Flashing vehicle lights are a popular upgrade among drivers. They can give your car a new look or help you to maintain a more professional appearance. While emergency vehicle lights and strobe lights are fairly common accessories, it is important to know that the laws around them can vary significantly.
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In this article, we will explore how to find out which colors of flashing lights are legal in your area.
How to Determine Which Flashing Lights Are Legal for Your Vehicle
Adding flashing lights to your vehicle can be a highly beneficial upgrade, particularly for work trucks. The colors of your lights and the patterns they follow will often determine whether or not you are operating within the local laws. To make the appropriate decisions, you will want to know the color options, local laws, circumstances that impact laws, and the consequences of breaking them.
Know Your Color Options
When determining whether or not your flashing lights are legal, it is important to know which colors the model you are considering comes in. Manufacturers offer different selections when it comes to flashing lights, with some providing various color options to support legal compliance in different areas.
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The Most Common Color Options Are:
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Amber
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White
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Red
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Blue
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Green
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Depending on the laws in a given area, some of these colors may be illegal for use on public property or roads.
Know the State Laws
The legality of flashing lights will often change depending on the state you are in. Since every state equips emergency responders with unique color patterns, the laws can change depending on what professionals in these areas use.
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In most states, the goal of the laws is to make it so civilian and work vehicles do not give the impression of being state vehicles. Your light system should not mirror the appearance of ambulances, police vehicles, or fire trucks.
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Since these laws can vary depending on the state you are in, it is important to adapt to the new laws in the event you cross state lines.
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To find laws in your area, you can use this search algorithm:
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Flashing vehicle lights laws + [State]
Know the Circumstances
State laws will determine whether or not your flashing lights are legal. However, many states only apply these laws on public lands. This means that you can have lights that would be considered illegal as long as you are not on public roads or in busy public spaces.
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Common Exceptions Include:
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Four-wheeling trails
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Private property
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Remote areas
Know the Risks
People use flashing lights in specific colors for different reasons, ranging from visibility to communication. You may not think that having lights that are out of compliance would be a big deal, but you may be surprised. Depending on where you are when you break the law, the consequences may include everything from staggering fines to jail time–and charges can vary!
Invest in Appropriate Emergency Vehicles Lights to Comply With Local Laws
Since laws can vary by state, the best way to remain in compliance is to invest in lights that are tailored to the laws in your area. The UBL U-Lite V2 Surface Mount is available in colors to match the varying legal standards throughout the United States. With ten different color combinations, this light can provide support for every place you drive.
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For single-color strobe lights, these lights are available in amber, blue, red, and white. For true emergency vehicle lights to help you stay safe and visible, the UBL U-Lite V2 Surface Mount is also available in amber, blue, and red combined with white, as well as more unique dual-color combinations, including red and blue, blue and amber, and red and amber.
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To learn more about these lights and how they can keep drivers safe and in compliance, reach out to a UBL sales support specialist!
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Call us 1-888-562-5125 | info@ultrabrightlightz.com