State Statutes
Authored by the ETD Regulatory Compliance Team. Since 2005 with verifiable experience mapping state vehicle code to SAE/DOT standards.
Warning: Always verify local laws with your state agency before installing or using emergency lighting equipment. Regulations change frequently, and penalties for non-compliance can be significant.
Extreme Tactical Dynamics, the industry leader in Emergency Vehicle Lights, has been the trusted source for compliant LED Warning Lights and vehicle safety equipment since 2005. With more than 250,000 customers nationwide, we’ve built this resource to help you understand how emergency vehicle light laws differ across all 50 states — and how to stay compliant when equipping your fleet, department, or POV.
How to Use the 50-State Guide
Finding your state’s regulations takes only a few steps:
- Find your state in the alphabetical index below.
- Select your vehicle type — police, fire, EMS, tow, or construction.
- Review the statute summary for approved colors, mounting locations, flash patterns, and siren rules.
Each page links directly to your state’s governing code, giving you fast, reliable answers before you buy or install your lights.
Critical Legal Topics and Compliance
Emergency lighting laws are among the most misunderstood vehicle regulations in the country. For example, many volunteer firefighters ask whether they can legally use blue or red lights on their privately owned vehicles (POVs). Others want to know the difference between “warning” lights, which alert drivers and “right-of-way” lights, which grant emergency response privileges.
Our guide on Private Vehicle (POV) usage and State-by-State Move Over Laws explain these differences in depth.
For fleet managers and first responders, compliance extends beyond color. It includes flash pattern limits, SAE J595 and J845 certification, and mounting height requirements under DOT and NFPA guidelines, all areas in which ETD’s experts provide clarity and trusted equipment solutions.
State Index: Access Your State Statutes
Use the index below to open the complete emergency vehicle lighting guide for your state. Each page includes detailed requirements for:
- Authorized light colors by vehicle type (Police, Fire, EMS, Tow, Construction, Utility)
- Mounting and visibility standards
- Siren and right-of-way restrictions
- Citations to the official state code
Need Compliant Equipment Now?
When it’s time to outfit your vehicle, choose products that meet or exceed SAE, NFPA, and DOT standards. Every product we sell is field-tested and backed by our Five-Year Warranty and Customer Service.
Shop our most popular compliance-ready options:
- Compact POV lighting or discreet Mini Light Bars
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You can also learn more about our leading industry experts and explore hundreds of LED Warning Lights trusted by public safety agencies nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About State Laws
What is the most common lighting mistake people make?
Installing lights without checking their state’s color restrictions. Many drivers use red or blue lights that are reserved for law enforcement or fire departments, which can result in fines or equipment confiscation.
Does my state require SAE certification for warning lights?
Most states recommend or mandate compliance with SAE J595 or J845 standards to ensure proper brightness, beam angle, and color uniformity. All ETD lights meet or exceed these standards.
Can an amber light grant me the right-of-way in any state?
No. Amber warning lights are cautionary only. They improve visibility and safety but do not grant the legal right-of-way privileges reserved for authorized emergency vehicles.
What are POV lights, and where can I use them?
POV lights refer to lighting used on “personally owned vehicles” operated by volunteer firefighters or responders. Each state sets its own rules, review your local guide before activating any red, blue, or white lighting on your vehicle.
Disclaimer
This 50-State Emergency Vehicle Light Statute Guide is provided by Extreme Tactical Dynamics as a reference only. We make no legal claims to its accuracy or completeness. This content represents our interpretation of current regulations as of 2026. Always verify with your state or local enforcement authority before installation or operation. Extreme Tactical Dynamics assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or misinterpretations.