Emergency Vehicle Light Colors – Wisconsin Statute 347.25
- Authorized emergency vehicles (police, fire, EMS, conservation wardens, etc.) fall under this statute.
- Police vehicles : permitted to display flashing, oscillating or rotating red and blue lights (forward and rear).
- Fire and ambulance vehicles : may display red or red and white lights.
- Command post vehicles at emergency scenes (e.g., fire chiefs): may use flashing blue or green lights.
- Volunteer first-responder vehicles transporting medical supplies can display red or red-and-white lights when exercising emergency privileges.
- All lights must be visible from at least 500 feet , both day and night.
- Use restrictions : Warning lights may only be used when responding to or actively engaged in emergency duties, and in limited parked/hazard contexts.
Prohibited Colors
- No vehicle (except authorized police or fire apparatus) may display blue lights.
- Red lights are also generally restricted to emergency use only, except where specifically allowed.
Other Authorized Warning Lights – Statute 347.26
- Tow/service vehicles : can mount flashing or rotating amber dome light(s) visible from 500 ft when moving a disabled vehicle at traffic speed; plus a flashing red dome light when stationary preparing to tow.
- Government highway vehicles (state/county/municipal) with traffic hazard potential may be equipped with flashing red, amber, or green lamps, in various configurations.
- Mail delivery vehicles : permitted to use a flashing amber lamp or strobe, front and rear, to indicate roadside stopping.
- Public utility/cooperative vehicles : allowed flashing amber or green warning lights for traffic hazard scenarios.
- Funeral procession vehicles : may display a flashing amber light when in procession.
Standard Vehicle Light Color Rules – Statute 347.07
- Front lamps : only white or amber lights are allowed.
- Rear lamps : only red lights permitted on the vehicle's rear.
- Flashing lights on non-authorized vehicles are prohibited.
- Exceptions apply to motorcycles (ground-illumination lights).
Other Vehicle Lights & Their Legality
| Light Type | Wisconsin Status & Notes |
|---|---|
| Headlights/Taillights | Must comply with 347.07: white/amber front, red rear. |
| Spotlamps | Max 2; must aim downwards ≤150 ft and not substitute headlamps. |
| Adverse weather lamps | Max 2; front-mounted; use only in rain/snow/dust/fog; if one used, headlights required too. |
| Back‑up lamps | Max 2 white/amber; ≤75 ft rear illumination; only lit when reversing; tail lamps must be lit too at night. |
| Identification lamps (taxis/buses) | Only single illuminated sign or lamp above windshield in white/amber/green; steady/flashing, glare-free. |
| Underglow/ground-effects | Wisconsin prohibits flashing/unusual lights visible front or rear – likely illegal for non-authorized devices. |
Practical Takeaways for Installers & Consumers
- Emergency-like red, blue, flashing lights are illegal on civilian vehicles.
- Amber or green warning lights are permissible when installed on:
- Tow/service trucks during hazard operations,
- Utility/mail/funeral processions,
- Government highway maintenance vehicles.
- Spot, adverse weather, and back-up lamps can be fitted if compliant with Wisconsin code—great for visibility but lights must be correctly directed and used.
- Underglow/neon-style lighting – avoid flashing or non-white/amber colors, as they likely break Wisconsin’s 347.07 rules.
- For daytime running lights or added auxiliary lighting, ensure you stick with allowed colors (white/amber) and fixed [non-flashing] operation.
Summary & Compliance Tips
-
Allowed light colors :
- White/amber at front
- Red at rear
- Flashing amber/green for utility/hazard roles
- Flashing red/blue exclusively for police
- Flashing red/white for fire/EMS
-
Install legally :
- Use certified domes/lightbars for amber/green flashing lights if applicable.
- Mount spot/adverse lamps per beam-target rules.
- Avoid flashy or unconventional colors (purple, neon, underglow).
- Always check professional rules for performance standards and mounting guidance.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Wisconsin Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
