Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in North Dakota
North Dakota classifies emergency vehicles into three categories—Class A, B, and C—each with specific lighting requirements as outlined in the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC).
Class A Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Includes law enforcement vehicles, government-operated fire vehicles, and ambulances.
- Required Lights: Flashing red or a combination of red and white lights.
- Optional: Flashing blue lights may be used in addition to red/white lights.
- Visibility Requirement: Lights must be visible under normal atmospheric conditions from at least 500 feet.
Class B Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Includes tow trucks ("wreckers"), Department of Transportation (DOT) maintenance vehicles, and certain utility vehicles.
- Required Lights: Flashing amber and white lights.
- Usage: Lights must be displayed when performing emergency duties or when seeking traffic law exemptions.
- Visibility Requirement: Lights must be visible under normal atmospheric conditions from at least 500 feet.
Class C Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Includes vehicles operated by volunteer fire departments and certain emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.
- Required Lights: Flashing blue and white lights.
- Usage: Lights must be displayed when responding to emergencies that may require disregarding traffic regulations.
- Visibility Requirement: Lights must be visible under normal atmospheric conditions from at least 500 feet.
Additional Vehicle Lighting Regulations
Beyond emergency vehicle classifications, North Dakota law regulates other lighting aspects for vehicles.
General Lighting Requirements
- Headlamps: Vehicles must have two headlamps displaying white light, mounted at a height between 24 and 54 inches.
- Tail Lamps: Vehicles must have two tail lamps emitting red light, visible from at least 1,000 feet to the rear.
- Stop Lamps: At least one stop lamp emitting red or amber light, visible from at least 300 feet in normal sunlight.
- Turn Signals: Vehicles must have turn signal lamps emitting red or amber light, visible from at least 300 feet in normal sunlight.
Color Restrictions for Lighting
- Front Clearance Lamps and Reflectors: Must display or reflect amber color.
- Rear Clearance Lamps and Reflectors: Must display or reflect red color.
- Backup Lamps: Must emit white or amber light.
Auxiliary and Decorative Lighting
- Spot Lamps: Vehicles may be equipped with up to two spot lamps, which must be aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam strikes the windshield, windows, mirror, or occupants of another vehicle.
- Fog Lamps: Vehicles may be equipped with up to two fog lamps, mounted on the front at a height between 12 and 30 inches, and aimed to prevent glare to oncoming drivers.
Underglow Lighting
North Dakota law does not explicitly address underglow lighting; however, general lighting regulations apply:
- Prohibited Colors: Red, blue, and green lights are typically reserved for emergency vehicles and should not be used on non-emergency vehicles.
- Flashing Lights: Flashing lights are generally prohibited on non-emergency vehicles.
- Visibility: Lights should not be distracting or impair the vision of other drivers.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations of vehicle lighting regulations in North Dakota can result in fines and penalties. For example:
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Improper Lighting: A fee of $10 may be assessed for each offense related to improper lighting or reflector colors.
Compliance Tips
- Emergency Vehicles: Ensure that your vehicle's lighting complies with the classification (A, B, or C) it falls under.
- Non-Emergency Vehicles: Avoid using colors and flashing patterns reserved for emergency vehicles.
- Installation: When installing additional lighting, ensure it does not violate height, color, or brightness regulations.
- Consultation: Always consult the North Dakota Century Code or local authorities if unsure about specific lighting modifications.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the North Dakota Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
