Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Vehicle Light Colors and Vehicle Lighting Laws in Kansas
This guide provides detailed information on the legal use of emergency vehicle lighting in Kansas, including permissible light colors, mounting requirements, and regulations for various vehicle types. It also outlines the legality of installing additional lighting on vehicles.
Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in Kansas
Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Under Kansas Statute §8-1720, authorized emergency vehicles must adhere to specific lighting requirements:
- Signal Lamps: Must be mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. They should display:
- To the front: Two alternately flashing red lights at the same level.
- To the rear: Two alternately flashing red lights at the same level.
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Alternative Option: A rotating or oscillating light mounted as high as practicable, displaying:
- A flashing red light, or
- Alternate flashes of red and white lights, or
- Red and blue lights in combination.
- Visibility: All lights must be visible from a distance of 500 feet in normal sunlight.
Police Vehicles
Police vehicles, when used as authorized emergency vehicles, may be equipped with:
- Headlamps: That alternately flash or simultaneously flash.
- Flashing Lights: As specified above, but any flashing lights used on a police vehicle, other than those specified in K.S.A. 8-1722, must be red in color.
- Rotating or Oscillating Lights: Which may display a flashing red light or alternate flashes of red and blue lights in combination.
Lighting Regulations for Specific Vehicle Types
Fire Trucks and Ambulances
Fire trucks and ambulances are subject to the same lighting requirements as other authorized emergency vehicles, as outlined in §8-1720. This includes the use of red flashing lights or a combination of red and blue lights, mounted as high as practicable and visible from 500 feet.
Volunteer Firefighters
Volunteer firefighters may have their privately owned vehicles designated as authorized emergency vehicles under K.S.A. 8-2010a. This requires:
- Filing an application with the county commissioner's office.
- Upon approval, the vehicle must display flashing or rotating red strobe lights when responding to emergencies.
- The designation paperwork must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Tow Trucks
Tow trucks are covered under Kansas's "move over" law (HB 378), which requires passing motorists to move over one lane for the safety of public service workers. When directed by law enforcement officials, tow trucks must be equipped with flashing lights as specified in statute 547.305(d)(4).
Construction and Utility Vehicles
Construction and utility vehicles are not considered emergency vehicles but are subject to the "move over" law. Utility vehicles can be designated as authorized emergency vehicles under K.S.A. 8-2010a(b)(3) by filing an application with the county commissioner's office. Once approved, they must display flashing or rotating red strobe lights when responding to emergencies.
Legal Use of Additional Vehicle Lighting
Front-Facing Lights
According to K.S.A. 8-1729, no vehicle may display any color other than white or amber directly in front of the center of the vehicle. This restriction aims to prevent confusion with authorized emergency vehicles.
Rear-Facing Lights
All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle must display or reflect a red color, except:
- Stop lights or other signal devices, which may be red, amber, or yellow.
- The light illuminating the license plate, which must be white.
- Back-up lamps, which may be white or amber.
Underglow and Accent Lighting
While Kansas law does not explicitly prohibit underglow or accent lighting, such lighting must not display red or blue colors visible from the front of the vehicle, as this could be confused with emergency vehicle lighting. Additionally, flashing lights are generally restricted to authorized emergency vehicles. Therefore, if you choose to install underglow or accent lighting, ensure that:
- The lights are not red or blue when visible from the front.
- The lights do not flash or oscillate.
- The lights are not distracting to other drivers.
Compliance and Safety Recommendations
- Consult Local Authorities: Before installing any additional lighting, consult with local law enforcement or the Kansas Highway Patrol to ensure compliance with state laws.
- Proper Installation: Ensure that all lighting equipment is installed correctly and securely to prevent hazards.
- Visibility: All emergency lighting must be visible from a distance of 500 feet in normal sunlight.
- Avoid Unauthorized Colors: Do not use red or blue lighting unless your vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Kansas Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
