1. Who qualifies as an “authorized emergency vehicle”?
Under SD § 32‑14‑1(2), an "authorized emergency vehicle" includes:
- Fire department, police, ambulance, or public service corp. vehicles designated by the Department of Public Safety or Health
- Vehicles owned by accredited emergency management organizations.
2. Permitted Light Colors
A. Law Enforcement
- May use red and blue flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights visible at least 180° to the front.
- May also add white lights (strobes, takedowns, alley lights) when used in combination with red/blue.
B. Fire & Search‑and‑Rescue
- Under § 32‑17‑42, permitted to use flashing blue or strobe beacon lights visible 360°.
C. Ambulances & EMS
- Not defined by color statute, but typically use red, occasionally with white, aligning with standard U.S. EMS practices
3. Operational Privileges When Using Lights
Under § 32‑31‑4, authorized vehicles using audible signals or red/blue/white emergency lights may:
- Exceed posted speed limits
- Disregard certain traffic signal rules. These privileges apply only during bona fide emergency responses.
4. Move‑Over & Driver Requirements
A. Stopped Authorized Vehicles (§ 32‑31‑6.1)
- Other drivers must stop upon approaching stopped vehicles displaying red emergency lights; amber/yellow requires lane shift or slow-down
B. Pass‑by Move‑Over Law
- Drivers approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights must change lanes or decelerate to safe speed
5. Lighting Types Beyond Roof Light Bars
A. Auxiliary & Scene Lighting
- White spotlights, alley/takedown lights, strobes are common and legal for EMS, police, and fire KD-1901 / GSA guideline compliance
- South Dakota does not explicitly forbid these as long as colors align with authorized emergency use (§ 32‑31‑4).
B. Courtesy Lights for Volunteers
- Not traditional emergency lights. Volunteers (firefighters, EMTs) can use blue or green “courtesy” lights in private vehicles, but they do not grant exemptions on traffic laws such as running red lights.
6. Forbidden Color Uses
- Only authorized emergency vehicles may use red, blue, or combinations thereof.
- The general public cannot install or operate these lights without proper authority.
- Amber/yellow non-emergency lights are legal on service trucks, utility vehicles, etc., but do not grant emergency roadway privileges.
7. Other Vehicle Lighting Laws in SD
- All vehicles must have white front-facing lights (headlamps) and red/amber lights tailward—per standard UN/Geneva-Vienna conventions.
- Upgrades like HID/LED bulbs are legal as long as they match white light at the front and red/amber at the rear
Summary – What You Can Install Legally
| Vehicle Type | Allowed Light Colors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement | Red, Blue, White | Must be combined properly; visible ≥ 180° front |
| Fire/S&R | Blue (360°) | Requires authorized status |
| EMS/Ambulance | Red (± White/Amber) | Standard prehospital setup |
| Volunteer responders | Blue/Green courtesy | No traffic privileges; obey all laws |
| Utility/Non‑emergency | Amber/Yellow | For visibility only |
Compliance Best Practices
- Label products clearly: State who is authorized to use them (e.g., "Law enforcement only" for red/blue modules).
- Offer white takedown/strobes—legal as auxiliary lighting on authorized vehicles.
- Include amber lighting kits with disclaimers: For service and utility vehicles, no emergency exemptions.
- Educate customers: Emphasize that unauthorized use of red or blue lights may lead to misdemeanor charges under § 32‑17‑42, § 32‑31‑4, and related provisions.
- Recommend permits: Volunteers should secure proper local approval before installing courtesy lights.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the South Dakota Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
