All You Need To Know About Strobe Lights In Texas
Texas has strict guidelines about colors that are allowed on emergency lighting. In addition to limiting the color of vehicles that can have strobe lights, it is also illegal for individuals who possess a permit for different colored strobe lights (such as green or blue) to use them in a manner not described by state law. For example, an individual with an FL/e permit is allowed to have a green strobe light. Section 547.302 of the Transportation Code is Texas’ legislation regarding the use of emergency lighting equipment. It states: A motor vehicle operated by a person employed as paid or volunteer fire protection personnel or EMS personnel may be equipped with one or more lights, including another light or light system in addition to the light described by Subsection (a), exhibiting, in operating mode: (1) except as provided by Subsection (b), only clear, white , or amber light that is visible under normal atmospheric conditions at a distance of at least 500 feet from front and rear cap lights during darkness; or (2) in addition to a clear, white, or amber light described by Subsection (a)(1), a light that emits a color other than clear, white, or amber light choice that emits a color other than clear, white, or amber light, such as blue, red, or green, that is visible under normal atmospheric conditions at a distance of at least 15 feet from front and rear cap lights during darkness. (Emphasis added). Clearly, the permitted lights are limited to Amber, White or Clear. The Texas Department of Safety specifies the following regarding permitted flashlight colors in Texas: Specifically allowed flashlight colors: The SHERIFF shall make an arrest for use of strobe lights when the lights are allowed only on SCHOOL BUSES and the individual possessing the light is not a school employee.
Which Strobe Light Colors Are Permitted On Civilian Vehicles
The regulations in the Texas Transportation Code and the Texas Administrative Code allow for civilian use of a limited number of colors of strobe lights on motor vehicles. The permitted civilian colors are: white, yellow, amber, green and ultraviolet (also known as "black light"). These colors correspond with lightbars, such as those offered by Whelen Engineering in their Liberty II series.
The colors not permitted under the Texas statutes and Administrative Code are red, blue, red & blue or clear. These colors can be found in nearly every other brand of lightbar available from a typical dealership. The main difference in these lightbars is that they emit red, blue, red & blue, or clear lights as opposed to the above mentioned permissible colors. Many shades of "purple" or "clear" have also been marketed for civilian use, whereas the only permissible shade of "purple" is ultraviolet.
The exception to the limitation of lightbar colors to those listed above is that red and blue lights are permitted for use by "authorized law enforcement personnel," specifically "a federal law enforcement officer, a state law enforcement officer, a county sheriff, or an authorized city police officer." 1 Although the law places no restrictions on the use of lights by uniformed officers, as a practical matter, most cities limit the use of all non-flashing, clear lights to those of off-duty employment. This is seen by many as means by which off-duty officers can "moonlight" doing NightWatch, a term which refers to the use of clear lights by peace officers while off-duty to protect themselves, family members and their homes.
Strobe Light Colors Reserved For Emergency And Service Vehicles
The colors red, blue, green, amber and white have to be reserved for police, deputy sheriff, fire fighters and emergency medical services. Government may be exempt, unless this code specifically states otherwise.
– 1. The color red:
(A) is reserved for use on motor vehicles of police departments;
(B) may be used on emergency vehicles and bicycles operated by a peace officer, emergency medical services personnel, or fire protection personnel if another color does not conflict with federal law; and
(C) is not allowed unless otherwise provided by law.
– 2. The color blue:
(A) may be used only on emergency vehicles and bicycles operated by a peace officer, emergency medical services personnel, or fire protection personnel who are authorized by law to exercise the powers of a peace officer; and
(B) is not allowed unless otherwise provided by law.
– 3. The color green is reserved for use on motor vehicles of game wardens of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
– 4. The color amber is:
(A) reserved for use on tow trucks, wrecker services, and other vehicles that routinely recover, tow, or transport vehicles that have become disabled or inoperable; and
(B) prohibited on all other motor vehicles unless authorized by Subsection (c).
– 5. The color white:
(A) is reserved for use on motor vehicles of the United States government;
(B) may be used on motor vehicles of state, local, or other governmental entities if another color does not conflict with federal law; and
(C) is not allowed unless otherwise provided by law.
- 6. The color amber may be used on an emergency vehicle of a utility service provider in such situations as when a utility service provider is repairing power lines or performing other services related to the power lines.
- 7. A motor vehicle of a government entity, other than an emergency vehicle, may display a combination of the colors white or amber lights that are steady-burned lights or nonflashing lights instead of being required to display a rotating or oscillating light.
- 8. Only the following vehicles may be equipped with red lights connected to a siren or horn:
(A) a fire-fighting vehicle;
(B) an ambulance;
(C) a municipal volunteer fire-fighting vehicle;
(D) a privately owned vehicle of an individual officer or volunteer firefighter of a municipal fire department if the vehicle displays a certificate of compliance with departmental standards issued by the chief or an authorized representative;
(E) a private vehicle of an individual officer or volunteer firefighter of a county fire department if the vehicle displays a certificate of compliance with departmental standards issued by the county fire marshal or another designated official; or
(F) a privately owned vehicle of an individual officer or volunteer firefighter of a fire-fighting department or organization other than a county fire department that does not have set standards regarding the use of red lights and sirens.
– 9. A peace officer’s vehicle may be equipped with blue lights that emit flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights.
– 10. An emergency vehicle is not required to be equipped with lights; however, if an emergency vehicle is so equipped, it must operate the lights in accordance with the governing law in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Penalties For Using Strobe Light Colors That Are Not Legal
Using strobe lights that are illegal for your particular vehicle class can have some serious legal repercussions.
Section 547.305 of The Texas Transportation Code states that "a person commits an offense if the person operates on a highway a motor vehicle that has a blue light that is in the front or on an exterior mirror." The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by either (1) a fine of up to $200 or (2) a term of confinement in jail for 30 days, or (3) both. It’s worth noting that any municipal court in a city with strobe light ordinances may charge their own fines as well .
Apart from the fine for using illegal strobe lights, the Texas DMV may refuse to register your motor vehicle until the illegal lights are removed. Some insurance companies will view the usage of illegal lights as a criminal act and will deny you coverage. This could also result in your insurer dropping you altogether. Driving with illegal lights on your vehicle could result in your vehicle being impounded – which may incur some pretty costly fees for recovering your strobe light-equipped vehicle.
How To Make Sure You Comply With The Strobe Light Law
Ensuring compliance with the laws surrounding strobe lights in Texas is an important responsibility for every vehicle owner. Here are some essential steps to help you make sure that your strobe lights are street-legal.
1. Review State and Local Laws
The first step is to read up on both state and local laws. You not only need to know whether strobe lights are legal, but what specific color combinations are permitted. Some states restrict the use of red and blue color combinations to emergency vehicles. If you have any questions about whether a specific combination is permissible, contact your local Department of Transportation for information.
2. Talk to Professionals
Confirm your understanding of the law with professionals such as the staff at automotive lighting stores and professionals who install lighting systems on cars. Ask them to help you understand the law, and inquire about additional ways that you can themselves ensure compliance. You should always receive at least two written estimates for work done at an automotive lighting store.
3. Examine Strobe Lights After Installation
If you are not familiar with strobe lights , review their operation and appearance in detail before you take delivery of your vehicle. Make sure that you have a clear understanding of all the light settings and flashing patterns. Also check the lights for consistency. If they are not mounted properly or if they do not synchronize, the lights will likely violate the law and could be dangerous for other drivers.
4. Guarantee Compliance Through Removal
If you discover that your strobe lights are illegal, they can be removed. In some cases, the strobe lights can be replaced with a legal color combination. Many who violate the law are simply unaware that they have a strobe light system that is against the law as installed.
Following these steps ensures that your vehicle will have the best possible odds of being considered street-legal in Texas. Legal lighting setups also help improve safety, so they’re good for you and other drivers.