Utah Emergency Light Color Regulations
Authorized Emergency Vehicle Lights (Red & Blue)
Under Utah Code § 41‑6a‑1616, only authorized emergency vehicles may display flashing, rotating, or strobe lights. Specifically:
- Forward-facing red lights and blue lights are strictly limited to authorized emergency vehicles and school buses, or law enforcement vehicles displaying blue.
- No non-emergency vehicle may use rotating or flashing blue lights. Red flashing is also prohibited at the front unless authorized.
- Unauthorized use of these lights is an infraction under Utah law.
Other Flashing or Rotating Lights
- All flashing lights—excluding turn signals, hazards, school bus lights, and highway maintenance/tow-vehicle lights—are restricted to authorized vehicles.
- Non-emergency vehicles cannot use rotating beacons unless classified as emergency or maintenance vehicles.
Right-of-Way & Driver Responsibilities
Approaching Stationary Emergency Vehicles (§ 41‑6a‑904)
- Drivers must yield and move as close as safely possible to the right-hand curb when approaching stationary emergency vehicles using alternating flashing red/white, red/blue, or red lights.
- Approaching tow trucks or highway maintenance vehicles with flashing amber lights requires slowing down and giving space.
Permitted Auxiliary Lights on Non-Emergency Vehicles
Amber, White, and Green Lights
- On non-emergency vehicles (e.g. service, utility, media production vehicles), limited use of white, amber, or green lights is generally permitted, as long as red or blue flashing/rotating lights are not used.
- Media vehicles may run such non-emergency lights lawfully while filming.
Underglow/Neon LED Lights
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Utah doesn’t have a specific code referencing underglow, but by rule:
- Avoid red, blue, or any flashing patterns.
- Stick to white, amber, or green, if outfitted to prevent confusion with emergency vehicles.
- KUTV reports enforcement on decorative lighting—especially if it risks resembling emergency lights.
Warning and Courtesy Lights
- Courtesy lights (steady or flashing, commonly green or blue) used by volunteer firefighters or EMTs are allowed but don’t grant exemption from traffic laws and do not require other drivers to yield.
- Tow trucks, snowplows, service vehicles, etc., may use amber lights while performing road duties.
Illegally Used Lights & Consequences
- Non-emergency vehicles using blue or red flashing/rotating lights, or rotating beacons, face legal infractions.
- Decorative lighting that imitates emergency signals (e.g., twinkling nylon on the front) could result in tickets, as highlighted by local media.
Recommendations for UltraBrightLightz.com Customers
| Use Case | Permitted Lights | Legal Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-emergency vehicle | White, amber, green steady | Permitted |
| Service/maintenance vehicle | Amber flashing/rotating | Permitted when in service |
| Volunteer first responder | Steady or flashing courtesy lights (green or blue) | Allowed, but no traffic exemptions |
| Underglow decorative setup | White, amber, or green; no flashing, no red/blue | Must avoid confusion with emergency vehicles |
| Filming/media production | White, amber, green available | Legal with media vehicle designation |
| Any red/blue flashing lights | — | Illegal for unauthorized users |
Final Takeaways
- Red and blue flashing or rotating lights: restricted to authorized emergency vehicles—illegal on any private or civilian vehicle.
- Amber lights: allowed for service and maintenance vehicles; common for utility and tow usage.
- White and green lights: generally allowed, especially for visibility, but avoid flashing patterns.
- Decorative or flashy lighting (like underglow): allowable in subtle, non-flashing colors; misleading styles (especially red or blue) could trigger law enforcement attention.
- Violating these rules usually results in an infraction, not a misdemeanor, but the fines and required modifications can be onerous.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Utah Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
