Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in North Carolina
Red and Blue Lights – Strictly Regulated
Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-130.1, it is unlawful for any person to install, activate, or operate red or blue lights on a vehicle, with specific exceptions.
Red Lights:
Red lights are prohibited on vehicles unless the vehicle falls into one of the following categories:
- Police vehicles
- Highway patrol vehicles
- Vehicles owned by the Wildlife Resources Commission and operated exclusively for law enforcement, firefighting, or other emergency response purposes
- Ambulances
- Vehicles used by organ procurement organizations or agencies for the recovery and transportation of blood, human tissues, or organs for transplantation
- Fire-fighting vehicles
- School buses
- Vehicles operated by members of municipal or rural fire departments in the performance of their duties
- Vehicles of voluntary lifesaving organizations approved by local police authorities and operated by members while answering an official call
Any red light installed after the vehicle's initial manufacture is considered unlawful unless the vehicle is among those listed above.
Blue Lights:
Blue lights are even more restricted. It is unlawful for any person to possess, install, activate, or operate a blue light on any vehicle, except for publicly owned vehicles used for law enforcement purposes or other vehicles used by law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
Penalties:
Violations of these provisions are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors, which can result in fines and potential criminal charges.
Permissible Auxiliary Lighting
While red and blue lights are heavily regulated, North Carolina law allows certain auxiliary lighting on vehicles, provided they meet specific criteria.
Spot Lamps
- Vehicles may be equipped with up to two spot lamps.
- Motorcycles are limited to one spot lamp.
- Spot lamps must be aimed so that no part of the beam is directed to the left of the center of the highway nor more than 100 feet ahead of the vehicle.
- Spot lamps are not permitted on the rear of any vehicle.
Auxiliary Driving Lamps
- Vehicles may have up to two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front.
- These lamps must comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in G.S. 20-131(c).
Light Bars
- The use of light bar lighting devices is prohibited on highways for general motorists.
- This prohibition does not apply to vehicles described in G.S. 20-130.1(b) (e.g., emergency vehicles).
- The term "light bar lighting device" refers to a bar-shaped lighting device comprised of multiple lamps capable of projecting a beam of light at an intensity greater than 25 candlepower.
Underglow Lighting
North Carolina does not have specific laws against underglow lighting; however, certain restrictions apply:
- Colors blue and red are reserved for emergency vehicles and are prohibited.
- White lights visible from the rear of the vehicle are not permitted.
- Flashing or oscillating lights are not explicitly prohibited but may be considered a distraction to other drivers and could lead to citations.
Summary of Legal Lighting Configurations
| Lighting Type | Legal Status for Civilian Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Red Lights (Front/Rear) | Illegal unless authorized emergency vehicle |
| Blue Lights | Illegal unless authorized law enforcement vehicle |
| Spot Lamps | Legal (max 2; 1 for motorcycles) |
| Auxiliary Driving Lamps | Legal (max 2; front-mounted) |
| Light Bars | Illegal on highways for general motorists |
| Underglow Lighting | Legal with restrictions (no red/blue/white rear) |
| Flashing/Oscillating Lights | Not recommended; may lead to citations |
Recommendations for Vehicle Lighting
For those looking to enhance their vehicle's lighting within legal boundaries in North Carolina:
- Fog Lights: Install white or amber fog lights that comply with intensity and placement regulations.
- Interior LED Accents: Use interior lighting that does not emit red or blue light visible from outside the vehicle.
- Underglow Lighting: Choose colors like green or purple for underglow, ensuring they are not red, blue, or white (visible from the rear), and avoid flashing patterns.
- Rear Lighting: Ensure all rear lights are red and comply with visibility requirements.
Always ensure that any aftermarket lighting complies with both state laws and federal regulations, such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, which governs automotive lighting and signaling.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the North Carolina Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
