Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Vehicle Light Color Laws in Maryland
This guide provides an overview of Maryland's regulations concerning emergency vehicle lighting, as outlined in the Maryland Transportation Code.
Emergency Vehicles
1. Fire Trucks & Ambulances
- Permitted Colors: Red and white flashing lights.
- Visibility Requirement: Lights must be visible from 500 feet in all directions.
- Usage: Lights may be used while en route to or at the scene of an emergency.
2. Police Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Red and blue flashing lights.
- Usage: Lights may be used when responding to emergencies.
3. Organ Delivery Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Red and white flashing lights.
4. Mobile Command Units
- Permitted Color: Green flashing light to designate the vehicle as the command post.
Service and Utility Vehicles
1. Tow Trucks, Utility, Construction, and Maintenance Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Amber or yellow flashing lights.
- Usage: Lights may be used during official duties to indicate that the vehicle is a slow-moving vehicle or is impeding traffic.
2. Highway Maintenance Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Amber or yellow flashing lights, and green flashing lights when equipped and displayed simultaneously with amber or yellow lights.
3. Pilot Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Amber or yellow flashing lights.
- Additional Requirement: Must use at least one rotating light when traveling 20 mph below the speed limit.
4. Security Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Amber or yellow flashing lights.
School Buses
- Lighting System: An 8-light system consisting of alternately flashing red and amber lights.
- Additional Equipment: May be equipped with a white flashing light installed on the roof.
- Usage: Alternately flashing lights are to be used when stopping or stopped on a roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.
Privately Owned Vehicles
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Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Personnel
- As of May 2024, certain members of volunteer fire companies, including fire chiefs, assistant/deputy chiefs, and EMS commanders, are authorized to equip their privately owned vehicles with red and white or red and green lights or signal devices. Fire police may also equip their vehicles with red, red and green, or red and white lights. These lights may be used only while the vehicle is at the scene of an accident, flood, or other emergency.
Prohibited Lighting
- Red or Blue Lights: Use of red or blue lights visible from directly in front of the vehicle is prohibited, except as required or permitted for emergency and school vehicles.
- Flashing Lights: Flashing lights are prohibited except as required or permitted under Maryland Vehicle Law.
- White Rear-Facing Lights: Use of white lights visible directly from the rear is prohibited, except for license plate illumination and backup lamps when the vehicle is in reverse.
Additional Lighting Considerations
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Underglow Lighting
- While Maryland law does not explicitly address underglow lighting, it's important to ensure that any aftermarket lighting does not display red or blue colors to the front, white to the rear (except for reverse lights), or flashing lights, as these are restricted.
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Auxiliary Lighting
- Auxiliary lighting such as spotlights or additional work lights should comply with standard lighting regulations and should not display prohibited colors or flashing patterns.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Violations of Maryland's vehicle lighting laws may result in fines, suspension of driving privileges, and suspension of vehicle registration for up to 30 days.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Maryland Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
