Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Light Color Laws: A Comprehensive Guide
If you're outfitting a vehicle in Oklahoma—whether for emergency response, volunteer service, or personal customization—it's crucial to understand the state's regulations on vehicle lighting. This guide provides a detailed overview of Oklahoma's statutes concerning emergency vehicle light colors and the legality of other auxiliary lighting.
Emergency Vehicle Light Colors in Oklahoma
Oklahoma law specifies the permissible light colors for various emergency and service vehicles. The key statutes governing these regulations are found in Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
1. Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Under Oklahoma Statute §47-12-218, authorized emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, are permitted to use:
- Red or blue flashing lights, or a combination of both.
- These lights must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet during daylight conditions.
2. Volunteer Firefighters
Per Oklahoma Statute §47-12-218.3, volunteer firefighters may equip their privately owned vehicles with:
- Flashing red or white lights, or a combination thereof.
- Usage requires written authorization from the local fire chief.
- The lights must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet during daylight.
3. Tow Trucks (Wreckers)
According to Oklahoma Statute §47-12-218.1 and administrative rules:
- Tow trucks must have at least one rotating or flashing amber light visible from 360 degrees.
- While at the scene of an emergency, they may use flashing red or blue lights, or a combination.
- Once the vehicle is back on the road, only the amber light should be used.
4. Construction and Maintenance Vehicles
Under Oklahoma Statute §47-12-229:
- Vehicles owned or operated by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, or county agencies may use rear-facing flashing red and blue lights when engaged in emergency work or highway construction/maintenance.
- Other state, county, or city vehicles performing emergency work or highway construction/maintenance may use flashing amber lights.
5. School and Church Buses
Per Oklahoma Statute §47-12-228:
-
School buses must be equipped with:
- Two alternately flashing red lights at the front and rear.
- Two alternately flashing amber lights near each red light.
- Church buses may be equipped similarly but are not required to have amber lights.
- Flashing red lights may only be operated when the bus is stopped to load or unload passengers.
Auxiliary and Aftermarket Vehicle Lighting
Oklahoma law also addresses the use of auxiliary lighting on vehicles. The primary statute governing these regulations is Oklahoma Statute §47-12-217.
1. Auxiliary Driving Lamps
- Vehicles may be equipped with up to two auxiliary driving lamps.
- These lamps must be mounted at a height not exceeding 42 inches from the ground.
- They may be used in conjunction with low or high beam headlamps.
2. Spot Lamps
- Vehicles may have up to two spot lamps.
- When another vehicle approaches within 1,000 feet, the spot lamp must be turned off.
- Spot lamps should not be used to cause other vehicles to yield or stop.
- These restrictions do not apply to authorized emergency vehicles.
3. Fog Lamps
- Vehicles may be equipped with up to two front fog lamps and two rear fog lamps.
- Front fog lamps must be mounted at or below the level of the headlamps.
- Fog lamps should only be used when visibility is limited to one-half mile or less.
4. Off-Road Lamps
- Vehicles may have off-road lamps for use only when the vehicle is operated off-highway.
- These lamps must:
- Be mounted at a height not less than 42 inches from the ground.
- Be wired independently of all other lighting.
- Be turned off when the vehicle is on a highway.
5. Daytime Running Lamps
- Vehicles may be equipped with up to two daytime running lamps conforming to federal standards.
- These lamps must:
- Be mounted on the front of the vehicle.
- Automatically activate when the vehicle is started.
- Automatically deactivate when the headlamp control is in any "on" position.
Prohibited Lighting
Certain lighting configurations are prohibited for non-emergency vehicles in Oklahoma.
1. Red or Blue Lights
- It is unlawful for any non-authorized vehicle to have any lamp or device displaying or capable of displaying a red or blue light visible from directly in front of the vehicle.
2. Flashing Lights
- Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except for:
- Authorized emergency vehicles.
- School buses or church buses as specified.
- Vehicles engaged in highway construction or maintenance as specified.
Underglow and Decorative Lighting
While Oklahoma statutes do not explicitly address underglow lighting, general restrictions apply:
- Red or blue lights visible from the front are prohibited for non-emergency vehicles.
- Flashing lights are generally prohibited unless specified.
- Therefore, underglow lighting should:
- Not emit red or blue colors.
- Not flash or oscillate.
- Not be visible from the front of the vehicle.
Summary
When installing lighting on your vehicle in Oklahoma:
- Emergency vehicles must adhere to specific color and visibility requirements.
- Volunteer firefighters need authorization for specific lighting.
- Tow trucks and construction vehicles have designated lighting uses.
- Auxiliary lighting is permitted within specified guidelines.
- Red or blue lights and flashing lights are restricted to authorized vehicles.
- Underglow lighting should avoid prohibited colors and flashing patterns.
Always consult the latest Oklahoma statutes or local regulations to ensure compliance.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
