In Indiana, the use of colored lights on vehicles is regulated to ensure public safety and to clearly identify authorized emergency and service vehicles. Below is an overview of the authorized light colors for various vehicle types, along with relevant statutes and guidelines.
1. Law Enforcement Vehicles
- Red and Blue Lights: Police vehicles, when used as authorized emergency vehicles, must be equipped with signal lamps capable of displaying red and blue beams. These lights should be mounted to be visible to oncoming traffic from 180 degrees around the front of the vehicle.
2. Fire Department and Ambulance Vehicles
- Red and White Lights: Authorized emergency vehicles, such as fire department vehicles and ambulances, are permitted to display red and white lights.
3. Volunteer Firefighters
- Blue Lights: Members of volunteer fire departments may display blue lights on their privately owned vehicles while en route to emergencies or the fire station. A written permit from the fire chief must be secured and carried when the light is displayed.
4. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel
- Green Lights: Certified EMS personnel, including paramedics and EMTs, may display flashing or revolving green lights on their privately owned vehicles when traveling in the line of duty. A written permit from the executive director of the Department of Homeland Security is required.
5. Funeral Escort Vehicles
- Red and White, Red, or Amber Lights: Vehicles used in funeral processions or as funeral escort vehicles may display these colored lights.
6. Utility, Maintenance, and Construction Vehicles
- Amber Lights: Recovery vehicles, utility service trucks, solid waste haulers, maintenance equipment, and construction vehicles may display flashing amber lights when stationary and actively engaged in their duties.
7. General Restrictions on Flashing Lights
- Flashing lights are generally prohibited except for:
- Authorized emergency vehicles
- School buses
- Snow-removal equipment
- Vehicles indicating a turn or presence of a traffic hazard
- Vehicles used in funeral processions
Important Considerations
- Unauthorized use of colored lights by non-designated vehicles is illegal and subject to penalties.
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way and stop for authorized emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights and sounding sirens.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Indiana Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
