Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Vehicle Light Colors and Vehicle Lighting Laws in New Jersey
This guide provides an overview of New Jersey's statutes and regulations concerning emergency vehicle lighting, including permissible light colors, installation guidelines, and restrictions on auxiliary lighting for civilian vehicles.
Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in New Jersey
1. Police Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Red and blue lights in any configuration.
- Usage: Authorized for use during pursuits or when responding to emergencies.
2. Fire Department Vehicles
- Permitted Colors: Red flashing lights.
- Visibility Requirement: Must be visible from a distance of 500 feet.
3. Volunteer Firefighters
-
Blue Lights:
- Eligibility: Active members in good standing of a volunteer fire company.
- Usage: May display blue flashing or revolving lights when responding to emergencies.
- Limitations: Must obey all traffic laws; blue lights do not confer special driving privileges.
-
Red Lights:
- Eligibility: Active volunteer fire chiefs or first assistant chiefs.
- Usage: May display red emergency warning lights and sirens when responding to emergencies.
- Installation: Limited to two red lights, mounted externally as specified by law.
4. Volunteer First Aid or Rescue Squad Members
-
Blue Lights:
- Eligibility: Active members in good standing.
- Usage: May display blue flashing or revolving lights when responding to emergencies.
- Limitations: Must adhere to all traffic regulations; blue lights do not grant special driving rights.
Installation and Usage Guidelines for Emergency Lights
- Number of Lights: No more than two emergency warning lights may be installed on a vehicle.
-
Mounting Locations:
- Single Light: Center of the roof, front of the vehicle (not higher than the headlights), or center of the dashboard.
- Two Lights: On the windshield columns on each side or on either side of the roof at the front of the vehicle, directly behind the top of the windshield.
- Prohibition: One light may not be placed on the roof and one on the windshield column simultaneously.
- Control: Lights must be controlled by a switch installed inside the vehicle.
- Driver's View: Light elements must be shielded from the direct view of the driver to prevent glare.
Restrictions on Auxiliary and Decorative Vehicle Lighting
1. Flashing Lights
- General Prohibition: Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles, except for indicating right or left turns or warning of vehicular traffic hazards.
- Exceptions: Authorized emergency vehicles may be equipped with flashing red or red and blue lights without a permit.
2. Underglow Lighting
- Legality: While not explicitly addressed in New Jersey statutes, underglow lighting is generally discouraged.
-
Restrictions:
- Color: Use of red or blue underglow lights is prohibited, as these colors are reserved for emergency vehicles.
- Flashing: Flashing underglow lights are not permitted.
- Visibility: Lights should not be visible from the front or rear of the vehicle to avoid confusion with emergency vehicles.
- Recommendation: Use underglow lighting only when the vehicle is stationary and on private property.
3. Windshield Obstructions
- Prohibition: No signs, posters, stickers, or other non-transparent materials may be placed on the front windshield or adjacent areas that obstruct the driver's view.
- Exceptions: Certificates or articles required by statute or regulations may be displayed.
Legal Auxiliary Lighting Options
- Fog Lights: Permitted if they emit white or amber light and are properly mounted.
- Driving Lights: Additional white lights aimed to supplement high beams are allowed.
- Amber Warning Lights: Utility, construction, and tow vehicles may use amber lights to warn other drivers.
- Backup Lights: Must emit white light and activate only when the vehicle is in reverse.
Permits and Identification
-
Emergency Light Permits:
- Issuance: The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission issues identification cards permitting the use of emergency warning lights.
- Eligibility: Active members of volunteer fire companies, first aid or rescue squads, and volunteer Office of Emergency Management personnel.
- Requirement: Identification cards must be carried when operating a vehicle equipped with emergency warning lights.
Penalties for Unauthorized Use
- Unauthorized Display: Individuals who willfully operate unauthorized emergency warning lights may face penalties up to $200 and revocation of the privilege to use such lights.
- Misuse by Authorized Individuals: Authorized individuals who misuse emergency warning lights may be fined up to $100 and may have their privileges suspended or revoked.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the New Jersey Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
