority in traffic , exist purely advertise vehicle’s presence. regulations specifies several classes of vehicles may use amber lights, such towing, highway maintenance, pilot vehicles escorting oversize load, , vehicles unable travel on 25 mph , fitting these lights other vehicles(such privately owned or pedestrian) legal (these beacons fitted vehicles wide-ranging security , ambulances).

amber leds used on operational appliances owned hampshire fire , rescue service. combination of blue , amber leds in light bar proven more visible @ distance. amber lights utilised vehicle , operator services agency (vosa)

other lights

green emergency lighting being used worldwide national security agencies responsible protection of critical infrastructure due new risk of terrorism. uk along australia, canada, new zealand , several other commonwealth countries use green emergency lights along usa identify special security vehicles while on secured facilities responding security breach @ facility. royal park estate wardens authorised use green emergency warning lights.

flashing red lights not allowed on vehicles, though many emergency vehicles have rear-facing flashing red lights, used signify vehicle stationary. these are, however, prohibited regulations. hazard lights may wired function @ same time, make civilians further conscious of presence. fog lights may used in alternating left/right pattern.

steady checkered lights denote command , control vehicles - these red , white fire (one of few situations forward-facing red light may shown), blue , white police , green , white ambulance, , fitted in middle of light bar.

it should noted uk legislation considers lights, reflectors , reflective material lights, , items resembling special warning beacons (of color) must covered , not disconnected (as separate offence) while on public highway. similarly, no distinction made between lights mounted on light bars , mounted anywhere else on vehicle (e.g. headlights, indicators, brake lights) - covered same regulations.

hong kong

under hong kong law, chapter 374g of road traffic (traffic control) regulations: section 46 giving way animals, police vehicles, ambulances, etc., drivers must yield vehicles sounding siren and/or flashing light bars.

red , blue: hong kong police force
red only: fire services department fire engines
blue only: ambulances, whether operated fire services department, auxiliary medical services, or hong kong st. john ambulance; customs , excise department, hong kong correctional services
amber only: utility vehicles, civil aid service, vehicles in air-side of airport (for pilots visibility), hong kong immigration department vehicles

indonesia

under indonesian legislation number 22 year of 2009 section 59 colors , users of lightbars are:

blue: indonesian national police , escort units
red: ambulance, fire brigade, , search & rescue units
amber: tow trucks, , road engineer vehicles


japan

a japanese police car patlite aws light bar



nexco east japan patrol car amber , red light bar.

red used color on japanese emergency vehicles. japanese police uses light bars mounted on raised (mechanical) platform make them more visible on congested streets. rotating lights commonly used. newer vehicles have led light bars installed. vehicles other light color red security or engineers. wig-wag headlights not used.

red: police, fire department, ambulance, , other certified emergency vehicles.
amber: construction/repair/road cleaning vehicles, snow plows, highway maintenance vehicles.
blue: tow trucks, security vehicles.
green: oversized vehicles , pilot vehicles.


new zealand

typical new zealand police patrol vehicle current led lightbar, led dash lighting , alternating headlights.



christchurch hazmat command unit truck federal signal corp vision slr lightbar.

in new zealand, colors used on lightbars , beacons defined new zealand transport authority regulations.

red , blue: new zealand police. prior 1992 nz police vehicle warning lights blue distinguish them red lights of traffic enforcement police part of former new zealand ministry of transport.
red: used vehicle defined emergency vehicle signify vehicles give way emergency vehicle. includes new zealand fire service, , recognised ambulance services.
amber , blue: used customs officers, fisheries officers, marine reserve officers.
amber: amber lights may operated towing companies, traffic management agencies, construction site vehicles , heavy vehicles, or other utility vehicles when necessary warn other motorists of hazard. amber must fitted oversize vehicles , pilot vehicles. vehicles operating in airports , sea ports must display amber lights.
green: green emergency lighting used registered medical practitioner, registered nurse or registered midwife on emergency calls, grants no privileges or exemptions traffic laws

volunteers in general afforded no special privileges , cannot use flashing lights or sirens in order navigate traffic. however, volunteer operational support(ex fire police ) members respond calls in own private vehicles may authorized unit or brigade display red beacon, reasons of safety , identification. however, these lights may fitted , operational while stationary @ emergency scene, not while mobile in traffic.

south korea

red: fire department, gyeongi province ambulances, police vehicles
blue: police motorcycles, police vehicles, volunteer firefighters
red , blue: police patrol cars
green: ambulances (some privately operated ambulances use green , red lights)
yellow/amber: utility vehicles, security company

united states of america


a california highway patrol ford explorer emergency lights on.

in united states, colors regulated @ state , local levels, there commonalities.

red denotes emergency vehicle if lights facing forward.




a near universal exception rule school buses allowed use rear , forward-facing, alternatively phased flashing red lights before, during, , after passenger loading & unloading signal other traffic stop.
in iowa, red lights can used on funeral hearse, during funerals.
in washington state, , texas, red lights used on tow trucks, if vehicle not in motion. tow trucks mount rear-facing red lights used in sync vehicle s normal stop lights.
in wisconsin, tow trucks required equipped red lights such lights may operated when tow truck standing on or near traveled portion of highway preparatory towing or servicing disabled vehicle.
in california, emergency vehicles must display @ least 1 forward-facing steady-burn red light. exceptions made individual vehicles.
in new york, emergency vehicles must display red lighting front , sides of vehicle, white lighting being optional. blue lights permitted displayed rear.
in michigan, emergency road service vehicles such tow trucks allowed use red warning lights when stationary.




amber or yellow lights used utility vehicles such construction vehicles, tow trucks, snow plows, funeral escorts , hearses, security patrol vehicles or other vehicles may stopped or moving slower flow of traffic.




amber permissively regulated color.
in california, emergency vehicles must display @ least 1 rearward-facing flashing amber light.(par 36)




white used optional color on lightbars, in combination other colors increase visibility, though may restricted emergency vehicles in states.




white used color on lightbar, though states require flashing white beacons on rear of school buses rear-end collision prevention measure.
historically, white used in combination red bulb lenses in federal signal company beacon ray, introduced in late 1940s , later 1960s , 1970s model p lights equipped clear domes on through 1980s, when revolving bulb , reflector type emergency lighting including later 1970s twinsonic , aerodynamic light bars supplanted newer strobe types. clear dome extended hi base 4-bulb beacon ray colored lenses on bulbs used extensively in 1960s nypd 2 red bulbs alternated white bulb , amber bulb canted upwards @ 45-degree angle amber flash reflect off upper-floor building windows added traffic attention/visibility. clear dome/colored bulb lens combination found extensive use across fire apparatus , ambulance lighting.
certain railroad-related machines, fueling tankers, track maintenance , switching engines, may use flashing white light. government vehicles, such rural mail delivery vehicles, use flashing white beacon in states.




green emergency lighting since 9/11 used homeland security agencies , government/private security agencies protecting high risk government , critical infrastructure.




green emergency lighting used on vehicles protecting nuclear facilities, oil & gas depots, water storage facilities , dams, gas pipelines, airports, defense facilities, maritime facilities, , other areas @ high risk of terrorist attacks.
green emergency lighting used private security agencies securing government buildings , establishments terrorist organizations may target. however, in state of florida, green allowed use private security vehicles in combination amber lights. (florida state legislation pending allow flashing clear/white lights in combination amber/green security patrol lights added visibility.)
green , blue emergency lighting used counter-terrorism agencies whilst responding terrorist incidents, distinguish specialist agencies other emergency departments.
in commonwealth of puerto rico, green , blue used homeland & national security agencies municipal police forces in addition counter-terrorism security agencies.
in washington state, under provisions of rcw 46.37.185, firefighter may use green light on privately owned vehicle approval of fire chief of department employed by. green light used identification purposes , not convey special rights or status vehicle.
in oregon, , other states, ‘command’ vehicle @ fire scene may use green light identify location.
in tennessee, motorcycles in funeral processions use green lights.
in ohio, snowplows used ohio department of transportation use combination of green , amber lights.
in new york, connecticut , indiana, volunteer emts use green lights
in new york city, single flashing green light separated other red , blue flashing lights on nypd vehicle denotes thv (temporary headquarters vehicle) known mobile command post vehicle , used on 2-star assistant chiefs marked rmp (radio motor patrol) vehicle identify such.




blue reserved law enforcement, firefighters , emts.




in new mexico tow trucks may have blue lights in combination amber.
in texas, highway maintenance vehicles display blue in combination amber.
in california, blue lights may used on vehicles operated peace officers, defined under california penal code 830.1 830.38. (california vehicle code 25258(b))
alaska, arizona, colorado, minnesota, , nebraska use blue lights on snowplows.
in new york state, forward facing blue lights not permitted on emergency vehicles, anomaly in us. exception on personal vehicles of volunteer firefighters, allowed display forward facing flashing blue lights when responding emergency.
in massachusetts, police vehicles permitted display blue lights front of vehicle, white lights being optional. police vehicles required display rear @ least 1 red light , 1 amber light. law inverse fire trucks. fire trucks permitted display red lights front of vehicle, must display @ least 1 blue , amber light rear. ambulances follow same scheme fire trucks, ambulances can seen red , blue lights throughout.

furthermore, other new england states not have legislation regulating color of lights on emergency vehicles. generalize red , blue lights being restricted emergency vehicles. however, police, fire, , ambulance services in these other new england states voluntarily follow same scheme massachusetts.






purple permitted in states denote funeral vehicle , /or coroner’s or medical examiner s office.

police

police agencies may use red, blue, or both, depending on state, along white , amber optional colors; although amber restricted face behind vehicle. police cars have amber directional control bar, known ‘arrow stick’, behind lightbar direct traffic left or right around vehicle; these have 6 or 8 rear-facing lights flash in sequence.

some privately operated special police allowed display same colors regular police, generally, if receive special police authority @ state level. can include railroad, university, hospital, , spca , humane society police departments, animal control , regulatory officers, fish , wildlife conservation officers , federal , state park rangers, , beach safety lifeguards law enforcement certified.

fire , ems

1960s-70s era fire truck federal signal beacon ray emergency light , siren mounted on top

fire , emergency medical services use red lights amber , white optional colors. vehicles operated fire departments, such fire engines , heavy rescue vehicles, prominently use red, color strong cultural associations fire service, along amber , white. more modern fire trucks , airport crash units use yellow-green color, however.

many fire chiefs’ cars have, in addition red lights, single green beacon indicate command post status. on other hand, in chicago , nearby communities, fire vehicles show green light on right, or starboard, side of vehicle, reflecting nautical tradition.

emergency medical vehicles, such ambulances , paramedic fly-cars, use white, amber, , red well. states have specific rule authorizing light colors ems vehicles, while ems vehicles ‘inherit’ light colors fire or police department operated or contracted to, , may show blue lights.

the national fire protection association publishes nfpa-1901 standards fire vehicles, specifies degree of lighting on various parts of vehicles, flexibility color. there gsa procurement specification ambulances known kkk-a-1822-f, many local authorities follow.

volunteer personnel

a new jersey emt’s vehicle @ night lights flashing.

many u.s. states allow volunteer fire, ems , search , rescue personnel place emergency warning lights in personal vehicles use when responding emergencies. degree of lighting mandated law , local custom in areas, , can vary single rotating light on dashboard or roof, setup modern police cruisers. states allow volunteer use of sirens , air horns request right of way.

virginia state law allows emergency personnel equip 1 private vehicle “with no more 2 flashing or steady-burning red or red , white combination warning lights”.

in states, volunteers allowed use normal red lights, while in other states volunteers must use other color, blue or green. in latter case, lights used courtesy ‘request’ right of way , not mandate pulling over. states, such pennsylvania, limit volunteer use of red lights chiefs , captains of squads.

separate colors may used fire versus ems volunteers. in connecticut, indiana, , new york, volunteer firefighters use blue while volunteer emts use green. in new jersey, volunteer fire , ambulance personnel use blue lights in personal vehicles while responding stations. in nj red lights allowed emergency vehicles, fire chiefs, chief officers of first aid or rescue squads, or other law enforcement vehicles. in iowa, volunteer firefighters can use flashing blue lights on personal vehicles, while volunteer emts can use flashing white (clear) lights.

new york certifies volunteer emts use red lights , sirens provided vehicles carry equipment; used hatzolah volunteers in nyc area. typically in new york state, volunteer firefighters use blue lights in personal vehicles , volunteer ems use green lights. may generate confusion, green lights used signify incident command vehicle. in state of texas, “a private vehicle of volunteer firefighter or certified emergency medical services employee or volunteer when responding fire alarm or medical emergency” considered “authorized emergency vehicle” , may use alternately flashing lighting equipment or may equipped siren, exhaust whistle, or bell.

the conflicting color assignments can create issues volunteers drive vehicles out of state. 1 color in state may mean firefighter or emt when in state may mean police. while authorities may satisfied covering lights ‘out of service’ tarpaulin, compliance may more difficult in other jurisdictions. example, arkansas bars civilian possession of blue lights on or in vehicle unless sealed in manufacturer’s original package.

utility vehicles

private security car amber/yellow lightbar on top.

amber lights used on vehicle involved in non-emergency work. utility companies, towing services, oversize load vehicles, slow vehicles, , types of construction equipment mount type of lightbar or lighting system higher degree of visibility.

in detroit, michigan, angels night volunteers patrol neighborhoods yellow lights deter vandalism during devil s night , halloween. typically these lights single beacon kind, although lightbars have been used vehicles of type, on wreckers/tow trucks.

in memphis, tennessee city maintenance vehicles (including mlg&w utility trucks) flashing lights use yellow lights; however, vehicles traffic engineering department use red flashing lights, vehicles equipped cherry pickers used repair traffic signals.

in states not enforce specific rules green, yellow or white lights, these colors used entities private security companies may ineligible use blue or red lights need emergency lights traffic , site visibility. security vehicles use lights on private property, in addition security vehicles off-road such atv , golf cart type vehicles. , in jurisdictions security vehicles not allowed ‘courtesy’ or ‘emergency’ status on public roads.

optional colors

while colors customarily used different services, other colors optionally used, such amber , white. sometimes, done satisfy particular regulations; example, california requires steady red light facing forward , flashing amber light rear on every emergency vehicle.

cite error: there <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on page, references not show without {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see page).