Montana Emergency Vehicle Light Color Statutes
Red Lights
- Authorized Use: Red lights are mandated for all authorized emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances.
- Mounting Requirements: These lights must be mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, displaying two alternately flashing red lights at the same level to the front and rear.
- Visibility: Lights must be visible from 500 feet in normal sunlight.
Blue Lights
- Authorized Use: Exclusively for police vehicles.
- Mounting Requirements: Similar to red lights, blue lights must be mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, displaying two alternately flashing blue lights at the same level to the front and rear.
- Visibility: Must be visible from 500 feet in normal sunlight.
Amber Lights
- Authorized Use: May be equipped on police and authorized emergency vehicles; must be equipped on emergency service vehicles.
- Mounting Requirements: Mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, displaying two alternately flashing amber lights at the same level to the front and rear.
- Visibility: Must be visible from 500 feet in normal sunlight.
Green Lights
- Authorized Use: Designated for on-scene command and control vehicles during emergencies or disasters. Only the on-scene command and control vehicle may display green lights.
- Mounting Requirements: A flashing green signal lamp attached to the exterior roof of the vehicle, visible from 360 degrees.
- Visibility: Must be visible from 500 feet in normal sunlight.
Other Vehicle Lighting Regulations in Montana
Volunteer Firefighters
- Use of Red Lights: Volunteer firefighters may use a revolving or blinking red light on their privately-owned vehicles when responding to emergencies, provided they have authorization from their fire department's chief.
- Identification: Must carry a personal identification card issued by the fire chief or authorized individual.
- Mounting Requirements: The light must be located on top or at the front of the vehicle and be visible from both the front and rear.
Tow Trucks and Construction Vehicles
- Lighting Requirements: Must display flashing amber lights on either end of oversize load signs. Each light must be at least five inches in diameter, with an intensity of at least 50 candlepower, flashing between 60 and 90 times per minute.
- Visibility: Lights must be spaced to provide 360-degree visibility at night.
- Additional Equipment: Must carry at least three red-burning flares, red electric lamps, or portable red reflectors visible within at least 600 feet during nighttime conditions.
Underglow and Decorative Lighting
- Restrictions: Flashing, blinking, sequential, rotating, or pulsating lights are prohibited on vehicles unless authorized.
- License Plate and Undercarriage Lighting: Decorative lighting that is not original manufacturer's equipment or that displays colors reserved for emergency vehicles (red, blue, green) is prohibited on public highways or streets.
Move Over Law in Montana
- Requirement: Drivers must slow down and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying flashing or rotating lights.
- Lane Change: If possible and safe, drivers should move to a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicle.
- Penalty: Failure to comply may result in a fine and is considered reckless endangerment of emergency personnel.
Summary of Legal Lighting Colors
| Light Color | Authorized Use |
|---|---|
| Red | Authorized emergency vehicles (police, fire, EMS) |
| Blue | Police vehicles only |
| Amber | Emergency service vehicles; tow trucks; construction vehicles |
| Green | On-scene command and control vehicles |
| White | Standard headlights and auxiliary lighting |
| Decorative | Restricted; must not mimic emergency vehicle lighting |
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Montana Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
