1. Emergency Vehicle Light Colors (23 V.S.A. § 1252 & § 1251)
A. Law Enforcement
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Blue or blue + white lights, and red or red + amber, are permitted on law enforcement vehicles without permit:
- Vehicles owned/leased by federal, state, municipal, county authorities, or Vermont Criminal Justice Council.
- Certified officers may also get a permit for these same colors if using personal vehicles.
- Out-of-state emergency vehicles may use their home-state lights while responding to emergencies without needing a Vermont permit.
B. Fire & EMS
- Fire department vehicles (municipal or volunteer): permitted red or red + white emergency lights, no permit required.
- Ambulances: same as fire – red or red + white, no permit needed.
- When responding to emergencies, fire and ambulance can activate lights and sirens and are granted certain exemptions (e.g., speeding, running stops) under § 1015.
C. Other Official Vehicles
- Town constables (certified by clerk and training): may get permits for blue or blue + white lights.
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Utility, construction, tow, road maintenance, and pilot escort vehicles: allowed to display amber lights visible from all sides; sirens are prohibited and no permit is needed.
- Pilot vehicles (for oversized loads) must use flashing amber lights mounted high and daytime running lights; escort permit handles load, not the lights.
2. Permit Requirements & Restrictions (23 V.S.A. § 1251 & § 1252)
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Without proper permit or statutory allowance, a vehicle may not use:
- Any non-amber flashing light, blue lights, sirens, or signal lamps.
- A permit must accompany the vehicle when in use.
- Permits are exchangeable and regulated under DMV rulemaking.
3. Use Cases & Operational Rules
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Emergency vehicles (police, fire, EMS) may activate lights/sirens and legally:
- Exceed speed limits.
- Pass red lights/stop signs (must slow first)
- Drive opposite lane when safe.
- Upon returning from a call, fire and volunteer vehicles must turn off emergency lighting.
4. Other Vehicle Lighting & Equipment
A. Clearance, Marker & Signal Lighting
- Oversized vehicles (>80″/82″) must display amber front/red rear clearance lamps, visible 500 ft, from dusk to dawn.
- Standard head/tail/turn signals and reflectors must meet commissioner specifications .
B. Aftermarket/Decorative Lights
- Vermont prohibits flashing colored lights other than amber without proper permit.
- Underglow has limited legality: while not wholly banned, activation while driving can lead to penalties.
- DOT‑approved aftermarket lights (e.g., lightbars, fogs) must be aimed correctly; misuse (especially positioning above headlights) can draw enforcement attention
C. Auxiliary & Courtesy Lighting
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Non-emergency lighting (spotlights, alley or takedown lights, courtesy lights):
- Allowed if steady‑burn white and not flashing.
- Courtesy lights (e.g., volunteer firefighter pulsed lights) do not grant legal right to break traffic laws.
5. Summary Table
| Vehicle Type | Allowed Light Colors | Permit Required? | Siren Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police | Blue/White, Red/Amber | No (govt), Yes (personal use) | Yes | Exemptions in § 1015 |
| Fire/EMS Municipal | Red, Red/White | No | Yes | Lights off after return |
| Fire/EMS Volunteer | Red, Red/White (permit if private vehicle) | Permit needed for private vehicles | Yes | Lights off after return |
| Constables | Blue, Blue/White | Permit | Yes | Clerk certification |
| Tow/Utility/Construction | Amber | No | No | Must be visible 360° |
| Pilot/Escort Vehicle | Flashing Amber + DRLs + OVERSIZE LOAD sign | N/A | No | Load permit covers lights |
Key Takeaways for UltraBrightLightz.com
- Vermont strictly limits colored flashing lights: only Emergency services may use blue, red, or amber, per statutes.
- Permit required for non-government personal use (constables, volunteer responders).
- Improper installation (e.g., non-amber flashing lights, underglow in non-compliance) can lead to citations.
- Aftermarket steady‑burn white lighting (e.g., fog lamps, auxiliary spotlights) is generally safe if aimed and used properly.
- Recommend focus on amber DOT‑approved work/fog lamps, steady‑burn assisting lights, and emergency-grade lighting kits for those with proper permits or who are official responders.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Vermont Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
