California Emergency Vehicle Light State Statutes

California’s emergency vehicle lighting regulations are among the most detailed in the nation. These laws define which vehicles may use red, blue, amber, or combination warning lights including strobe configurations, along with when and how those lights may be activated. The statutes exist to ensure predictability on the road: motorists must be able to immediately recognize true emergency responders, distinguish them from hazard related vehicles, and understand how to yield safely during fast moving incidents. These rules are governed by the California Vehicle Code, notably Division 12, Chapter 2, Article 7 (Flashing and Colored Lights). You can review the official statutory structure here:

California Vehicle Code Statutory Structure Reference Table

Profession / Vehicle	Permitted Colors	Core Requirement / Use Limits	Statute Ref.
Law Enforcement	Red / Blue (Amber rear in limited cases)	Steady-burning red lamp visible 1,000 ft to the front; blue restricted to specified peace officers; amber rear only in narrow court-order enforcement conditions	CVC §25252; CVC §25258(b); CVC §25254
Fire / EMS / Ambulance	Red / White (adjunct)	Steady-burning red lamp required; wig-wag/alternating upper beams only when operated pursuant to CVC §21055	CVC §25252; CVC §25252.5
Tow Trucks / Road Service	Amber	Only while towing/assisting or creating a roadway hazard; restricted on freeways except unusual or extreme hazard situations	CVC §25253
Construction / Maintenance Vehicles	Amber	Only while actively engaged in construction/maintenance/inspection/repair; not for commuting between locations	CVC §§25260.1–25266
Utility / Service Vehicles	Amber	Only while inspecting/maintaining/repairing utilities, typically when stopped/adjacent to a roadway or operating at reduced speed due to work activity	CVC §25260
Volunteer Fire / POV Responders	Red (permit required)	Private vehicles may use red warning lighting only if authorized by CHP; use limited to emergency response conditions allowed by permit	CVC §165 (permit framework)
Pilot / Escort Vehicles	Amber	Only during permitted escort movement; lights must be covered or removed when not performing pilot duties	CVC §25270
Private Security	Amber (restricted)	Vehicle must be properly marked; system may be equipped while operated on a highway if compliant, but may not be activated on a highway unless directed by a peace officer	CVC §25279

California Vehicle Code – Warning Lights:
California designates an “authorized emergency vehicle” under CVC §165, including police units, fire and rescue apparatus, and ambulances. Privately owned vehicles can also qualify if issued a formal permit by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A foundational requirement across all emergency services in the state is the presence of a steady burning red lamp visible from at least 1,000 feet, a rule that has remained central to California’s emergency lighting identity for decades.

California’s lighting laws apply not only to frontline emergency responders but also to a wide range of support and hazard focused vehicles, such as tow trucks, construction equipment, utility service vehicles, pilot/escort cars, and private security patrol vehicles. Each category is subject to its own statutory limitations regarding which colors may be used, where lamps may be mounted, and the specific operational conditions under which activation is legally justified.

To support agencies and vehicle operators navigating these requirements, Extreme Tactical Dynamics (ETD) offers compliant lighting solutions for professionals across law enforcement, fire services, EMS, towing, construction, and utility work. For an overview of available equipment, many operators begin with our strobe systems and LED Light Bars, LED Strobe Lights, or LED Warning Lights.

Below is a reference table summarizing how California designates emergency lighting by vehicle type. The following sections provide expanded explanations and statutory detail:

Vehicle Type | Permitted Light Colors | When Use Is Allowed / Key Limits | Statute

Police / Law Enforcement | Red + Blue | Red steady-burning lamp required (visible 1,000 ft to the front). Blue warning lights restricted to specified peace officers. | CVC §165; CVC §25252; CVC §25258

Fire / EMS / Ambulance | Red + White (adjunct) | Red steady-burning lamp required. Alternating upper-beam headlamps allowed only when operated pursuant to CVC §21055. | CVC §165; CVC §25252; CVC §25252.5

Tow Trucks / Road Service | Amber | Only while towing/assisting a disabled vehicle, operating at reduced speed due to the service, or creating a roadway hazard. Amber restricted on freeways except in unusual or extreme hazard situations. | CVC §25253

Construction / Maintenance Vehicles | Amber | Only while actively engaged in construction, maintenance, inspection, or repair work. Not for normal driving/commuting between locations. | CVC §§25260.1–25266

Utility / Service Vehicles | Amber | Only while inspecting, maintaining, or repairing utility infrastructure, typically when stopped/adjacent to a roadway or operating at reduced speed due to work activity. | CVC §25260

Volunteer Fire / POV Responders | Red (permit required) | Private vehicles may use red warning lighting only if authorized by CHP. Use limited to actual emergency response conditions allowed by permit. | CVC §165 (permit framework)

Pilot / Escort Vehicles | Amber | Only during the permitted escort movement. Lights must be covered or removed when not performing pilot duties. | CVC §25270

Private Security Vehicles | Amber (restricted) | Vehicle must be properly marked. Amber system may not be activated on a highway unless directed by a peace officer. Use is restricted to qualifying security responses. | CVC §25279

Police Lights in California

Law enforcement vehicles in California operate under some of the clearest statutory standards in the country. Police units qualify as “authorized emergency vehicles” under CVC §165, giving them legal access to red lamps, blue warning lights, alternating headlamps, and a variety of auxiliary signal systems.

Required Red Light

Under CVC §25252, every police vehicle must be equipped with one steady burning red lamp that can be seen from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle. This requirement applies regardless of whether the vehicle is a fully marked black-and-white unit, an unmarked enforcement vehicle, or a specialized patrol unit.

Industry Reality Check: While the law only requires one steady red lamp, most CA agencies prefer a full-size lightbar with integrated "California Red" modules.

Blue Warning Lights

Blue warning lights are authorized for specified peace officers under CVC §25258(b), allowing a steady or flashing blue warning light visible from the front, sides, or rear of the vehicle. Blue lighting is typically mounted above the roofline or integrated into modern warning systems such as light bars, visor lights, and low-profile platforms. California does not permit civilian use of blue lighting.

Headlamp Flashers and Ancillary Systems

Law enforcement may use:

• Alternating upper beam headlamps
• Flashing or revolving auxiliary lamps with strobe output
• Perimeter warning lights
• Directional or traffic advisory functions during roadway incidents

Special Case: Amber Warning Lights for Court-Order Enforcement (CVC §25254)

In limited circumstances, certain publicly owned law enforcement related vehicles may display amber warning lights visible to the rear when parked and creating a traffic hazard while enforcing an order of the court in qualifying counties. This is a narrow authorization and does not permit general amber use for routine patrol.

For agencies modernizing their patrol fleets, ETD offers compliant Police Lights including full-size bars, interior mounted warning systems, and surface mount solutions engineered for California’s rigorous operational environment.

Fire and EMS Vehicle Lights in California

Fire apparatus, rescue vehicles, and ambulances fall under the same statutory definition as police vehicles, granting them the ability to use red warning lamps, alternating lighting, and high intensity visibility systems.

Steady Burning Red Lamp

Like law enforcement, fire and EMS vehicles are required by CVC §25252 to display a steady-burning red lamp visible for at least 1,000 feet. This uniform red-light rule distinguishes authorized emergency vehicles from hazard only vehicles that rely on amber.

Alternating Upper Beam Headlamps

Under CVC §25252.5, fire and EMS vehicles may activate alternating or wig-wag style upper-beam headlamps only when the authorized emergency vehicle is being operated pursuant to CVC §21055. This capability dramatically increases forward visibility through high-intensity strobe signaling in dense traffic and helps civilian drivers identify an approaching emergency vehicle from long distances.

Red/White Combinations

Ambulances and rescue units frequently rely on red/white flashing patterns and strobe visibility to penetrate poor visibility conditions. Many departments choose high output dash modules such as LED Dash Lights or perimeter setups like Grille and Surface Mount Lights to reinforce intersection warning capabilities.

Fire departments seeking NFPA style lighting arrays may also use ETD’s dedicated Fire Truck Lights designed for large apparatus and rescue equipment.

Construction, Tow, and Utility Vehicle Lights

California assigns amber as the primary warning color for hazard response, maintenance, and recovery vehicles. These vehicles do not qualify as emergency responders and generally may not display red or blue warning lamps unless specifically authorized by statute or permit.

Tow Trucks

CVC §25253:

Tow trucks may display flashing amber lights only when:

• Assisting or towing a disabled vehicle
• Operating at a speed significantly below posted limits
• Presenting a hazard to other road users

Fleet Manager Tip: CHP is notoriously strict on amber usage during freeway transit. To stay compliant while maintaining high visibility during a hook-up, we recommend [Traffic Advisor Light Bars] that allow you to switch from "Warning Mode" to "Directional Mode" instantly.

Construction Vehicles – CVC §§25260.1–25266

Construction and maintenance vehicles may display amber lights while engaged in active work such as:

• Pipeline and utility installation
• Roadway repair
• Levee, aqueduct, or structural projects
• Sanitation system maintenance

Lights must be visible from the front, sides, and rear. Use of amber lights is not permitted when these vehicles are simply commuting or traveling between sites.

Utility Vehicles

CVC §25260: Public utilities, electrical, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications, may activate amber lights when:

• Inspecting or repairing infrastructure
• Stopped in or adjacent to a roadway
• Operating at reduced speed due to work activity

Professionals in these sectors commonly rely on Construction Vehicle Lights with amber strobe capability, along with perimeter solutions such as Traffic Advisor Light Bars and Hideaway Strobe Lights for enhanced rear visibility during lane closures and utility operations.

Volunteer, Security, and Pilot Car Lights

California allows limited emergency lighting privileges for certain non-government vehicles, but these privileges are tightly controlled. Unauthorized use of red, blue, or emergency style warning lamps is treated seriously under state law, making proper compliance essential for volunteers, escort operators, and private security personnel

Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Responders

California does not grant the same broad emergency lighting privileges to volunteers that some other states provide. Volunteers may only display red warning lights if formally authorized by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), in accordance with the general provisions of CVC §165 and the authorization framework used for privately owned emergency vehicles.

Key requirements include:

• A CHP issued permit is mandatory for any private vehicle equipped with a red lamp.
• Lighting may only be used while responding to a bona fide emergency.
• Volunteers must comply with all mounting and visibility requirements that apply to agency owned apparatus.

Most permitted volunteers rely on compact, high visibility modules such as Interior/Exterior Stick Light Bars or rooftop systems such as Mini Light Bars, which provide strong forward and rear warning capability without permanent modifications.

For departments relying on volunteers or POV-based first responders, ETD provides tailored options through Volunteer Firefighter Lights.

Private Security Vehicles – CVC §25279

California imposes strict limits on the use of emergency style lighting by private security forces. Stated in, CVC §25279, private security patrol vehicles may only display amber warning lights, and only under the following conditions:

• The vehicle must be distinctively marked with “PRIVATE SECURITY” or “SECURITY PATROL” on the rear and both sides (legible from at least 50 feet).
• Vehicles may be equipped with a flashing amber warning light system while operated on a highway if compliant with the statute’s marking/equipment requirements.
• The amber system may not be activated on a highway unless directed by a peace officer.
• A peace officer may order removal of an improperly installed or unlawful amber system.

Security fleets commonly choose concentrated amber solutions such as perimeter strobes and low profile rooftop systems to improve visibility during private property response. The Amber Strobe Lights category offers multiple compliant options for private property patrol operations.

Pilot and Escort Vehicles – CVC §25270

California Vehicle Code Sec. 25270 requires escort vehicles to use flashing amber warning lights when accompanying oversized loads, log transport vehicles, or any movement authorized by state or local transportation permits. Requirements include:

• Amber lights must be visible from the front, sides, and rear.
• Lights must be covered or removed when the vehicle is not performing pilot duties.
• Activation is permitted only during the exact movement specified on the permit.

Industry Reality Check: Since you must remove these lights when off-duty, permanent drilling is often a mistake. Most California pilot car operators opt for Magnetic Mount Mini Light Bars for 10-second removal and compliance.

Operators performing escort work typically use directional systems such as Pilot Car Lights to provide overhead visibility and comply with statewide pilot car standards.

Color Designations and Usage

California assigns specific colors to vehicle classes to ensure motorists instantly understand whether a vehicle represents a hazard, a service function, or an active emergency response. Color misuse is a frequent cause of citations.

Red: Reserved exclusively for authorized emergency vehicles such as police, fire, and EMS. A steady burning red lamp is required on all such vehicles. Civilian use is prohibited.

Amber: Designated for hazard, service, and maintenance vehicles:

• Tow trucks
• Construction equipment
• Utility trucks
• Escort/pilot vehicles
• Private security vehicles (private property only)
  Note: Authorized emergency vehicles may also display flashing amber warning lights as permitted under CVC §25259(a).

White: Used as an adjunct for emergency visibility, typically paired with red on fire/EMS vehicles. White alone does not grant emergency status.

Red/White, Red/Blue, and Amber/White Options

ETD offers compliant color combinations such as:

• Red White Strobe Lights
• Red Blue Strobe Lights
• Amber White Strobe Lights
• Blue Strobe Lights

Operators must ensure all colors used match their permitted classification and task.

Mounting, Flash Patterns, and Visibility Rules

California’s visibility requirements emphasize predictable signaling and prevent lighting misuse that could distract or confuse drivers.

Mounting Rules

• Emergency lights must be mounted in positions that provide clear 360° visibility for strobe-based warning systems when applicable.
• The required steady burning red lamp must face forward and remain unobstructed.
• Amber hazard lights on service vehicles must be visible from the front, rear, and sides.
• Covert or interior lighting must still satisfy visibility distance requirements.

Flash Patterns

California does not mandate specific flash patterns but restricts use based on activity:

• Alternating upper-beam headlamps may only be used when an authorized emergency vehicle is being operated pursuant to CVC §21055 (CVC §25252.5).
• Emergency flash patterns must not simulate traffic control devices.
• Hazard vehicles must use patterns appropriate for work zone warning rather than emergency response.

Visibility Standards

CVC §25252 requires at least one steady-burning red warning lamp visible from 1,000 feet to the front on every authorized emergency vehicle. Operators are responsible for ensuring their equipment meets this requirement even when using compact or low profile modules.

Permits and Enforcement

California’s permit structure is overseen primarily by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Enforcement focuses heavily on the misuse of red or blue lights, improper activation of amber lights, and unauthorized mountings.

When a Permit Is Required

A permit is required for:

• Privately owned vehicles seeking authorization to use red warning lights
• Certain volunteer firefighters and EMS responders
• Specialized vehicles that fall outside normal statutory categories
• Pilot vehicles operating under unique transport conditions

Permits outline specific lighting, placement, and operational restrictions that must be followed at all times.

Enforcement

CHP and local law enforcement regularly monitor:

• Illegal blue or red light installations
• Use of amber lights while not performing permitted duties
• Failure to cover or remove pilot car lights when inactive
• Unmarked security vehicles using prohibited lighting
• Improper activation of warning lights on freeways

Violations may lead to citations, equipment removal orders, or repeat offender penalties.

Recommended Lighting Equipment

Extreme Tactical Dynamics provides a full suite of California compliant lighting including professional-grade strobe systems for agencies, commercial fleets, and private permit holders. Popular categories include:

• LED light bars for police, fire, and EMS
• Mini light bars for volunteer responders and service fleets
• LED visor lights for undercover or low-profile applications
• Full size light bars for authorized emergency vehicles
• Emergency vehicle lights

Color-specific selections include:

• Red strobe lights
• Amber strobe lights

These product lines support agencies seeking modern, durable, and California legal warning light solutions.

Penalties for Unauthorized Use of Emergency Lights

Improper installation or activation of warning lights is a citable offense under the California Vehicle Code.

Violations may include:

• Displaying red or blue lights without authorization
• Using amber lights when not performing work related duties
• Misrepresenting a vehicle as an emergency responder
• Mounting lights in a manner that reduces visibility or creates confusion
• Operating covered or inactive pilot car lighting on public roads

Penalties may involve:

• Fines
• Required correction of equipment
• Vehicle inspection holds
• Permit revocation (for volunteers and private agencies)

California courts treat impersonation of emergency personnel as a criminal offense, separate from Vehicle Code violations.

West Coast Regional Compliance: Oregon, Nevada, & Arizona Statutes

Operators traveling regionally may need to comply with multiple state lighting statutes. For bordering states, see:

• Oregon Emergency Vehicle Light Laws
• Nevada Emergency Vehicle Light Laws
• Arizona Emergency Vehicle Light Laws

Each state maintains distinct color permissions and operational rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can civilians install red or blue lights on personal vehicles in California?

No. Red and blue lamps are restricted to authorized emergency vehicles or individuals with a CHP issued permit.

2. Are volunteers allowed to use flashing lights when responding to emergencies?

Only if formally permitted by the CHP. Unauthorized use of red lighting by volunteers is prohibited.

3. Can tow trucks use amber lights while driving normally?

No. Amber lights may only be used when towing, assisting disabled vehicles, or presenting a roadway hazard.

4. Are private security vehicles allowed to use amber lights on public roads?

Generally no—private security amber systems cannot be activated on highways unless directed by a peace officer. Activation is restricted and the vehicle must meet marking requirements.

5. Does California allow "Wig-Wag" headlights for private security?

No. Under CVC §25252.5, alternating upper-beam headlamps (wig-wags) are strictly reserved for authorized emergency vehicles (Police/Fire/EMS) and only when responding to an emergency call.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The emergency vehicle light state statute guide was created by Extreme Tactical Dynamics as a guide and reference. We make no claim to the accuracy or validity of this guide. This guide was written to the best of our knowledge and has been provided to our customers as a courtesy ONLY. The information in this guide is our interpretation of the law as we have read it. We cannot be held responsible for any errors as this is only our interpretation of the law and the laws are constantly changing. We cannot be held liable or responsible for any errors and recommend that our customers refer to their local authorities to confirm the particular statute that governs their use of emergency vehicle lights.

Contact Information

California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Public Information Office: (916) 843-3000
General Information: https://www.chp.ca.gov