Emergency Light Laws
Red & Blue Light Laws
Title 75. The Vehicle Code
Title 67. Transportation
Blue Light Laws - Simplified
Red Light Laws - Simplified
Section
102. Definitions
3105. Drivers of Emergency Vehicles
3346. Emergency vehicles entering or leaving official garage
4306. Use of multiple-beam road lighting equipment
4571. Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles
4572. Visual signals on authorized vehicles
§ 102. Definitions
Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this title which are applicable to specific provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
"Ambulance." Any vehicle which is specifically designed, constructed or modified and equipped and is used or intended to be used and is maintained or operated for the purpose of providing emergency medical care to and transportation of human patients. The term includes advanced or basic life support vehicles that may or may not transport such patients.
"Blood delivery vehicle." Any vehicle which is used or intended to be used and is maintained or operated for the purpose of transporting blood or blood products on an emergency basis.
"Emergency vehicle." A fire department vehicle, police vehicle, sheriff vehicle, ambulance, blood delivery vehicle, human organ delivery vehicle, hazardous material response vehicle, armed forces emergency vehicle, one vehicle operated by a coroner or chief county medical examiner and one vehicle operated by a chief deputy coroner or deputy chief county medical examiner used for answering emergency calls, any vehicle owned and operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, established in accordance with 53 PaCS Ch 55 (relating to parking authorities) and used in the enforcement of 53 PaCS Ch 57 (relating to taxicabs and limousines in first class cities), or any other vehicle designated by the State Police under section 6106 (relating to designation of emergency vehicles by the Pennsylvania State Police), or a privately owned vehicle used in answering an emergency call when used by any of the following:
(1) A police chief and assistant chief.
(2) A fire chief, assistant chief and, when a fire company has three or more fire vehicles, a second or third assistant chief.
(3) A fire police captain and fire police lieutenant.
(4) An ambulance corps commander and assistant commander.
(5) A river rescue commander and assistant commander.
(6) A county emergency management coordinator.
(7) A fire marshal.
(8) A rescue service chief and assistant chief.
Note that a fire police captain and lieutenant are ONE EACH.
"Fire department vehicle." A vehicle owned or leased by an organized paid or volunteer fire department.
"Hazardous material response vehicle." A vehicle owned or leased by a hazardous material response team certified through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
"Human organ delivery vehicle." Any vehicle which is used or intended to be used and is maintained or operated for the purpose of transporting human organs or human tissue on an emergency basis.
§ 3105. Drivers of Emergency Vehicles.
(a) General Rule.--The driver of an emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm or other emergency call, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions stated in this section.
(b) Exercise of special privileges.--The driver of an emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this part.
(2) Proceed past a red signal indication or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation, except as provided in subsection (d).
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as the driver does not endanger life or property, except as provided in subsection (d).
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement, overtaking vehicles or turning in specified directions.
(c) Audible and visual signals required.--The privileges granted in this section to an emergency vehicle shall apply only when the vehicle is making use of an audible signal and visual signals meeting the requirements and standards set forth in regulations adopted by the department.
(d) Ambulances, blood delivery vehicles and human organ delivery vehicles.--The driver of an ambulance, blood-delivery vehicle or human organ delivery vehicle shall comply with maximum speed limits, red signal indications and stop signs. After ascertaining that the ambulance, blood-delivery vehicle or human organ delivery vehicle will be given the right-of-way, the driver may proceed through a red signal indication or stop sign.
(e) Exercise of care.--This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.
(f) Pedalcycles.--No part of this section shall be construed to restrict the operation of a pedalcycle used by a police officer during the course of performing official duties.
(g) Emergency vehicle preemption devices.--
(1) The department may promulgate regulations for the operation and used of preemptive traffic devices for emergency vehicles.
(2) An individual other than authorized emergency personnel who operates or uses a preemptive traffic device commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(3) The possession of a preemptive traffic device by an individual who is not an authorized user of the device is prohibited. The device if in the possession of a nonauthorized user shall be deemed contraband and shall be seized by a law enforcement officer.
(h) Limitations relating to school busses.- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b)(4), the driver of an emergency vehicle shall comply with the provisions of section 3345 (relating to meeting or overtaking school bus). Vehicle shall come to a complete stop when a school bus flashes its red signal lights and activates its side stop signal arms. After stopping, the driver of the emergency vehicle may pass the school bus only after exercising due diligence and caution for the safety of the students in a manner that will not risk the safety of the students.
§ 3346. Emergency vehicles entering or leaving official garage.
If an emergency vehicle is leaving or returning to its garage and the emergency lights of the emergency vehicle are engaged, the driver of an approaching vehicle shall stop and give the emergency vehicle the right-of-way to leave or enter the garage and may not proceed until the emergency vehicle is safely out of the driver's path.
§ 4306. Use of multiple-beam road lighting equipment.
(a) Approaching an oncoming vehicle.-Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the driver shall use the low beam of light.
(b) Approaching a vehicle from the rear.-Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches another vehicle from the rear within 300 feet, the driver shall use the low beam of light.
(c) Exception.--
(1) An emergency vehicle which is equipped with a flashing headlamp system that conforms to regulations promulgated by the department shall be exempt from the provisions of this section only when the vehicle is being used pursuant to the provisions of section 4571(e) (relating to visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles).
(2) Nothing in this section shall limit drivers from flashing high beams at oncoming vehicles as a warning of roadway emergencies or other dangerous or hazardous conditions ahead.
§ 4571. Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles.
(a) General rule.--Every emergency vehicle shall be equipped with one or more revolving or flashing red lights and an audible warning system. Spotlights with adjustable sockets may be attached to or mounted on emergency vehicles.
(b) Police, sheriff, fire and coroner or medical examiner vehicles.--
(1) Police, sheriff, coroner, medical examiner or fire police vehicles may in addition to the requirements of subsection (a) be equipped with one or more revolving or flashing blue lights. The combination of red and blue lights may be used only on police, sheriff, coroner, medical examiner or fire police vehicles.
(2) Unmarked police and sheriff vehicles, used as emergency vehicles and equipped with audible warning systems, shall be equipped with the lights described in this subsection.
(b.1) Mounted lights and additional equipment.--
(1) Police, sheriff and fire vehicle may be equipped with a mounted rack containing one or more emergency warning lights or side mounted floodlights or alley lights or all such lights in conformance with department regulations.
(2) Additional visual or audible warning signal equipment, including, but not limited to, flashing headlamp system, flashing or revolving white or clear lights, steady burning lights, traffic-control emergency directional light assembly, amber lights and intersection lights may be utilized on emergency vehicles in accordance with regulations promulgated by the department.
(c) Game Commission vehicles.--(Repealed).
(c.1) Public Utility Commission vehicles.--Vehicles owned or operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and used in the enforcement of 66 Pa.C.S. Chs. 23 (relating to common carriers) and 25 (relating to contract carrier by motor vehicle and broker) may be equipped with revolving or flashing red lights in accordance with subsection (a).
(d) Vehicles prohibited from using signals.--Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section, no vehicle other than an emergency vehicle may be equipped with revolving or flashing lights or audible warning systems identical or similar to those specified in subsections (a) and (b). A person who equips or uses a vehicle with visual or audible warning systems in violation of this section commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.
(e) Authorized period of use.--The lights and warning systems specified by this section may be used only during an emergency or in the interest of public safety or by police officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in enforcement of the law. Unauthorized use of the lights and warning systems specified by this section shall be a summary offense punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.
(f) Conformity with department regulations.--All equipment authorized or required by this section shall conform to department regulations.
§ 4572. Visual signals on authorized vehicles.
(a) Flashing or revolving blue lights.--Ambulance personnel, volunteer firefighters, certified volunteer search and rescue organization members and owners and handlers of dogs used in tracking humans may each equip one motor vehicle with no more than two flashing or revolving blue lights.
(1) In order to be eligible to display lights on their vehicles under this subsection, the names of the ambulance personnel, volunteer firefighters and certified volunteer search and rescue organization members shall be submitted to the nearest station of the Pennsylvania State Police on a list signed by the chief of the ambulance or fire department or company, the head of the search and rescue organization, and each dog owner and handler shall register at the nearest Pennsylvania State Police station.
(2) The manner in which the lights are displayed and their intensity shall be determined by regulation of the department.
(3) The lights shall be operable by the driver from inside the vehicle.
(4) The lights may be used only while en route to or at the scene of a fire or emergency call.
(5) The lights shall be removed from the vehicle immediately upon receipt of notice from the chief of the ambulance or fire department or company or the head of the search and rescue organization to remove the lights upon termination of the person's status as an active volunteer firefighter or ambulance person or upon termination of the person's active status as a certified volunteer search and rescue organization member or dog owner or handler, or when the vehicle is no longer used in connection with the person's duties as a volunteer firefighter or ambulance person, certified volunteer search and rescue organization member or dog owner or handler.
(6) This subsection does not relieve the driver from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons nor exempt the driver from complying with all provisions of this title.
(b) Flashing or revolving yellow lights.--Vehicles authorized pursuant to the provisions of sections 6106 (relating to designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania State Police) and 6107 (relating to designation of authorized vehicles by department), tow trucks and vehicles used for snow removal may be equipped with one or more flashing or revolving yellow lights. The manner in which the light or lights shall be displayed and the intensity shall be determined by regulation of the department.
(c) Vehicles prohibited from using lights.--No vehicle other than a duly authorized vehicle may be equipped with lights identical or similar to those specified in subsections (a) and (b). A person who equips or uses a vehicle with visual systems in violation of this section commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.
TITLE 67. TRANSPORTATION
PART I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subpart A. VEHICLE CODE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE VII. VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
CHAPTER 173. FLASHING OR REVOLVING LIGHTS
ON EMERGENCY AND AUTHORIZED VEHICLES
Section
173.1. Purpose
173.2. Definitions
173.3. Display requirements
173.4. Wiring
173.5. Light activation indicator
173.6. Nonconforming or authorized lighting systems
§ 173.1. Purpose
This chapter pertains to the nature, display, color, minimum performance standards and configuration of flashing, oscillating or revolving lights that are permissible for display by emergency and authorized vehicles.
§ 173.2. Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Authorized vehicle-- The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).
Emergency vehicle-- he term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).
Flash--An intermittent burst of light.
Flash rate--The rate of flash, revolution or oscillation per minute of a single light, when that light is observed from a fixed position.
Flashing headlamp system-- A system designed to automatically flash the high intensity--high beam--portion of the headlamps of a vehicle in either an alternate or simultaneous flash. The system shall be designed so that activation of the high intensity--high beam-- portion of the standard headlamp system overrides the flashing headlamp system.
Flashing light--A light designed to flash by current interruption, or by other means providing an intermittent change in intensity when the light is observed from a fixed position.
Hazard warning system-- Driver-controlled flashing front and rear lights used to warn approaching motorists when a vehicle is broken down or is traveling at a slow speed.
Intersection light-- A flashing red, blue, white, or clear light used as part of a flashing, oscillating, or revolving light system to enhance the visibility of an emergency vehicle from the front and side as it approaches or travels through an intersection.
Light activation indicator-- An audible signal or an illuminated switch or pilot light which provides the driver of an emergency or authorized vehicle with a clearly audible or visible and continual indicator that a flashing or revolving light, flashing headlamp system, traffic control emergency directional light or authorized nonflashing or nonrevolving light is activated.
Light bar assembly--A device or devices designed and constructed to provide and display more than one steady burning, flashing, oscillating or revolving light.
Oscillating light-- A light designed to flash by movement back and forth between two or more points, including the alternation between the maximum and minimum voltage.
Revolving light--A light designed to give the appearance of flashing by its rotation around a fixed axis through a 360° arc, on a horizontal plane.
Single light--A device containing one or more lenses, lamps or bulbs which are designed to produce, when viewed from a fixed position or point, the appearance of one flashing or revolving beam of light.
Traffic control emergency directional light assembly--A device electronically designed to display amber or yellow warning signal lights in a distinctive motion-lighting pattern-- arrow left, arrow right, center out or alternately flashing--to warn motorists that they are approaching a hazard or to direct them around an impending hazard.
Unmarked police vehicle-- A police vehicle not equipped with a roof-mounted light-bar assembly. The vehicle may display graphics, markings or decals, identifying the agency or department.
§ 173.3. Display requirements.
(a) Color. White, clear, red, blue, amber or yellow are the only colors permitted for use in flashing or revolving lights.
(1) Chromaticity coordinates. A flashing, revolving or oscillating light must meet or exceed the Chromaticity Coordinates, CIE 1931, Standard Colorimetric System as provided in SAE Standard J578d, Color Specification for Electrical Signal Lighting Devices, September 1978 or subsequent SAE Standards. This requirement does not apply to flashing headlamp systems.
(2) Red lights. A vehicle may display red lights as provided by 75 Pa.C.S. § 4571 (relating to visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles).
(3) Blue lights. A vehicle may display blue lights as provided for by 75 Pa.C.S. § 4572(a) (relating to visual signals on authorized vehicles). Vehicles described in 75 Pa.C.S. § 4572(a) may be equipped with a light-bar assembly using only blue lights. See Figure 3.1.
(4) Combination red-and-blue lights. Vehicles listed under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4571(b) may display combination red-and-blue lights. The privately-owned vehicles defined as an emergency vehicle under 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions) must be equipped under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4571(a).
(5) Yellow or amber lights. A vehicle may display yellow or amber lights as follows:
(i) Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4572(b), an authorized vehicle as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 and designated in Chapter 15 (relating to authorized vehicles and special operating privileges) may be equipped with flashing or revolving yellow or amber lights or one or more light bar assembly containing only yellow or amber lights.
(ii) An authorized vehicle which is used in the construction, repair or maintenance of a bridge or highway maybe equipped with traffic control emergency directional light assemblies.
(iii) Emergency vehicles may be equipped with yellow or amber lights, in addition to traffic control emergency directional light assemblies. The yellow or amber lights shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle or face rearward so that they are visible from behind the vehicle.
(6) White or clear lights. In addition to flashing or revolving red or combination red-and-blue lights, an emergency vehicle may be equipped with a flashing headlamp system and no more than one flashing, revolving or oscillating white or clear light, or with a light-bar assembly containing no more than three flashing, revolving or oscillating white or clear lights. The vehicle may also be equipped with additional preemptive traffic control devices.
(i) When the light-bar assembly contains three flashing, revolving or oscillating white or clear lights, the center light must be mounted to flash white or clear light only to the front.
(ii) When the vehicle is stationary, the light-bar assembly may not display white or clear light to the rear.
(iii) Flashing, revolving or oscillating white or clear lights and flashing headlamp systems may only be used in conjunction with the flashing or revolving red or combination red-and-blue lights. Flashing, revolving or oscillating white or clear lights and flashing headlamp systems that are not used in conjunction with flashing or revolving red or combination red-and-blue lights do not constitute visual signals under 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 3325 and 4571 (relating to duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle; and visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles).
(7) Steady burning lights. Red, blue, amber or yellow nonflashing or nonrevolving lights--steady burning lights--may be used in conjunction with flashing or revolving lights.
(8) Utility lights. Clear or white forward or side facing steady burning utility lights (that is, take down, alley, spotlight) may not be used as a visual signal for purposes of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3325. These lights may be used while the vehicle is in motion or stationary for the purpose of an emergency, for the safety of the public, or in the enforcement of the law.
(9) Other lights. A vehicle, other than those identified in this chapter, may not be equipped with lights or systems identical or similar to those specified by this subsection, except that school buses and urban mass transit buses which will be used for carrying school children may be equipped with flashing lights as permitted by 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 4552(b) and 4553(a) (relating to general requirements for school buses; and general requirements for other vehicles transporting school children), and Chapters 15 and 171 (relating to school buses; and school vehicles).
(10) Hazard warning systems and turn signals. Hazard warning systems and turn signals are not considered flashing lights for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) 360° visibility. Except for unmarked police vehicles, when flashing or revolving red, blue, yellow or amber lights are mounted on a vehicle, one or more of these lights shall be mounted to provide visibility to vehicles approaching from any direction (360° visibility), regardless of the method of mounting.
(1) When only one light is used to provide 360° visibility, this light must be in compliance with SAE Standard J845, 360° Emergency Warning Lamps, May 1997, or subsequent SAE standards.
(2) When more than one light is used to provide 360° visibility, the number of lights used may not exceed those specified in 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 4571 and 4572.
(c) Visibility for unmarked police vehicles. When the combination of lights are mounted on an unmarked police vehicle, these lights shall be mounted to provide visibility to vehicles approaching from the front and rear, regardless of the method of mounting.
(d) Flash rate. The flash rate, when observed from a fixed position, must be between 60 and 260 flashes per minute. When the flash rate is produced by the interruption of current, the period of illumination must be long enough to permit the bulb to come to full brightness.
(e) Mounting location. The following applies to mounting locations for flashing or revolving lights:
(1) Emergency vehicles, except police vehicles. Flashing or revolving lights, excluding flashing headlamp systems, may be permanently mounted on the vehicle or attached to a mounting device, in a workmanlike manner, in the following locations only:
(i) On a cab or roof of the vehicle.
(ii) No more than 18 inches above the highest fixed point of the vehicle.
(iii) Behind, in front of, or on the grille of emergency vehicles. A flashing light may be mounted so as to flash through or in front of the grille on emergency vehicles when the vehicle is also equipped with one or more flashing or revolving red lights that meet the 360° visibility requirements of subsection (b).
(iv) With respect to intersection lights, close to the front upper edge of each front fender of an emergency vehicle and not protruding more than 2 inches from the fender.
(v) Inside of existing vehicular lighting modules/assemblies, such as headlights, parking lights, taillights. This does not include reverse lights.
(A) This subsection does not apply to privately owned vehicles that otherwise qualify as emergency vehicles as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.
(B) Vehicles mounting lights as outlined in this subsection must also mount, in another location, flashing or revolving lights that meet the 360° visibility requirements. This does not include reverse lights.
(2) Police vehicles. Flashing or revolving lights may be permanently mounted on the vehicle or attached to a mounting device, in a workmanlike manner, in the following locations only:
(i) On a cab or roof of the vehicle.
(ii) No more than 18 inches above the highest fixed point of the vehicle.
(iii) With respect to combination red-and-blue lights only, behind, in front of, or on the grille. Police vehicles mounting lights as outlined in this subsection must also mount flashing or revolving lights in another location visible from the front of the vehicle.
(iv) Inside the passenger compartment, clearly visible through the front windshield. (See original equipment manufacturer for mounting locations.)
(v) Inside the passenger compartment, clearly visible through the rear window.
(vi) In or on the trunk lid.
(vii) Inside of existing vehicular lighting modules/assemblies, such as headlights, parking lights, taillights (not including reverse lights). Police vehicles mounting lights as outlined in this subsection must also mount, in another location, flashing or revolving lights visible from the front and rear of the vehicle.
(viii) With respect to flashing lights only, within the nondriver's compartment-side window.
(ix) With respect to combination red-and-blue lights, in a location visible from the front and rear of the vehicle.
(x) With respect to fender intersection lights, close to the front upper edge of each front fender of a police vehicle and not protruding more than 2 inches from the fender.
(xi) With respect to motorcycles, at a location in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(3) Authorized vehicles.
(i) Flashing or revolving lights may be permanently mounted on the vehicle or attached to a mounting device, in the following locations only:
(A) On a cab, cab protector or roof of the vehicle.
(B) No more than 18 inches above the highest fixed point of the vehicle.
(C) On the front or rear of the bed or body of an authorized vehicle.
(D) On the tailgate of an authorized vehicle.
(E) In a location other than as set forth in clauses (A)--(D) as needed to comply with the 360° requirement in subsection (b).
(ii) The installation or use of additional flashing or strobe lights in existing vehicular lighting modules/assemblies, such as headlights, parking lights, taillights, is expressly prohibited.
(4) Traffic control emergency directional light assemblies. Traffic control emergency directional light assemblies may not interfere with permanently installed lights. These assemblies may be permanently mounted on the vehicle or attached to a mounting device, in a workmanlike manner, in a location visible to approaching traffic.
(e) Mounting devices. Flashing or revolving lights, excluding flashing headlamp systems, grille-mounted flashing lights and intersection lights, may be mounted on one of the following devices:
(1) A magnetic base.
(2) A roof rack, light-bar or other device that is welded or bolted onto the vehicle, or is mounted on the vehicle by using suction cups equipped with nylon or steel straps and clips which hook onto the drip rail or moulding.
(3) A self-leveling gimbal device.
(4) Grommet mounting is acceptable for flush mounted flashing lights.
§ 173.4. Wiring.
Wiring shall be installed using the industry's best practices.
(1) Wiring must be primary SAE rated and be of proper gauge to handle applied load. Ground wiring must be of equal gauge.
(2) Wiring may not be loaded to more than 80% of its rated capacity.
(3) The wiring must be permanently installed and routed through the vehicle in a manner to avoid short circuits or interfering with the operation of the vehicle.
(4) Grommets shall be used when wires pass through bulkheads and other sharp metal surfaces.
(5) Each accessory will be protected with the proper circuit protection as recommended by the manufacturer (that is, fuses or circuit breakers). The main circuit protection will be as close to the power source as possible.
(6) Additional wiring installed for emergency equipment may not impede or compromise the original equipment manufacturer circuits or original equipment manufacturer equipment functions as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.
(7) Tapping power off of original equipment manufacture circuits, such as in fuse blocks, must be only as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Tapping power off air bag or ABS brake and brake light circuits is prohibited.
(8) These requirements do not apply to flashing or revolving lights that are attached to a vehicle with a magnetic base.
§ 173.5. Light activation indicator.
Emergency and authorized vehicles which are equipped with lights or light systems provided for in this chapter shall also be equipped with a light activation indicator which will automatically activate whenever a flashing or revolving light, flashing headlamp system, traffic control emergency directional light or authorized nonflashing or nonrevolving light is engaged.
§ 173.6. Nonconforming or authorized lighting systems.
A violation of this chapter is a summary offense and subject to sanctions imposed under 75 Pa.C.S. § 6502(b) (relating to summary offenses). Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 6104(c) (relating to administrative duties of department), the Department of Transportation may make necessary and reasonable investigations to procure information required to enforce this chapter.
BLUE LIGHT LAWS - SIMPLIFIED
Who - Ambulance personnel, firefighters (includes Fire Police), certified rescue SCUBA divers, and owners & handlers of dogs used in tracking humans.
How Many - One vehicle only. One or two blue lights or one lightbar containing only blue lights.
One light - A fixture containing one or more bulbs, which, when activated, produces one point of light to a viewer.
A lightbar - A fixture containing more than one light which provides multiple points of light to a viewer. There is no distinction between a mini-bar and a full-size lightbar.
Alley lights, Take-down lights - or any other clear, steady-burn lights are prohibited.
No other colors other than blue may be used. For example, amber flashers or clear rotators are NOT permitted to be used in conjunction with blue lights.
Mounting - may be permanent, hook-on or magnetic. MUST be on roof of vehicle or on a pipe not exceeding 18" above the vehicle.
Strobes in the headlights, taillights, turn signals, etc are prohibited.
360 degree visibility is required.
An illuminated switch or pilot indicator is required. Wiring must be fused separately.
Violations - $100 to $500 fine
RED LIGHT LAWS - SIMPLIFIED
Personal cars of: Fire Chief; First Ass't; if 3 or more fire vehicles, a Second or Third Ass't; Fire Police Captain and Lieutenant; Ambulance Captain and Lieutenant (one of each rank ONLY).
Must have one or more red lights and a siren. May have spotlights, amber lights, clear lights, wig-wag headlights and a traffic-control signal device.
Mounting - may be permanent, hook-on or magnetic. Placement on roof of vehicle, on a pipe not exceeding 18" above the vehicle, in front of or behind the grille or on the front fenders facing sideways (intersection lights). Must be visible 360 degrees.
May include alley lights, take-down lights, work lights or other clear steady-burn lights; however, must be off while in motion.
May be equipped with amber traffic-control device, mounted on lightbar, on rear deck, or on trunk lid.
An illuminated switch or pilot indicator is required for each light (including alley lights, floodlights, etc). Wiring must be fused separately.
Clear Light - may have one, or two if inside of a lightbar. Wig-wag headlights are OK, but high beam activation must override flashing signal.
Amber lights - limited to two; should be on rear or facing rear of vehicle.
Use while responding to or at the scene of a fire or emergency call. May be used exiting or entering official driveway. May be used in the interest of public safety - but must show danger to public, by driving or placement of vehicle.
Violations - $500 to $1,000 fine
Copyright 2016 - 2024 Fire Police Association of Berks County. All rights reserved.