WARNING LIGHTS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES

This review of the existing state laws as of January 1, 1975 which regulate the use of special warning lights on vehicles, covers laws which requre or authorize the use of such lights on various special function vehicles. The restriction or prohibition of the use of such special warning lights other than as required or authorized is also discussed. Restrictions on the use of the alternately flashing red light, the red light visible from front, and other lights are considered, and the definition of authorized emergency vehicles is discussed. The review reveals very little uniformity among state laws relating to warning lights used on special function vehicles. Agreement is noted, on laws relating to the use of red lights on Fire vehicles, police vehicles and ambulances. The Uniform Vehicle Code concepts have not been widely accepted. The Code's "authorized emergency vehicle" concept particularly regarding equipment requirements has not been adopted. In most states the laws are not sufficiently definitive to achieve even a desirable level of intrastate uniformity. It is also noted that the laws in several states contain serious contradictions making it difficult to determine just what is authorized or required.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • English, J W
  • Young, J H
  • Friedland, H B
• Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 84 p.
• Serial:
  • Traffic Laws Commentary
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue Number: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Emergency vehicles; Equipment; Fire vehicles; Flashing traffic signals; Laws; Light; Police; Red interval (Traffic signal cycle); Regulations; Standardization; States; Traffic regulations; Vehicles; Warning signs
• Identifier Terms: Uniform Vehicle Code
• Old TRIS Terms: Flashing red; Special purpose; Uniform traffic laws
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00134275
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 5 1976 12:00AM