Local "News" Reports relating to Police Blue and Red Police Lights

Local Media sorts out questions from viewers regarding warning lights.Show more

In many states, different colors of lights used by EMS, police and other first responders can vary from state to state. Where a red light may be for an ambulance in one state, it may be the primary police light color in another state. Most people don’t realize that each state regulates the appropriate colors of emergency lights allowed on all vehicles. These laws include emergency police, fire and rescue, ambulance and other first response vehicles, as well as taxis, buses and both commercial and non-commercial street traffic.

Flashing emergency vehicle lights are most commonly seen on police cars, ambulances, and fire engines. These vehicles, when they are moving in response to an emergency situation, have to be allowed to move faster than the other automobiles on the road. Flashing of emergency vehicle lights, together with sirens, ensures it. First responders who work full-time with departments and drive agency vehicles usually don’t think twice about the legality of their emergency vehicle lights. However, there is a group of first responders who are always questioning whether they are in the scope of the law. Volunteer firefighters, dive teams, physicians, county coroners, volunteer EMS, and many companies that use caution vehicles in their day-to-day activities often question whether they can use emergency vehicle lights and sirens on their vehicles. There are huge legalities involved with the utilization of this type of equipment, and the laws vary from state to state.