Arkansas Emergency Vehicle Color Laws

In Arkansas, vehicle lighting regulations are designed to ensure road safety and proper vehicle identification. Below is an overview of the authorized use of colored lights and their respective applications:

Standard Vehicle Lighting

• Headlights:
  • Vehicles must be equipped with at least two headlights, one on each side at the front, emitting white or amber light.
  • Headlights must be used from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise and during periods of insufficient light or adverse weather conditions when visibility is limited to 500 feet.
• Taillights:
  • Vehicles are required to have at least one taillight mounted on the rear, emitting a red light visible from 500 feet.
  • The taillight must illuminate the rear registration plate with a white light, making it clearly legible from 50 feet to the rear.
• Turn Signals:
  • Front turn signal lamps must emit a white or amber light, visible from at least 100 feet in normal sunlight.
  • Rear turn signal lamps must emit a red or amber light, visible from at least 100 feet in normal sunlight.

Restrictions on Colored and Flashing Lights

• Prohibited Colors:
  • Vehicles are prohibited from displaying red, blue, or green lights visible from directly in front of the vehicle, except as authorized for specific vehicles.
• Flashing Lights:
  • The use of flashing lights is generally prohibited on vehicles, except for:
    • Authorized emergency vehicles.
    • School buses.
    • Funeral processions.
    • Vehicles indicating a right or left turn.
    • Vehicles indicating the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care.

Authorized Use of Colored Lights

• Emergency Vehicles:
  • Police vehicles are permitted to use blue flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights.
  • Fire department vehicles and ambulances may use red flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights.
  • Tow trucks are allowed to use red flashing or rotating lights while initiating or engaging in a tow. 
• Construction and Maintenance Vehicles:
  • Roadway construction or maintenance vehicles may be equipped with amber, white, or green, or a combination of these colors, oscillating, flashing, or rotating lights during hazardous operations.
• Funeral Processions:
  • Lead vehicles in funeral processions may use purple flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights during the procession.

Aftermarket and Decorative Lighting

• Underglow Lighting:
  • Arkansas law does not explicitly prohibit underglow lighting; however, restrictions apply:
    • Lights must not display red, blue, or green colors visible from the front of the vehicle.
    • Flashing lights are generally prohibited.
    • Additional lighting must not project a beam of high intensity beyond 75 feet from the vehicle.
    • It's advisable to avoid colors and lighting patterns that could be confused with emergency vehicles to prevent potential legal issues.

Compliance and Penalties

• Unauthorized use of colored or flashing lights can result in legal penalties, including fines and misdemeanors. Vehicle operators must adhere to Arkansas statutes regarding vehicle lighting to ensure safety and compliance with the law.

Important Considerations

• Local Ordinances:
  • In addition to state regulations, local municipalities may have specific ordinances governing vehicle lighting. Vehicle operators should be aware of and comply with any local requirements.
• Legal Consultation:
  • Before installing aftermarket lighting, consult Arkansas's vehicle equipment regulations or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with state laws.

For the most current information and any updates to these regulations, consult the Arkansas Code or contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle.

Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Arkansas Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.