1. Authorized Emergency Light Colors & Vehicles
Blue, Red, White Lights (§ 46.2‑1022)
- Police, official law-enforcement, military-police, corrections vehicles may use flashing or steady-burning blue, red, blue‑red combination, or red‑white‑blue lights approved by the State Police Superintendent.
- Steady-burning blue or red also allowed.
Red or Red‑White Lights (§ 46.2‑1023 & § 46.2‑1024)
- Fire apparatus, ambulances, forest warden vehicles, EMS vehicles, Dept. of Emergency Management, Dept. of Environmental Quality, National Guard CBRNE/Civil Support vehicles, animal wardens, security at certain centers (e.g., NASA, hospitals) may use flashing red or red‑white lights approved by State Police.
- Volunteer firefighters, volunteer EMS, police chaplains may equip one personal vehicle with up to four (commonly two) flashing or steady-burning red or red-white lights, only when responding to emergencies.
Amber, Purple, Green Lights (§ 46.2‑1025)
- Amber lights: Authorized for tow trucks, wreckers, construction vehicles, utility/public-works vehicles, pilot escorts, and security vehicles on private property when actively assisting/working.
- Purple: Funeral procession escort vehicles may use purple or amber, but not both simultaneously.
- Green: Incident-command vehicles (EMS, fire, law-enforcement) may display green lights only while parked at scene.
2. Usage Rules & Limitations
- Visibility: Amber lights must be visible only from behind on fire/EMS vehicles.
- Usage Conditions: Many amber/purple/green lights are restricted to use only while stopped or performing official duties, not while driving on public roads.
- Quantity Limits: Volunteer/emergency personnel may install up to 4 red or red‑white lights on personal vehicles.
- Device Standards: All lighting equipment must be of types approved by the Superintendent of State Police.
3. Other Permissible Non‑Emergency Lights (§ 46.2‑1020)
- Fog lights: up to 2.
- Auxiliary driving lights: up to 2 (manufacturer‑equipped).
- Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): up to 2.
- Side marker lights: amber or red, ≤ 6 candlepower (≈ 75 lumens).
- Interior courtesy lights: ≤ 15 candlepower (≈ 189 lumens); does not apply to permitted interior blinking colored emergency lights.
4. Aftermarket Add‑Ons: What’s Legal?
| Lighting Type | Allowed? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Blue/Red Bars/Beacons on non-authorized vehicles | ❌ | Only law enforcement, EMS, fire, authorized agencies |
| Amber Bars / Beacons | ✅ | Only on authorized vehicles and only during operations |
| Underglow (LED/neon) | ⚠️ | Not expressly authorized—likely invalid if they mimic amber/emergency lights or distract |
| Wig-Wags / Grille/Dash Lights | ❌ | Only on officially permitted vehicles |
| Headlight flashing (high-beam flicker) | ✅ | Legal in VA — not considered misuse |
Bottom Line: Any amber, red, purple, green, blue, or white flashing/strobing device has to match one of the authorized uses above and be officially approved. Other decorative or non-functional lighting (e.g., underglow, wig-wags) is not legal for emergency appearance and may lead to citation.
5. Legal Consequences
- Unauthorized installation or use of emergency-style lights may result in misuse of safety equipment, potential traffic stops, citations, impoundment, or criminal charges.
- Vehicles with unauthorized lights cannot claim any emergency privileges—such as speed or traffic signal exemptions under § 46.2‑920.
- If lights are legal, they still must conform to State Police-approved type, color, placement, and usage conditions.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Virginia Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
