Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Vehicle Light Colors and Auxiliary Lighting Laws in Louisiana
This guide provides an overview of Louisiana's statutes regarding emergency vehicle light colors and the legalities surrounding auxiliary lighting installations. It is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in Louisiana
Louisiana law specifies the use of certain light colors for authorized emergency vehicles under Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:318:
- Red Lights: Authorized emergency vehicles must be equipped with red signal lamps visible from both the front and rear. These can be two alternately flashing red lights or a large revolving red light on the roof, discernible in all directions and visible from 500 feet in normal sunlight.
- Blue Lights: Law enforcement officers are permitted to use blue-colored electric emergency lights instead of red lights. These lights must also be visible from 500 feet in normal sunlight.
- Red and White Lights: Organized fire companies may equip their vehicles with a large revolving alternating red and white light on the roof, encased in a clear dome, visible from 500 feet in normal sunlight.
- Blue Rear Lights: Publicly owned fire department vehicles and licensed ambulances may use blue-colored electric lights on the rear, provided they do not exceed 50% of the visual lights.
Volunteer Emergency Responders
Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel may equip their privately owned vehicles with a red flashing light when responding to emergencies, as authorized under Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:24. This light must be visible from the front and is to be used only during emergency responses.
Restrictions on Emergency Light Sales and Use
Louisiana law imposes restrictions on the sale and use of certain emergency lights:
- Blue Lights: It is prohibited to sell dashboard, hood, vehicle front grill, or roof-mounted emergency lights that emit a blue glow to any person.
- Red and Red/White Lights: Such lights may only be sold to peace officers, firefighters, or individuals employed in emergency, highway construction, or public utility services. Possession is similarly restricted to these groups.
Auxiliary Lighting Regulations
Louisiana law regulates the use of auxiliary lighting on vehicles:
- Flashing Lights: Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except for authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, or when indicating a turn or vehicular hazard.
- LED Light Bars: It is illegal to drive with LED light bars turned on in Louisiana.
- Spotlights: Only publicly owned emergency vehicles, public service vehicles, or agricultural vehicles under certain conditions may use spotlights.
- Fog Lamps: Vehicles may be equipped with up to two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height between 12 and 30 inches above the road surface.
- Auxiliary Passing Lamps: Up to two auxiliary passing lamps are permitted, mounted on the front at a height between 24 and 42 inches above the road surface.
Underglow Lighting
While Louisiana law does not explicitly address underglow lighting, general restrictions apply:
- Color Restrictions: Use of red, blue, or green lights visible from the front of the vehicle is prohibited, as these colors are reserved for authorized vehicles.
- Flashing Lights: Flashing underglow lights are prohibited unless the vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle or is indicating a turn or hazard.
Tow Trucks and Pilot Vehicles
Specific lighting requirements apply to certain service vehicles:
- Tow Trucks: Must be equipped with amber-colored flashing warning lights, strobes, light bars, or beacons with sufficient strength to be visible at 360 degrees from at least 1,000 feet under normal conditions.
- Pilot Vehicles: Vehicles escorting oversized loads must have an amber emergency warning lamp, which may include bar lights, LED strobe lights, revolving lights, or stationary lamps.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Louisiana Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
