Iowa Emergency Vehicle Color Laws

In Iowa, the use of colored lights on emergency vehicles is governed by Iowa Code Sections 321.423 and 321.424. These statutes specify the permissible colors and configurations for various types of emergency and service vehicles.

Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in Iowa

1. Law Enforcement Vehicles

• Permitted Colors: Red and blue lights.
• Configuration: Red lights must be positioned on the driver's side, and blue lights on the passenger's side of the vehicle.
• Additional Lighting: May include flashing or steady white lights, as well as rear-facing amber lights or directional arrows.

2. Fire Department Vehicles

• Permitted Colors: Red and blue lights.
• Configuration: Similar to law enforcement vehicles, with red on the driver's side and blue on the passenger's side.
• Additional Lighting: May include flashing or steady white lights, and rear-facing amber lights or directional arrows.

3. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Vehicles

• Permitted Colors: Red and blue lights.
• Configuration: Red lights on the driver's side and blue lights on the passenger's side.
• Additional Lighting: May include flashing or steady white lights, and rear-facing amber lights or directional arrows.

4. Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Personnel

• Permitted Colors: Blue lights.
• Usage Conditions: 
  • The vehicle must be owned by the member.
  • Authorization must be obtained from the chief of the fire department or EMS agency.
  • The member must demonstrate the necessity for authorization.
  • The authorization expires five years from the date of issuance or upon termination of membership.

5. Towing and Recovery Vehicles

• Permitted Colors: Amber lights.
• Usage Conditions: Amber lights may be used when the vehicle is engaged in towing or recovery operations.

6. Utility and Maintenance Vehicles

• Permitted Colors: Amber lights.
• Usage Conditions: Amber lights may be used when the vehicle is engaged in maintenance or construction operations.

Prohibited Use of Lights

• Blue Lights: Use of blue lights is prohibited on any vehicle not authorized under the conditions specified above.
• Flashing Lights: Flashing lights are generally prohibited on non-emergency vehicles, except for: 
  • Turn signals and hazard indicators.
  • Vehicles operated under an excess size permit.
  • Rural mail carriers when stopping or stopped on or near a highway.
  • School buses, as specified in Iowa Code Sections 321.372 and 321.373.

Summary Table