Wisconsin Emergency Vehicle Light State Statutes

Wisconsin allows some vehicles to use emergency lights, but dictates who can and can’t through state statutes. Statutes in Wisconsin also determine what color warning lights may be used on some vehicles. To make it easy for customers in Wisconsin to buy the lights they need to stay safe and legal, we have gathered local state statutes and added links to more formal sources.

Wisconsin Emergency Vehicle Definition

An emergency vehicle in Wisconsin is defined by statute 340.01(3). The state states any vehicle driven by police, fire, or EMS; including ambulances is an emergency vehicle. The emergency vehicle light law extends to include conservation vehicles, federal bomb squads, volunteer firefighters, organ transport teams, and emergency vehicles driven by local, state, and county municipalities.

Wisconsin Police Use Red and Blue Lighting

Wisconsin emergency light statute 347.25 (1)(a) allows police to use red and blue lighting. No other vehicles in Wisconsin are permitted to use red or blue police lights on department or personal vehicles.

Wisconsin Fire Trucks and Ambulance Warning Lights Use Red and White Lights

Wisconsin fire trucks and ambulances use red and white lights. Just like police lighting, fire truck and ambulance lighting is restricted under state statute. These emergency vehicles may use pulsating, rotating, oscillating, or flashing equipment.

Wisconsin Special Emergency Vehicle Requirements

State statute requires that vehicles using warning or emergency lights in Wisconsin must only do so when the vehicle is responding to an emergency call. The state does state that police may activate lights when responding to a call, and can also use lights during traffic violations, or while following a suspect.

Wisconsin Tow Trucks Use Red and Amber Warning Lights

Wisconsin warning light statutes apply to tow trucks. State statute 347.26 allows tow trucks to be outfitted with amber lights or red and amber combination lights. Like emergency vehicles, tow truck lighting must be pulsating, flashing, or oscillating.

Wisconsin Special Emergency Vehicle Requirements

While the color of emergency vehicle lights is not restricted by state statute in Wisconsin, the state does have special emergency vehicle lighting requirements. Specifically, state statute requires that vehicles using warning or emergency lights in Wisconsin must only do so when the vehicle is responding to an emergency call. The state does state that police may activate lights when responding to a call, and can also use lights during traffic violations, or while following a suspect.

Wisconsin Pilot Vehicles and Amber Light Usage

In Wisconsin, pilot vehicles must use 2 amber warning lights. The units must be mounted on the vehicle roof.

For more information about what lights may be available to you, we suggest calling your State Highway Patrol office at: 608-266-3212

*Please note that these numbers are what we are currently able to find and the numbers may have changed since this listing.

 

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 statue that governs their use of emergency vehicle lights.