Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Vehicle Light Colors and Vehicle Lighting Laws in New Mexico
This guide provides detailed information on the legal requirements and restrictions for emergency vehicle lighting and other vehicle lighting in New Mexico, as outlined in the state's statutes.
Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in New Mexico
Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Under New Mexico law, "authorized emergency vehicles" include:
- Fire department vehicles
- Police vehicles
- Ambulances
- Emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public utilities designated by the director of the New Mexico State Police Division or local authorities
These vehicles are permitted to use specific lighting and sirens when responding to emergencies.
Red Lights
Only the following vehicles may display flashing red lights visible from the front:
- Fire department vehicles
- Law enforcement agency vehicles
- Ambulances
- School buses
All other vehicles authorized to display flashing lights visible from the front may use any other color of light that is visible, except red.
Use of Flashing Lights
Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as follows:
- Authorized emergency vehicles
- School buses
- Snow-removal equipment
- Highway-marking equipment
- Disabled or parked vehicles may use flashing red lights as warning lights
- Any vehicle may use flashing lights as a means of indicating a turn
Recovery or repair vehicles standing on a highway for the purpose of removing a disabled vehicle may display flashing lights in any color except red. This does not permit the use of flashing lights by such vehicles when traveling to or from the location of disabled vehicles or while towing a disabled vehicle.
Legal Vehicle Lighting for Non-Emergency Vehicles
Auxiliary Lamps and Spotlights
New Mexico law permits the installation of auxiliary lighting on vehicles with specific restrictions:
- Up to two spot lamps may be installed.
- Spot lamps must be aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam is directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme left side of the vehicle nor more than 100 feet ahead of the vehicle.
- Spot lamps must be turned off at least 500 feet from approaching vehicles.
- Fog lamps may be installed between 12 and 30 inches above the ground and must be aimed to prevent glare.
- Auxiliary driving lamps may be installed between 16 and 42 inches above the ground and must be turned off at least 500 feet from approaching vehicles.
Light Intensity Restrictions
Any lighted lamp or illuminating device on a vehicle, other than headlamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, flashing turn signals, emergency vehicle warning lamps, and school bus warning lamps, that projects a beam of light with an intensity greater than 300 candlepower must be directed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam strikes the level of the roadway at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle.
Underglow Lighting
New Mexico law does not explicitly address underglow lighting; however, general restrictions apply:
- Red lights visible from the front of the vehicle are prohibited, except for authorized emergency vehicles.
- Flashing lights are prohibited, except as specified for authorized vehicles.
- Lights must not project beams of high intensity beyond specified distances.
Therefore, while underglow lighting is not specifically prohibited, it must comply with the general lighting restrictions, avoiding red or flashing lights visible from the front and adhering to intensity and beam direction limitations.
Summary of Key Points
- Only authorized emergency vehicles may display flashing red lights visible from the front.
- Flashing lights are generally prohibited on vehicles, with specific exceptions.
- Auxiliary lighting is permitted with restrictions on number, placement, aiming, and usage.
- Lights exceeding 300 candlepower must be aimed to prevent high-intensity beams from striking the roadway beyond 75 feet.
- Underglow lighting is not explicitly prohibited but must comply with general lighting laws, avoiding prohibited colors and flashing patterns.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the New Mexico Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
