Wyoming Emergency Vehicle Lighting Statute (W.S. 31‑5‑928)
Authorized Vehicles & Required Colors
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Law Enforcement Vehicles
- Must be marked and use emergency lights when responding to emergencies.
- No statutory restriction on light color—police commonly use red, blue, white, or any combination.
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Fire Vehicles (Trucks, Chief Cars, etc.)
- Must have at least one red lamp visible from 500 feet ahead.
- May additionally use blue, white, or amber lights.
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Ambulances & Other Emergency Services
- Privately owned vehicles used by fire/EMS must display at least one flashing white, red, or amber light (but no blue) visible from 500 feet ahead.
- Public emergency ambulances can add blue lights in addition to the mandatory red.
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Wreckers & Tow Trucks at Emergency Scenes
- May display flashing white and amber lights.
- When actively attending emergencies, may also use red and blue lights.
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Municipal, Utility, and Civil Emergency Vehicles
- Authorized to use flashing white and amber lights in addition to any other legal colors.
- Public utilities can add flashing red lights visible from 500 feet while responding.
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Snowplows or Road Maintenance
- Snow‑clearing vehicles may also use department-specified conspicuous colors (e.g., amber) under permitting rules.
Technical Requirements
- Lights must have a diameter of at least 4 inches and be visible from 500 feet in front of the vehicle.
- All emergency lights must be visible in typical conditions (“clear weather”) as statutorily implied.
Aftermarket & Non‑Emergency Lighting on Private Vehicles
Forbidden Colors
Wyoming law prohibits private use of red or blue lights visible from the front of a vehicle, unless specifically required by statute (i.e., for authorized emergency vehicles).
- For example, illuminated red or blue Christmas lights on a private vehicle’s front may result in a $100 fine (with a $10 seat‑belt discount).
Distracting or Decorative Lights
- The Wyoming Highway Patrol warns such displays may distract other drivers, obscure brake lights, and mimic actual emergency vehicles—creating safety concerns and legal risk.
Legal Additions for Private Vehicles (Non‑Emergency Use)
| Light Type | Color(s) | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard headlights/brake/tail lights | White (forward); red (rear); amber turn signals | Allowed | Must comply with general automotive lighting conventions |
| Amber warning beacons (on utility or escort vehicles) | Amber | Allowed for “escort vehicles” under W.S. 31‑18‑802 | Primarily for escort/oversize loads |
| Courtesy lights for volunteer responders | Red, white, amber | Allowed under emergency-use statute | Private vehicles used in official duties only |
| Other decorative lights (e.g., RGB, “underglow”) | Non‑amber/white | Likely illegal if used on public roads | Can be distracting or mimic emergency lighting |
Key Takeaways
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Emergency responders:
- Red is mandatory for visibility and legal compliance in fire, ambulance, and authorized private responder vehicles.
- Additional amber, blue, or white lights are permitted based on vehicle type and function.
- Emergency light fixtures must meet minimum size and visibility standards.
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Utility and tow operators:
- Amber and white beacons are allowed; red and blue may be used at active emergency scenes only.
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Private motorists:
- No red/blue lights at the front—strictly prohibited.
- Amber beacons are permissible on non-emergency utility vehicles and commercial vehicles as specified by statute (e.g., pilot cars).
- Decorative lighting (e.g., Christmas, RGB underglow, flashing) is risky—may draw citations even if no red/blue present.
Best Practices & Recommendations
- Verify vehicle classification—know whether your vehicle is “authorized emergency,” volunteer responder, or civilian.
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Match your lights to mission needs:
- Fire/EMS: Mandatory red lighting up front; optionally add blue, white, amber.
- Private EMS or volunteer responders: Use white, red, or amber—but never blue.
- Police: Flexible, but typically use blue/red combos.
- Tow/utility: Use amber and white beacons; red/blue only at emergency scenes.
- Install compliant equipment:
- Lightheads should be ≥4″ diameter and visible from ≥500 ft.
- Use approved mounting positions (roof, grille, rear deck, etc.).
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Avoid illegal lighting:
- No front-facing red/blue on a private-use vehicle.
- Skip decorative lighting that could impair visibility or mimic authorized emergency signals.
Product Suggestions (For Emergency-Upfitters)
- Red warning lightheads with ≥ 4″ lenses and ≥ 500-foot visibility.
- Amber/white multi‑function lightbars for utility & escort use.
- Compliance kits including mounts, controllers, and documentation geared to Wyoming statutes.
- Volunteer responder packages (flashing white/red/amber) in compact, magnetic, or surface-mount styles.
Final Word
Wyoming law is precise: red up front is essential for most emergency responders, while blue and white are optional enhancements. Utility and escort vehicles rely on amber. Private vehicles must avoid red/blue at the front entirely—failure to do so can result in legal penalties.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult the Wyoming Department of Public Safety or a legal professional. If something is incorrect and you would like to suggest an edit, please contact us.
