California Emergency Vehicle Color Laws

In California, vehicle lighting regulations are governed by the California Vehicle Code (CVC) 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 two headlights emitting white or yellow light.
  • Headlights must be turned on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or when visibility is insufficient due to weather conditions. 
• Taillights:
  • Vehicles are required to have at least one taillight emitting a red light visible from 500 feet to the rear.
• Turn Signals:
  • Vehicles must have signal lamps indicating the intention to turn, visible from both the front and rear from a distance of 100 feet.

Restrictions on Colored and Flashing Lights

• Front Lighting:
  • Lights visible from the front of a vehicle must be white or yellow.
• Rear Lighting:
  • All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except for:
    • The stoplight or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow.
    • The light illuminating the license plate or the light emitted by a backup lamp, which shall be white.

• Prohibited Colors:
  • Vehicles are prohibited from displaying red or blue lights visible from directly in front of the vehicle, except for authorized emergency vehicles.
• Flashing Lights:
  • Flashing lights are generally prohibited on vehicles, except for:
    • Authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, or snow removal equipment.
    • As warning lights on disabled or parked vehicles.
    • As a means for indicating a right or left turn.

Authorized Use of Colored Lights

• Emergency Vehicles:
  • Police vehicles may use red or blue flashing lights.
  • Fire department and other authorized emergency vehicles may use red flashing lights.
• Warning Lights:
  • Amber warning lights are permitted on vehicles engaged in activities that create special hazards upon the highways, such as tow trucks and construction vehicles.

Aftermarket and Decorative Lighting

• Underglow Lighting:
  • California permits the use of underglow lighting, provided the lights emit white or amber colors.
  • 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. Vehicle operators must adhere to California 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 California's vehicle equipment regulations or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with state laws.

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