Alaska Emergency Vehicle Light State Statutes

Alaska Emergency Vehicle Light Laws (2026 Statutes)

alaska Alaska has clearly defined regulations that govern how emergency and warning lights are displayed on vehicles. These laws apply to both public agencies and privately owned vehicles authorized for emergency use. The primary state rules appear in Alaska Admin Code 13 AAC 04.090, which specifies the mounting, color, and visibility requirements for all warning lamps used on public roads.

Emergency lighting in Alaska must be visible from at least 500 feet in normal daylight and mounted as high on the vehicle as practicable. Red and white lights are used for official emergency response vehicles, blue lights are reserved for law enforcement, and amber lights are used for caution and hazard applications such as towing or construction. All authorized emergency vehicles must operate both audible and visual warnings when exercising special right-of-way privileges.

For agencies and operators who need maximum visibility and compliance, LED Light Bars, LED Warning Lights, and LED Strobe Lights offer approved illumination patterns and brightness suitable for Alaska’s visibility standards.

Police Lights in Alaska

Police departments in Alaska are authorized to display flashing or rotating red and white lights on patrol vehicles. These lights must be mounted as high as reasonably possible and be visible from 500 feet in either direction in daylight conditions. A second lamp may be mounted at the same height to provide additional coverage.

Under Alaska Admin Code 13 AAC 04.100, a blue light may also be installed with written authorization from the police chief. The vehicle must clearly display police markings and the name of the municipality or department. Blue lights must be operated only during an emergency response and must be used concurrently with red lighting.

Many agencies supplement these signals with interior Visor Emergency Lights and perimeter LED Grille & Surface Mount Strobes for added warning capability. For full outfitting details by department role, visit Police Lights for car.

Fire Truck Lights in Alaska

Fire apparatus operated by municipal or borough departments are authorized to use flashing red or rotating red and white lights. These lights should be mounted as high as practical and remain visible from 500 feet in normal daylight. A second lamp at the same level may be used to increase coverage.

Blue lights may be installed when authorized by the fire chief for department vehicles clearly marked with official insignia. Blue lamps must always operate in combination with red during emergency response. For maximum coverage, many departments equip their apparatus with Fire Truck Light Bars, which provide long-range visibility for multi-directional approach angles. Learn more about equipment options at Fire Truck Lights.

Volunteer Firefighter Lights in Alaska

Volunteer firefighters in Alaska may equip their personal vehicles with emergency lighting under specific conditions. Authorized vehicles may display flashing red or rotating red and white lights consistent with department rules. With written authorization from the fire chief, a blue light may also be installed. Drivers must hold a valid Alaska license and have a clean driving record for the previous three years.

Because volunteers often respond in privately owned vehicles, compact rooftop units such as Magnetic Mini Light Bars are preferred. For approved use cases, operational standards, and siren permissions, review First responder Lights.

Ambulance Lights in Alaska

Authorized ambulances may display flashing red or rotating red and white lights visible from at least 500 feet in normal sunlight. Lights must be mounted as high as feasible and arranged to provide visibility in all directions. Additional rear or side modules may be installed if they meet Alaska’s visibility and color standards.

Blue lights may be added when approved by the agency’s EMS director. Ambulances must operate both siren and lighting systems simultaneously when claiming right-of-way.

Tow Truck Lights in Alaska

Tow trucks must display amber flashing warning lights during certain operations as defined in Alaska Admin Code 13 AAC 04.095. Amber LED Strobe Lights are required when preparing a disabled vehicle for towing, when traveling at reduced speed, or when the truck’s taillights or signals are obstructed by the towed vehicle. Lamps must be visible from 500 feet in normal daylight.

Operators can view purpose-built options at Tow Truck Strobe Lights, designed for visibility and durability during low-light or high-traffic recovery work.

Construction Vehicle Lights in Alaska

Vehicles engaged in road work, inspection, or maintenance must be equipped with yellow hazard lamps mounted at the same height and spaced for maximum visibility. A single rear lamp is allowed for narrow vehicles under 80 inches wide. Lights must be visible from at least 500 feet and remain on whenever the vehicle operates on or within eight feet of a roadway.

Heavy-duty amber lighting solutions for these applications can be found at Construction Lights for Trucks

Utility Vehicle Lights in Alaska

Utility fleet vehicles performing installation, maintenance, or repair near roadways must display amber hazard lamps visible from at least 500 feet. Lamps should be mounted uniformly and activated whenever vehicles are working on or near the travel lane. Rear lamps may display amber or red depending on worksite configuration.

Fleet managers can review product configurations for power, communications, and municipal applications at Utility Vehicle Lights.

Pilot and Escort Vehicle Lights in Alaska

Pilot and escort vehicles guiding oversized loads must display yellow flashing lights while escorting. These lamps must be visible from 500 feet and positioned for both front and rear coverage. Use of the lights is restricted to active escort duty only.

Lighting solutions designed specifically for this purpose are detailed at Pilot and Escort Vehicle Lights.

Security Vehicle Lights in Alaska

Security patrol vehicles are not authorized to display colored emergency lights. Marking requirements are detailed in Alaska Admin Code 13 AAC 60.110. Vehicles must display the word “security” along with the agency name. Amber warning lamps may be used only when providing hazard or escort functions on private property. Use of red or blue is prohibited.

Courtesy vs. Emergency Lights in Alaska

Alaska law distinguishes between courtesy lighting and authorized emergency signals. Red and blue lights are reserved exclusively for emergency vehicles; amber is used for caution. Courtesy lighting may not be used to simulate emergency response, claim right-of-way, or mislead other drivers. Private vehicles equipped with amber lamps should activate them only during temporary hazard situations such as roadside assistance or escort duty.

Siren Laws in Alaska

Authorized emergency vehicles must use both audible and visual signals while responding to calls requiring right-of-way privileges. Sirens must be clearly audible and operated alongside red or blue lights during response. For synchronized lighting and sound systems, Alaska departments commonly use Police Sirens. Civilian drivers are prohibited from installing or using sirens unless specifically authorized by statute or department regulation.

Compliance Checklist for Alaska Emergency Vehicle Lighting

Confirm your vehicle’s authorization and color eligibility.
Mount lights at the highest safe point with 500-foot visibility.
Use both siren and visual warnings when claiming right-of-way.
Avoid red or blue lights unless officially approved.
Maintain official markings and identification as required.
Reference Alaska Admin Codes when purchasing or installing lighting equipment.
Consider Mini Light Bars for compact vehicles, Full Size Light Bars for department fleets and trucks, and LED Hideaway Strobe Lights for intersection coverage.
Inspect systems regularly for brightness, damage, and compliance.

Statutes & Official Guidance

13 AAC 04.090 — Authorized vehicle warning light color and mounting.
13 AAC 04.095 — Amber hazard lamp requirements for tow, construction, and utility vehicles.
13 AAC 04.100 — Blue light authorization for law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
13 AAC 60.110 — Security vehicle marking and color restrictions.

Always verify these sections with your local department before installation or use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can volunteer firefighters use blue lights?

Yes, with approval from the fire chief and proper markings. Blue lights must be used only in conjunction with red during authorized response.

Do emergency vehicles have to use sirens?

Yes. When claiming right-of-way, both siren and lights must be active.

What color lights can tow trucks use?

Amber lights only, during towing, recovery, or roadside work.

Can construction vehicles use red lights?

No. Amber is the designated color; red may appear rear-facing only under limited work-zone conditions.

Can security patrols use emergency lights?

No. They must use amber or white lighting only and display required “security” markings.

View Neighboring State Laws

Disclaimer

The Alaska emergency vehicle light state statute guide was written by Extreme Tactical Dynamics for educational purposes. It reflects our interpretation of the law as of 2026. Regulations change frequently, and readers should verify all details with the Alaska Department of Public Safety or their local authority. This guide is offered as a courtesy only and carries no legal warranty. Extreme Tactical Dynamics cannot be held responsible for errors or misuse of this information.