1. Core Statutes
Red Lights – RCW 46.37.190 & 46.37.184
- Authorized emergency vehicles (e.g., police, fire, ambulances) must have at least one red light, visible from 500 ft in daylight.
- Fire apparatus: must use intermittent flashing red lights, front and rear, visible from 500 ft, spaced away from headlights so they remain visible when headlamps are on, and must be in use whenever on emergency calls.
Blue Lights – WAC 204‑21‑130
- Law enforcement vehicles must have one blue light, and may additionally use amber, white, or red at the operator’s discretion.
- Fire vehicles may also use rear-facing blue lights in combination with red, but only at an emergency scene.
Green Lights – RCW 46.37.185
- Volunteer firefighter personal vehicles may use front-mounted green lights (visible 200 ft), SAE-certified color and intensity (<300 candlepower), at least 24″ above ground; only when on official emergency duties, and without the privileges of fully-authorized emergency vehicles.
Emergency Tow Trucks – RCW 46.37.196
- Must be equipped with intermittent or revolving red lights offering 360° visibility up to 500 ft; usage is restricted to emergency scenes only.
2. Use Restrictions & Penalties
- Flashers prohibited on non-authorized vehicles: no red light facing forward except emergency vehicles.
- Equipment sales regulated: If selling surplus, emergency lighting must be removed unless sold to qualified public/emergency agencies.
- Misuse or unauthorized display (e.g., civilian vehicle displaying red/blue/tail colors reserved for emergency vehicles) can lead to fines or equipment confiscation.
3. Other Lighting Permitted on Vehicles
Standard Auxiliary Lamps (RCW 46.37.180–210)
- Spot, fog, passing, and driving lamps: up to two each when properly aimed and mounted within height limits to prevent glare.
- Side marker, clearance, backup, and courtesy lamps: amber/white or red as specified, no glare, and conforming to passenger vehicle standards.
- Hazard/warning flashers allowed on farm and slow-moving vehicles per state rules.
Auxiliary Color‑Changing Rear System (RCW 46.37.210)
- Permits an aftermarket rear-mounted system: green while accelerating, amber while coasting/idling, red when braking; visible 1,000 ft and not interfering with standard brake/turn signals.
4. Quick Reference Table
| Vehicle Type | Mandatory Color(s) | Optional/Add-On Colors | Use Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement | Blue | Amber, white, red | Blue mandatory, others optional |
| Fire department apparatus | Red (flashing) | Rear-facing blue | Always on during emergencies |
| Volunteer firefighter PUAs | Green (front) | — | Only during official emergency duty |
| Ambulance | Red | White, blue, amber | Alongside red, operational in emergencies |
| Emergency tow truck | Red (intermittent/revolving) | — | Use limited to emergency scenes |
5. Compliance Tips
- Only authorized vehicles may use red/blue, except green for volunteer firefighter vehicles.
- Ensure visibility distances : 500 ft for emergency lights, 200 ft for green volunteer lights.
- Mounting standards : separate from headlights, correct height, and SAE compliance.
- Avoid prohibited lighting : no forward-facing red on non-emergency vehicles; no aftermarket neon.
- Maintain legal positioning/aiming : avoid glare or excessive brightness from auxiliary lamps.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Washington Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
